Acne is a common skin problem that can affect people's confidence and mood. Different areas of acne have different causes, so targeted treatments are needed. Many people attribute acne to too much internal fire or wet poison in the body, or eating chili peppers, but these claims do not stand up to scrutiny and have no basis in modern science.
There are many reasons for the inflammation of the hair follicles on our face, such as endocrine reasons, changes in our hormones, reasons related to our diet or sleeping habits, and not paying attention to hygiene, but it has little to do with the fire in the body. So, why do we get acne? What causes acne in different regions? Let's talk about these questions today!
Acne in the forehead：
Acne in the forehead area is mainly related to hormonal changes in our body. For example, during puberty, the menstrual cycle, and during pregnancy, some women also have outbreaks in their 30s. When one enters puberty, the body's hormones flourish very chaotically, of which the proportion of androgens is relatively high. Androgens mainly stimulate the rapid division and growth of the body. If there is a little more, it will cause our stratum corneum to thicken, and the stratum corneum around the mouth of the hair follicle thickens to the middle, resulting in horn plugs at the mouth of the hair follicle. The dirt cannot be drained, the oil is held inside, the bacteria multiply again, and finally, folliculitis is formed. Women around the age of thirty will inevitably worry a lot after having a family, lose their temper with their husbands and children, and have tantrums. This increases androgen levels, making them prone to acne. There is also a situation where staying up late often will aggravate the rise of androgen levels.
Therefore, we should pay attention to adjusting the hormone levels in our body. Children should exercise more during puberty, sweat more, drain excess androgens, maintain a good mood, good work and rest time, and acne will go away on its own. Women are the same. Increasing exercise, avoiding staying up late, and correctly dealing with negative emotions can help regulate hormone levels to make the skin better. Additionally, cleansing the face and hairline with oil can reduce clogged pores and reduce the occurrence of acne.
Acne in the nasal area：
Acne in the nasal area is often associated with mite infections, which grow in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles, causing inflammation and redness. Some people's faces are clean, but the nose is covered with red bumps, which are most likely related to mites.
The method of cleansing the face and nose is very important. Daily use of a gentle facial cleanser and nasal discharge can reduce the growth of oil and bacteria, which can effectively prevent acne on the nose. At the same time, one can also apply some ointment to slow down the acne of the nose. This treatment is very simple. First, apply iodophor to sterilize, and then use sulfur ointment to kill mites, once a day in the morning and once in the evening. After a period of continuous use, it will soon be good. In addition to this, acne on the nose can also be caused by excessive cleaning or the use of irritating products. Therefore, pay attention to choosing gentle cleansing products and cosmetics. Also, avoid picking your nose excessively, as this can worsen the pimple and cause infection.
Acne on the Cheeks:
Mainly located from our cheeks to the neck, this type of acne is primarily caused by bacterial infection. It is challenging to treat because the bacteria are often stubborn and hard to remove. The best way to manage this type of acne is through prevention, which involves maintaining clean and hygienic skin.
It is recommended to cleanse your face gently with a cleanser twice a day and avoid excessive rubbing of the skin. You can also use topical iodophor and fusidic acid to sterilize the area. It's essential to wash your clothes and sheets with boiling water at least once a week to kill the bacteria on them and prevent them from growing back. This also prevents itching at night that can lead to bacterial growth.
In addition, diet plays a significant role in cheek acne. Reducing the intake of fried and spicy foods while increasing fresh vegetable and fruit intake can help improve your skin's condition. If your cheek acne is severe, it's recommended to seek the help of a professional to determine if further treatment is necessary.
Perioral/Chin Acne:
Perioral acne is the type of acne that is related to our digestive tract. Acne on the chin is primarily caused by hormonal imbalances, particularly around the time of a woman's menstrual cycle. Maintaining a healthy and balanced hormone level is crucial in treating jaw acne. It is recommended to control your sugar intake, increase exercise and rest, and maintain good mental health.
Although eating chili pepper has a bacteriostatic effect on acne, its inhibitory effect varies depending on the bacteria. Too many peppers into the intestine may inhibit some bacteria, but the other part of the bacteria will grow and produce toxins. This can lead to acne around the mouth and hemorrhoids. To avoid this, it is recommended to eat less spicy food and strengthen bowel movements. People who love spicy food are often constipated, leading to acne around the mouth. Metabolites that can't be excreted produce a lot of sulfur and nitrogen-containing substances that are absorbed by the body, leading to this situation.
To improve facial acne, you can also improve your diet. Here are some suggestions:
- Reduce your intake of foods with a high GI index, as they raise blood sugar levels quickly and stimulate insulin secretion, which increases the risk of acne.
- Increase your antioxidant intake, which reduces the production of free radicals and maintains healthy skin.
- Increase your zinc intake, which helps reduce the occurrence of acne.
- Reduce your intake of dairy products, which may stimulate the skin's oil production and increase the risk of acne.
In conclusion, addressing facial acne requires overall health, proper skin care, and a reasonable diet. If you have long-term facial acne problems, it's recommended to seek the advice of a professional dietitian or dermatologist to develop a health plan that works best for you. Avoid rushing to see a doctor and potentially making the situation worse.