You have an event to attend, and poof — a sudden breakout on your face! Acne, a problem you thought you left behind in your teens or twenties, is still troubling you in your 30s, 40s, or even 50s.
While it predominantly occurs during puberty, it doesn’t always end there. Acne can strike at any age due to various factors like genetics, hormones, and the balance of healthy bacteria on your skin.
Finding the right acne treatment takes many trials and errors as no single treatment works for everyone. But, one Ayurvedic solution that may suit most people without causing side effects is Krishna’s Skin & Pimple Care Juice. This formulation is made with more than 15 natural herbs that address acne at its root cause.
Understanding how to treat acne begins with knowing why it’s happening in the first place.
What Causes Acne?
Acne isn’t just about dirt or poor hygiene; it’s a complex condition with several potential causes. The primary culprit is often excess oil production, which can clog your pores and create a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. But that’s not all – hormones, stress, diet, and even genetics can all play a role in the development of acne.
For teenagers, hormone changes during puberty are a common cause, while adults may see breakouts due to stress, certain medications, or changes in lifestyle.
But did you know the location of your acne can also provide clues about its underlying cause?
Breakouts in the Same Areas? Your Skin May Be Signaling Something.
A few pimples here and there might be due to genetics or random factors. But if you frequently get acne in the same areas, it could indicate an underlying issue.
Where you have acne on your face can help guide treatment. Here are some common areas for facial acne, what they could mean, and how you can prevent future breakouts.
Forehead and Nose
If you’ve read beauty blogs or magazines, you’re likely familiar with the T-zone—the T-shaped area across your forehead and down your nose. This area is prone to whiteheads and blackheads because it has larger pores than other parts of the face.
This type of acne is called comedonal acne. Blackheads are open comedones, where the air reaches the sebum (an oily, waxy substance that keeps skin moist) and dead skin cells in the pores, causing them to oxidize and turn black. Whiteheads occur when the pore is sealed, and the sebum and dead skin cells don’t come in contact with the air, keeping them white.
Chin and Jawline
Acne along the chin and jawline is commonly linked to one major factor: hormones.
Teenage boys often experience breakouts along the jawline during growth spurts, while teenage girls may notice acne on the chin around their menstrual cycles as hormone levels fluctuate.
Acne in these areas is typically deeper, larger, and more inflamed compared to acne on other parts of the face.
Cheeks
Unlike breakouts on your chin or T-zone, acne on your cheeks doesn’t always point to a specific cause. Cheeks don’t give us much insight.
Acne in this area could be genetic or simply a coincidence. It might also be triggered by bacteria from sources like dirty makeup brushes, a germy phone, or unwashed pillowcases.
Hairline
If you only notice pimples along your hairline, it’s likely not the typical T-zone acne. These breakouts may actually be caused by hair products such as hair colour, dry shampoo, mousse etc. Hair products are often waxy and can accumulate at the hairline, leading to flare-ups.
Ways to Prevent Acne on Your Face
It’s tempting to pop a pimple, but doing so can harm your skin if not done properly. If you have a pimple that has come to a head and is draining on its own, consider using a pimple patch to help speed up healing.
But how can you prevent breakouts in the first place? Here are some general skincare tips that can help keep acne at bay:
Keep Your Face Clean: A great way to manage mild acne is by cleansing your face twice a day. This includes washing your face in the morning and before you go to bed. No matter how late it is, never skip this step — remove any makeup if applied and then wash your face, but not with just any soap. Use mild cleansers like Aloevera Face wash that does not make your skin dry.
You can also try a Neem Face Wash, this ingredient works best for mild acne.
Exfoliate Gently: Avoid over-scrubbing as it can irritate your skin and worsen acne. A little exfoliation is good, but too much can backfire. Use Aloevera Walnut Scrub once or twice a week to help prevent clogged pores and increase circulation.
Clean Your Makeup Brushes: Makeup brushes can accumulate bacteria and oils, contributing to clogged pores. Wash them every week or two with a gentle, fragrance-free shampoo.
Watch Your Diet: Some studies suggest that diet may play a role in acne. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) also notes that low-glycemic foods may help reduce breakouts. Here are some low glycemic index snacks that you can try.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking a good amount of water keeps your skin hydrated as well as prevents digestive issues which can be a cause of acne. Water helps remove toxins from your body, helps maintain the skin’s natural barrier and can reduce oil production.
Get Enough Sleep: Sleep is when your skin repairs itself, so getting enough rest helps support the healing process and keeps your skin looking fresh and clear.
Avoid Touching Your Face: Throughout the day, your hands collect bacteria and dirt. By touching your face frequently, you transfer these impurities, which can clog pores and cause breakouts.
Home Remedies for Acne
If you prefer natural treatments for acne, there are several options to try.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is well-known for its soothing properties and is commonly used for sunburns and minor skin wounds. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, aloe can help calm redness and irritation from existing pimples. Regular application can also help minimize acne scars. Buy Pure Aloe vera Gel
Tea Tree Oil
There is evidence that tea tree oil can help treat acne due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, it can irritate sensitive skin, so it’s important to use it carefully.
Dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil) and apply it directly to the affected areas with a cotton ball. NEVER apply undiluted tea tree oil directly to your skin, and be sure to spot test before applying it to larger areas. If you experience a burning sensation or irritation, stop using it immediately.
Honey
Raw, unprocessed honey has antibacterial properties and can help soothe skin wounds. It reduces redness when applied to pimples and promotes healing without irritating the skin. Buy Pure Raw Honey
The Bottom Line
Dealing with acne can be frustrating, but with the right approach, it can be managed. Understanding the causes, types, and effective treatments, along with adopting good skin care and lifestyle habits, can make a big difference in managing and preventing acne.
If the above-mentioned remedies aren’t enough, don’t hesitate to seek help from a dermatologist, who can guide you to the best solutions for your skin.
Remember, every journey to clear skin is unique, so be patient and stay consistent!