How To Get Rid Of Acne

Suffering with Acne?

Everyone knows what it is like to suffer with a pimple or two. One of the coming of age rights for every school kid in the United States is to feel the biggest zit of their life coming through just before a big date, just before their school yearbook photo is taken or, worst of all, just before prom. However have you had it worse? Acne affects many teenagers throughout the country, particularly young men. However, knowing that the condition is almost certainly linked to puberty is of little benefit to those struggling with their spots. Furthermore for some acne scars remain long after their sports have gone an unwelcome reminder of an adolescent condition.

Why does Acne Happen?

Acne is more correctly named acne vulgaris and if you're struggling with it then you will know exactly why! It is more common in young men because it affects the hair follicles on the face. As the beard of a teenager comes through for the first time it can create problems. Their skin becomes greasier and this combined with the dead cells that naturally occur on the face means that their hair follicles can become blocked up. The skin inflames, a bacterium gets a foothold and before you know it you have an outbreak of the dreaded spots of acne. In short it is a bad response to the rising amounts of male hormone found in a young man's body. However there are other 'triggers'. High amounts of stress can cause an acne outbreak, so can an allergic reaction to medication, or even use of steroids. Basically, the low-down on acne is that it is incredibly common, affecting most young men and many young women at some point in their life.

Getting Rid of Acne: The Myths

Because acne is so common and because so many people want to get rid of it instantly, a lot of urban myths have risen up. If you suffer with acne you will almost certainly been told how you can 'cure' it with any one, or perhaps all, of the following. Firstly, 'wash more'. This can be an incredibly hurtful thing to have someone shout at you and yet the idea that acne is down to bad personal hygiene remains. The fact is the blockages that cause acne occur way beyond where you can clean and the bacteria that kick starts the zits is on your face already! In fact over washing your face can cause all kinds of problems if you already have acne. Another common myth is that you can heal acne through a change in your diet. There may be some benefit in switching around your diet, avoiding dairy products or overly fatty foods, but the scientific evidence for such approaches is very slim indeed. Thirdly and perhaps most oddly, you will hear that excessive masturbation or celibacy can cause acne, whereas having sex can get rid of it. It sounds absolutely ridiculous but the problem is that acne affects young people who are more likely to believe such rubbish. Don't.

How to get Rid of Pimples

However there are ways you can slow the effects of acne. Here are some acne home treatment remedies that will show you how to get rid of pimples. Acne home treatment effectiveness can vary from person to person but there are some substances found in the home that can really help out. Try putting some mint oil or some garlic on your spots. Mint oil has great healing properties while the garlic is a naturally anti-septic which can sort out some of the zit producing bacteria. Another great homemade application you can apply to your spots is equal parts rose water and lemon juice. Perhaps the most effective and certainly the most relaxing acne home treatment you can use to alleviate the problems of your acne is a steam treatment. You can either buy a proper kit, or simply bring a pan to boil, take it off the heat and cover your face and the pan with a towel.