Facial Breakouts

Facial breakout is a skin condition that typically causes one or more of the following: blackheads, whiteheads and skin inflammation. Acne generally affect the skin of the face, back, neck, chest and arms. It is one of the most common skin condition that affects about 80 percent of the people at some point in their lives.

An increase in the size of oil glands leads to an increased production of oil in the skin. At the same time, the dead skin cells are not properly shed, which clogs up the skin pores. Due to this there is a build-up of oil in the hair follicles. This blocks the openings of the glands and lead to the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. The build-up of oil in the hair follicles creates an ideal environment for bacterium called propionibacterium to grow. They feed on the sebum and produce substances that cause inflammation of the skin and redness associated with spots.

Facial Acne Causes

If you want to know what causes facial breakouts, here is a list.

• Lack of proper hygiene
• Hormonal imbalance
• Lack of sleep
• Stress and anxiety
• Environmental pollution
• Stomach disorders like indigestion or constipation
• Allergic reaction to certain cosmetics
• Heredity

The major cause of acne is hormonal imbalance, particularly during puberty, pregnancy and menstruation. There is a surge of the estrogen during this period which overstimulates the sebaceous glands. This produces extra sebum which causes clogging of the cells.

Facial Acne Prevention

There are several ways by which you can prevent acne from appearing on your skin. The first step is to follow a good skin care regimen, we all know that the mantra for a blemish free healthy complexion is cleansing, toning and moisturizing. You only need to follow this simple routine to get healthy skin free of facial breakouts. It is important to keep acne prone areas clean, so wash the affected area twice a day with a hypoallergenic cleaner. While cleansing your face, use products that are suitable for acne prone sensitive skin. Look for ingredients like salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree extract and beta hydroxy acids. Do bear in mind that the skin needs a certain amount of oil to maintain its natural moisture, so avoid over washing your face. Avoid squeezing or picking at your acne, as this will cause scarring of the skin. During the day apply a light non-comedogenic moisturizer and at night apply a night cream containing azelaic acid or kojic acid which will help in sloughing off dead cells that clog the pores. Avoid using scrubs that have rough granules like walnut shells as this might aggravate facial breakouts and cause skin inflammation.

Home Remedies for Facial Acne

How to treat facial breakouts? Well, there are several ways of treating them and the best way to is to try home remedies. Some popular and effective home remedies for getting rid of facial breakouts are as follows.

• Combine 2 tablespoons of orange peel with 1 tablespoon of yogurt. Apply this paste on your face and leave it on for 5 to 6 minutes. When it is dry wash it off with water.
• Make a thick paste of 2 tablespoons of oatmeal with 2 tablespoons of yogurt. Apply this on your face for 4 to 5 minutes and then wash it off with cold water.
• Apply on your face a mixture of 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil with 1 tablespoon of lemon zest. Leave this mixture on your face for 5 to 6 minutes and then wash it off with warm water.
• Combine 2 tablespoons of fresh tomato juice with 1 tablespoon of crushed mint. Apply this on your face for around 10 to 12 minutes and wash off with cold water.
• Mix 1 tablespoon of cinnamon with 2 tablespoons of honey. Apply this mixture on your face and let it dry; then wash it off with cold water.
• Apply a mixture of raw grated potatoes with 1 tablespoon of chamomile essential oil. Leave this paste on for around 20 minutes and then wash off with cold water. This will not only help in getting rid of facial breakouts, but will also help to fade dark circles and pigmentation.

If all these home remedies do not work, then you need to consult a dermatologist who will suggest antibiotics to treat severe facial breakouts. Over the counter medications that are in the form of topical creams and contain ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are also useful for treating facial breakouts. The best way to prevent acne is by following a healthy diet and keeping the body hydrated by drinking sufficient water. With a proper skin care regimen, you can get a blemish free and radiant complexion.