Precautionary steps
Acne is caused by plugs of 'sebum', a type of facial oil, getting trapped in hair follicles, leading to bacterial inflammation. You can limit its spread and severity by taking these precautionary steps:
- Washing twice daily will help remove the surface oils that the bacteria feed on. Take care not to over-wash or scrub the skin as this may stimulate the production of more sebaceous oils, leading to further outbreaks.
- Avoid oily cosmetics.
- After any sweaty exertions, or showering or bathing, dry your skin with a clean towel – the bacteria that lead to acne, nearly all bacteria, love moist, warm conditions.
- 70% of our skin is water, so make sure you drink plenty of fluids, at least a litre a day, to help keep it healthy.
- Using a moisturiser will help to keep your skin in shape so it doesn't dry out, crack and let in infections.
Positive news
If you do suffer from acne, it's not all bad news – even if it does seem like it at the time. Despite its irritating nature, studies have indicated that acne may play a valuable role by cranking up the activity of a particular white blood cell that's needed to fight infections and even cancer at later stages of life.
