Pimples can be annoying and once they break out, they can be difficult to control. When our hair follicles get clogged with oil and dead skin cells, it leads to acne. Acne results in whiteheads, blackheads or pimples. While teenagers going through hormonal changes are usually prone to acne, it can happen to anyone at any age. Dr Rohit Batra, Dermatologist and Dermatologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, talks about how to prevent acne breakouts during winters, do’s and don’ts, and how to treat acne if you have it are doing.
Why are we more prone to acne during winters?
In the winter season there is very less moisture in the air due to which our skin also becomes dry. To compensate for the dry condition, the sebaceous glands start secreting more sebum which provides moisture to the skin. Too much sebum results in clogged pores, resulting in acne, explains Dr Batra. Some studies suggest that exposure to low UV light alters bacterial populations in the skin epithelium and immune system that may cause acne. Cold weather can act as a physical stressor, so for anyone with chronic inflammatory skin disease, stress will exacerbate inflammation.
Skincare Tips To Take: How To Prevent Future Acne?
Cleansing your face regularly will help in removing the dirt particles from your face thus preventing the clogging of pores.
Moisturizing your face with a moisturizer containing humectants like glycerin, allantoin, propylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, etc. will keep your skin moist thus preventing breakouts.
Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and unclog your pores and remember not to overdo it as this will lead to excessive extraction of essential oils from your skin, making it very dry and leading to further breakouts.
Staying hydrated, exercising, and getting fresh air will all improve the health of your skin.
Provide your skin with the right nutrients and nourishment and reduce your stress.
Acne: Dietary Changes To Make
Studies have shown that a high glycemic index is related to the occurrence of acne. Hence it is advised to maintain a low glycemic index. Eating a balanced diet will help you treat your taste buds while also getting all the nutrients your skin needs to stay healthy.
Are women more prone to acne than men?
Acne has no gender or age bias. Anyone can get acne; In fact anyone from a day old to an adult in their 90s can get acne. But women are more prone to acne than men due to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle or due to birth control pills.
Acne Treatment: Do’s and Don’ts
things to do:
- Cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise your skin.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle like exercising regularly and eating right.
- Stay hydrated to flush out toxins from your body.
- Get some fresh air to rejuvenate your skin and watch your sun exposure as too much sun time is not good for your acne.
- seeing a dermatologist. They will treat acne properly and after analyzing the cause will provide a solution which will eliminate the cause as well.
what not to do:
- Do not touch your face as this transfers bacteria to your face resulting in acne and do not pop or squeeze your acne as this will lead to inflammation and scarring of the skin.
- Do not overuse any skin care products and do not use oily cosmetics.
- Don’t be harsh on your skin that isn’t over-cleansed, over-exfoliated, or over-moisturized.
- Do not take long hot baths or take too much indoor heating.
- Do not use products with strong fragrances as it may cause skin irritation.
- No, home remedies, please. Visit a dermatologist if you are suffering from acne. Self-treating can make acne worse. Therefore, to avoid acne, do not apply oil, cream or milk on the scalp and other greasy substances on the face.
(Dr. Rohit Batra is Dermatologist and Dermatologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi)