For guidance on how to get rid of pimples, razor bumps and ingrown hairs, VAYA answer the most common questions relating to these common problems.
FAQ: How to get rid of pimples?
What Causes Pimples?
Inside the pore are sebaceous glands which produce sebum. When the outer layers of skin shed, as they do continuously, dead skin cells may become 'glued' together by the sebum. This causes a blockage in the pore, especially at puberty, when the skin becomes thicker. The sebaceous glands produce more sebum which builds up behind the blockage and this sebum harbours various bacteria including the bacteria that causes acne.
What Pimple Treatments & Remedies are Recommended?
Common over-the-counter medications for the treatment of pimples include salicylic acid and/or benzoyl peroxide. Both medications can be found in many pimple creams/ gels used to treat pimples and acne through topical application. Both medications assist in helping the skin exfoliate which in turn, helps to remove bacteria faster. A combination of keeping the affected skin area clean together with the regular application of these topical medications is usually enough to keep acne under control. Between 1 and 2% of the population is allergic to benzoyl peroxide treatments.
Prescription Medication for the Treatment of Pimples
Pimple remedies also come in the form of prescription medication and are usually indicated in the treatment of severe acne. Historically, antibiotics such as tetracyclines and erythromycin were prescribed. While they were more effective than topical applications of benzoyl peroxide, the bacteria eventually grew resistant to the antibiotics and the treatments became less and less effective. Also, antibiotics had more side effects than topical applications, such as stomach cramps and severe discoloration of teeth.; More recently, prescription medications used to treat acne include isotretinoin, which is a retinoid.
FAQ: How to get rid of 'razor rash' and/or 'razor burn'?
Both razor burn and razor rash have the same basic causes – a bad shaving process and/or sensitive skin. It is a condition invariably everyone will experience at some time or the other. At times it is a mild rash and at other times pustules can also develop (tiny blisters). The latter condition is usually referred as razor rash.
How can I Prevent/Treat Razor Rash and Razor Burn?
There is not much you can do to treat razor rash — the best treatment is to keep patting cold water on the affected areas. Aloe vera gel is quite an effective treatment for razor rash/burn as it soothes the stinging, burning sensation as is witch hazel, which has some astringent properties. Applying a little bit of witch hazel immediately after shaving might also prevent the blisters from appearing, although to prevent razor burn itself, you will need to shave more carefully.
Shaving Tips on Preventing Razor Rash and Razor Burn
A sharp blade should always be used as a method of preventing razor burn and razor rash - as soon as the blade starts losing that sharp edge, change it. In addition, be gentle when you shave, avoid shaving too close or shaving against the grain and use a moisturizing shaving gel.
FAQ: How to get rid of ingrown hairs (Razor Bumps)
What are Ingrown Hairs?
Ingrown hairs (also called razor bumps) are unsightly and painful. They result when the shaved hair gets trapped inside the follicle or grows back into the skin. It can cause scarring, redness and swelling (its medical term is Pseudofolliculitis Barbae or PFB).
Advice on how to stop ingrown hairs?
Treat with active ingredients:
There are a number of products that claim to help in preventing and/or treating ingrown hairs, but the reality is that Salicylic acid is the one active substance that can visibly improve razor bumps. It is a dermatologically accepted ingredient that exfoliates, moisturizes, clears pores and can help prevent infection. Use a post-shave product with salicylic acid so it remains on your skin the whole day.
Improve your skin's surface:
Exfoliating (removing the upper layers of dead skin) is vital to the management of ingrown hairs. Daily use of a gentle face scrub is particularly effective. Use a soft-bristle face brush and liquid cleanser in a circular motion on your beard to uproot the tips of ingrown hairs, eliminate dead skin cells and clear follicles to allow hairs to surface.
Adjust your shaving technique:
Shaving too closely is one of the triggers for razor bumps. Hair stubs cut too closely will get trapped inside the hair follicle and dig inward or sideways. To avoid shaving too close, don't pull the skin when you shave; don't put too much pressure on the blades; shave with the grain and use a single-blade razor. You will need to maintain this approach over time, as one extra-close shave will be enough to cause a recurrence of ingrown hairs that will take weeks to heal.
How to carefully treat existing ingrown hairs:
Lift the ingrown end out with tweezers, but don't pluck the hair out; this will only make the hair regrow deeper. Using products that contain aspirin (salicylic acid) will help reduce the redness and swelling.
FAQ: Looking after your skin.
The purpose of this FAQ is to explain the importance of following a proper beauty regime and to elaborate on proper skin care, the importance of exfoliating, cleansing, toning and moisturising.
I need to follow a proper beauty regime through proper skin care, can you help?
Don?t stress! You?ve asked one of the most frequently asked questions by men and women worldwide. Here are our top tips to following a proper beauty regime. A proper skin care regime includes a 4 step process recommended by most industry specialists. These include cleansing, toning, moisturising and a weekly exfoliation:-
1) Choose a good quality cleanser that suits your skin type, whether dry, oily or a combination skin.
2) Exfoliate once a week
3) Using a soft cotton ball, apply a toner to the skin to remove excess oil and dirt from the skin
4) Apply a moisturiser to lock in moisture. Moisturisers with added SPF are readily available for day time use, otherwise night moisturiser?s work well as you sleep.
By following the four steps outlined above when following a proper beauty regime, you are more likely to have great skin and a clear complexion.
What is the importance of exfoliating, cleansing, toning and moisturizing?
The importance of exfoliating, cleansing, toning and moisturizing cannot be underestimated, and should help to ensure a clear complexion and help you look younger for longer. Following a comprehensive beauty regime designed for your age and unique skin type will make your skin look and feel better, in turn helping to build confidence, inside and out.
Exfoliating the skin once a week works to remove dead skin cells, helping to keep your skin radiant. Exfoliator?s normally contain small granules which massage the skin. Be careful when choosing an exfoliator, and gently work it into the skin. Avoid being too harsh as you can damage the skin.