Attacking Acne- The Top 4 Game Changers In Acne Treatment

Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It does not differentiate based on age sex, or race and appears in everyone’s lives at some point in time. Acne can be a frustrating issue which negatively affects our mental health and self-esteem. This blog delves into the world of acne, its causes, treatment options and prevention. Read along to learn more.

Before knowing how to deal with acne, it would be wise to have some details about it. Acne is medically known as ‘acne vulgaris’. It primarily affects the sebaceous glands (oil-producing glands) on the skin. It manifests as skin lesions ranging from pimples, pustules, blackheads and whiteheads. Acne is most commonly seen on the cheeks, back, shoulders and chest.

Acne is a multifactorial condition caused due to several reasons. Some of the causes of acne include-

• Hormonal fluctuations: Changes in the hormonal levels that happen during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation and menopause play a significant role in increasing sebum production. This leads to outbreaks of acne.
• Excess Sebum and Clogged Pores: The sebaceous glands produce sebum, which is a requisite for normal skin texture. However, in certain cases, the sebum production is increased to such an extent that it begins clogging the pores along with the dirt and grime. Clogged pores lead to acne development.
• Bacterial Overgrowth: Clogged pores and increased sebum production lead to the overgrowth of naturally occurring bacteria on the skin. This leads to a severe form of acne where there are pus-filled eruptions on the skin.
• Genetics: A family history of acne can increase your susceptibility towards the condition.

Home remedies can be remarkably effective in treating acne. There are several medicated products available over-the-counter that can help you fight acne. Let us look at some of the current game changers in treating acne.

• Tea Tree Oil: This oil is derived from the leaves of Melaleuca alternifolia, a tree that is native to Australia. Tea tree oil is renowned for its antimicrobial properties that make it a super ingredient for treating acne. Essential oils can be an irritant to the skin when applied directly. Always dilute the tea tree oil with a few drops of carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba oil, and then apply this mixture to the skin. Leave it on for a few hours, and then wash it off with clean water. Exercise caution while using this oil. If you experience redness, itching or pain after applying the oil, wash off immediately and discontinue the use.
• Aloe Vera: This succulent plant is widely used in skin conditions. The soothing gel inside the aloe vera plant is the perfect balm to relieve the redness and inflammation caused by acne. Aloe vera gel can be applied as a balm on a current breakout as well as a preventive in acne-prone areas. Aloe vera gets absorbed well and you can continue with your regular skin care products along with it. For best results, apply aloe vera gel twice a day after cleaning your face well.
• Green Tea Extract: Green tea is a storehouse of anti-inflammatory and antioxidants that act well on acne and acne-prone skin. Brew a cup of green tea and let it cool down. Dip a ball of cotton into this tea and use it to apply the tea to the acne. You can also fill up a spray bottle with this tea and use it as a toner. Alternatively, you can freeze the tea and use the ice cubes as a toner. Regular use of green tea helps to reduce the frequency of acne breakouts.
• Kosmoderma’s Niacinamide Acne And Blemish Control Serum: This revolutionary product by Kosmoderma is a sure-shot game changer in acne treatment and management. It is a unique blend of several ingredients that not only help to cure/avoid acne breakouts but also give clearer skin with an even tone. It has niacinamide as the active ingredient. Also known as Vitamin B3, niacinamide is an excellent ingredient that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and sebum-regulating properties. This serum also contains natural ingredients like turmeric, ginger root extract and aloe vera. Turmeric is a natural antibiotic, ginger calms the inflamed skin while aloe vera soothes the redness and pain. Together these natural ingredients are strong antioxidants that reduce the signs of ageing too. Take a little serum and dot it all over your face, especially over the acne. Gently massage in circular motions till the serum is absorbed completely. Follow this up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen. For best results, apply the serum twice a day.

Preventing acne is often more practical than treating it after it has developed. Here are some simple steps that can help you avoid acne breakouts.

• Cleansing: Cleaning your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser ensures that all the excess sebum along with the dirt and grime are washed away. This ensures that the clogs are not blocked, thus preventing acne breakouts.
• Exfoliation: Regular exfoliation helps to remove the dead cells from the skin's surface. These dead cells can clog the pores leading to acne. Exfoliate with products that contain glycolic acid or salicylic acid, as these ingredients are best suited for acne-prone skin.
• Sun Protection: Most acne treatment products cause photosensitivity. This can damage your skin and give it a prematurely aged look. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to avoid this. Sunscreens also help with the discolouration and scars that are left behind after a crop of acne has healed.
• Hands Off: Our fingers come into contact with a wide variety of surfaces, most of which contain germs. Touching your acne-infected face frequently or popping the pustules can lead to infection. Infected acne can be painful and ugly. They take a longer time to heal and leave behind ugly scars.
• Diet: Though there is no definitive link between diet and acne, there is enough evidence that links a poor diet to conditions that trigger acne. Eating a diet that is rich in junk and sugary foods and devoid of nutrient-rich food like fresh veggies and fruits can lead to disorders like PCOS which in turn affect your acne.
• Stress: Stress is one of the major reasons for hormonal imbalances. Fluctuations in hormone levels give rise to acne breakouts. It is crucial to implement measures to handle stress better. A relaxing walk, hobby classes, music, gardening etc. can be shooting and stress-relieving.

Acne is a common skin condition that has multifaceted causes, making it difficult to manage. Understanding it better can help you take the appropriate measures to prevent an outbreak and effectively manage the current crop. Simple measures like cleansing, exfoliation, sun protection, the right diet and stress management go a long way in dealing with acne. There are several home remedies for dealing with acne too. Tea tree oil, aloe vera and green tea extracts are some of the top game changers in acne treatment/management. Acne can also be controlled by a variety of products available easily at medical stores.

Kosmoderma’s Niacinamide Acne And Blemish Control Serum is one such upcoming product that has gained immense popularity due to its superb effectiveness in treating and controlling acne.

With a little bit of patience and a dedicated skincare routine, acne can be conquered. It may seem like a formidable opponent, but the right knowledge and using the right products can help you win the battle against acne, giving you clear skin, even skin tone and heaps of self-confidence.