How to Treat a Facial Blemish
Whether due to teenage hormone surges, stress or aging, having a facial blemish can create embarrassment and anxiety. Because there are different types of blemishes, there are also different methods of treating them.
Blemishes on the body are referred to as acne. Although acne is generally associated with the throes and agonies of teenage years, it has been known to affect newborn babies as well as those in their “golden years” and every age in between. Each age group may have different reasons for acquiring the condition, but in many cases, hormones are at the root of the problem. Hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands, which are present over most of the body, to produce sebum. Sebum is an oily substance used to lubricate the skin and hair. Excess sebum can cause blemishes. The main types of blemishes are blackheads, whiteheads and pimples; in the most serious of cases, cysts could develop. All blemishes are pores that become clogged with sebum, dead cells and bacteria. Blackheads are clogged pores that remain open, whiteheads are clogged pores that remain closed but bulge out, and pimples are clogged pores whose walls erupt and the infection spreads under the skin.
BABY ACNE
In babies, the little white bumps that are classified as baby acne are thought to be a result of the hormones that pass through the placenta shortly before the baby is born. Some infants are actually born with baby acne, while others may develop the condition up to several weeks after birth. It is speculated that certain babies, those whose hair follicles naturally produce excess oil, are more prone to develop baby acne than others. Baby acne should not be confused with milia, which produces similar tiny white bumps that disappear on their own within a couple of weeks after birth. Treatment of acne on infants is patience. Baby skin is extremely sensitive, so excessive washing will only aggravate the condition. After all, acne on infants is not due to dirt. Avoid applying any lotions or creams, which will also tend to make the acne worsen. It is helpful to keep the baby from known irritants, however; secondhand smoke, heavy perfumes or dyes will have an adverse effect on any baby’s skin, but even more so for an infant with acne. Generally, babies outgrow this condition by the age of six months. If it persists after this age, consult with your pediatrician on possible alternative treatments.
TEENAGE ACNE
One of the most dreaded features of becoming a teenager is the possibility of developing acne. This age group is in the process of discovering themselves; often using in part the opinions of others to form their identity. Their self-esteem and confidence is typically quite shaky, and the discovery of any facial blemish is something that could cause a great deal of anxiety. Hormones help the body to mature and develop, with an increase in hormone production taking place during the teenage years. The signals to the sebaceous glands become erratic; causing excess sebum at times which results in the acne. Many commercial preparations are available to counteract the effects of acne, and it is important to keep the skin and hair clear of the excess oil.
ADULT ACNE
Once the teenage years pass, adults believe they will no longer experience a facial blemish. However, stressors increase in adulthood, which in turn can increase production of sebum. Thankfully, flare-ups of acne are infrequent and can be easily dealt with using commercial preparations and dealing with the stress that may be causing the problem.
Treating acne is a lucrative business, since it is a condition that affects everyone. Learning to treat the condition will help to alleviate the aggravation of the appearance of a facial blemish.