Did you know that most young women and men will have at least a few pimples over the course of their lives? However, interestingly enough, acne seems to affect men and women in different ways. Young men are more likely to have a more serious form of acne. Acne in young women tends to be more random and linked to hormone changes, such as the menstrual cycle.
As women get older, acne often gets better. But some women have acne for many years. Some women even get acne for the first time at age 30 or 40.
For many women, acne can be an upsetting illness. Women may have feelings of depression, poor body image, or low self-esteem. But you don’t have to wait to outgrow acne or to let it run its course. Today, almost every case of acne can be resolved. Acne also can, sometimes, be prevented. Talk with your doctor or dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in skin diseases).
Factors that trigger acne in women
Several factors, alone or combined, can trigger acne attacks in women such as:
Hormonal changes (puberty): Remember, during puberty, girls have an increase in male sex hormones called androgens. This increase causes the skin glands to get larger and make more sebum (oily secretion of your skin).
Menstrual cycle: The menstrual cycle is one of the most common acne triggers. Acne lesions tend to form a few days before the cycle begins and go away after the cycle is completed. Other hormone changes, such as pregnancy and menopause, improve acne in some women. But some women have worse acne during these times.
Medications: Certain medicines, such as those used to treat epilepsy and types of depression can aggravate acne in women. Stopping use of birth control pills can play a role as well.
Make-up: While not a real “cause” of the acne itself, wearing oil-based make up on frequent basis can trigger acne flare ups in women.
Skin pressure or friction: Friction caused by bike helmets or backpacks can make acne worse.
Family history: Those women who have / had other people in their families with a history of acne, there is a greater chance they will have it too.
Does poor hygiene of women cause acne?
It is a myth that women get acne because they do not wash enough. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Too much washing or scrubbing the skin harshly can make acne worse. And washing away surface oils does not do much to prevent or cure acne, because it forms under the skin. The best way to clean the face is to gently wash it, just twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser. Be careful to remove make-up without harsh scrubbing.
Can eating chocolate or greasy foods cause acne in women?
While many women feel that eating chocolate or greasy foods can cause acne, experts have not found a link between the diet and acne.
Simple hints & tips to prevent & treat acne and acne scars
Take care: You can help prevent acne flare-ups and scars by taking good care of your skin.
Clean gently: Clean your skin gently with a mild soap or cleanser twice a day once in the morning and once at night. You should also gently clean the skin after heavy exercise.
Avoid friction: Avoid strong soaps and rough scrub pads
Wash thoroughly but not frequently: Wash your entire face from under the jaw to the hairline and rinse thoroughly.
Make up removal: Remove make-up gently with a mild soap and water.
