Blackheads bring huge problems to teenagers. Teenagers who have blackheads feel isolated, ugly, and insecure. Who wouldn't when everywhere you look, only clear skinned people are put on the pedestal.
You tried every acne product out in the market but nothing seems to work. At this point, you feel that your social life is doomed but fret not because blackheads won't stay forever if you take the proper actions early.
First step to take is to understand what acne really is and from there you can take the necessary actions in curing or at least reducing your blackheads problem.
Acne is the term for plugged pores (whiteheads and blackheads), pimples, and deeper lumps (nodules) that happens in the face, neck, chest, back and upper arms. blackheads are caused by build up of excess oil and dead skin in a pore. The causes of this are natural hormones, clogged skin and bacteria.
The onset of acne happens between the ages of twelve to seventeen. Almost all teenagers had blackheads. Many of them used non-prescription treatments to alleviate acne but more than 40% of teenagers in their mid-teens have severe acne cases. Normally, it goes away in the early twenties. Then again, there are many cases wherein blackheads start or continue into adulthood.
It is interesting to note though that young men who are more likely to have severe acne, don't consult dermatologists as much as young women do. But then again, young women are more likely to have irregular acne due to hormonal changes during menstrual cycle or due to the cosmetic products they use. This kind of blackheads may afflict women even into adulthood.
The ultimate question now is how do you reduce acne?
Knowing the facts that debunk the myths and misconceptions about acne may help you alleviate your acne problem.
Myth 1: Blackheads are caused by poor hygiene.
This may be true if you don't wash your face at all. But if you resort to frequent and vigorous washing, it will definitely cause scarring which will worsen acne. The best approach is to gently wash face twice a day with mild soap and use appropriate acne treatment after.
Myth 2: Blackheads are caused by diet.
Scientific studies debunked this having found that there is no connection between food and acne.
Myth 3: Blackheads are caused by stress.
Stressors are not important factors in acne. Only severe stress that needs medication can cause acne as side effects.
Myth 4: Acne is just a cosmetic disease.
Acne does affect how people look but there's no serious threat to physical health. However, acne can result to serious scarring which can affect how these people live their lives.
Myth 5: You just have to let blackheads run its course.
The truth is, blackheads can be cleared up using acne products available in the market today. If they don't work for you, then try seeing a dermatologist.
According to Thiboutot (2000), cure of blackheads lies in knowing three things:
* That resolution to cure acne takes time;
* That what works for one may not work for another;
* and that a dermatologist's help may be needed if all actions you take to cure your blackheads fail.
Remember that blackheads respond well to early treatment. So to prevent scarring have your acne treated as soon as acne starts showing up on your face.
Charlene J. Nuble. http://acne.besthealthlink.net/
