Acne Prevention from Dr. Schrammek

One of the most common skin disorders known as acne vulgaris or simply acne often begins with one basic lesion, the “comedone”. The comedone is an enlarged hair follicle (pore) plugged with oil and bacteria. Invisible to the naked eye, it lurks beneath the surface of your skin waiting for the right conditions to grow into an inflamed lesion. As the skin continues to produce more oil, bacteria flourishes within the swollen follicle. The surrounding skin becomes increasingly inflamed as your white blood cells fight against the intruders.

Can you prevent and treat Acne? Yes, and here are a few tips:
1. Don’t over-wash. Dirt is not causing your acne, so excessive washing and scrubbing won’t make it go away, rather it leaves your skin dry and irritated.
2. Don’t use alcohol. Some facial cleansers and astringents are alcohol-base which strips the top layer of your skin causing your sebaceous glands to produce more oil and will result to dry, red skin.
3. Don’t squeeze or pick. Since squeezing and picking can force more bacteria into the skin which later causes greater inflammation and infection.