Bebe Akinboade

SKINCARE TALK WITH BOLA AKINBOADE-BELLO: HOW TO PREVENT AND TREAT COMMON SKIN PROBLEMS

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 Sometimes it
may seem like your skin is impossible to manage, especially when you wake up
and find a huge zit on your nose or a cold sore at the corner of your mouth.
The good news is that there are ways to prevent and treat common skin problems
when they eventually surface.
A pimple
starts when the pores in the skin become clogged with a type of oil called
sebum, which normally lubricates the skin and hair. Acne is common during
puberty when hormones go into overdrive, causing the skin to overproduce sebum.
Because many oil-producing glands are on the forehead, nose, and chin, this
area — the T-zone — is where a person is most prone to pimples.

Here are
some quick tips to help your find your way around it
•           Wash your face twice a day (no more)
with warm water and a mild soap made for people with acne. Gently massage your
face with circular motions. Don’t scrub. Over washing and scrubbing can cause
skin to become irritated. After cleansing, you apply an over-the-counter (no
prescription needed) lotion containing benzoyl peroxide.
•           Don’t pop pimples. It’s tempting, but
here’s why you shouldn’t: Popping pimples can push infected material further
into the skin, leading to more swelling and redness, and even scarring. If you
notice a pimple coming before a big event, a dermatologist can often treat it
for you with less risk of scarring or infection.
•           Avoid touching your face with your
fingers or leaning your face on objects that collect sebum and skin residue
like your phone. Touching your face can spread the bacteria that cause pores to
become inflamed and irritated. To keep bacteria at bay, wash your hands before
applying anything to your face, such as treatment creams or makeup.
•           If you wear glasses or sunglasses,
make sure you clean them frequently to keep oil from clogging the pores around
your eyes and nose.
•           If you get acne on your body, try not
to wear tight clothes. They don’t allow skin to breathe and may cause
irritation. Scarves, headbands, and caps can collect dirt and oil, too.
•           Remove your makeup before you go to
sleep. When buying makeup, make sure you choose brands that say
“nonacnegenic” or “noncomedogenic” on the label. Throw away
old makeup that smells or looks different from when you first bought it.
•           Keep hair clean and out of your face
to prevent additional dirt and oil from clogging your pores.
•           Protect your skin from the sun. It
may seem like tan masks acne, but it’s only temporary. A tan may worsen your
acne, not improve it. Tanning also causes damage to skin that will eventually
lead to wrinkles and increase your risk of skin cancer.
If you’re
concerned about acne, talk to a dermatologist. Dermatologists offer a range of
treatments that help to prevent and acne scars. A dermatologist can help you
find the treatment method that’s best for you and can also give you lots of
useful tips for dealing with acne and caring for your skin type. Some salons
and spas have trained skin specialists, called estheticians, who can offer
advice and skin care treatments.
(Bola
Akinboade-Bello is a lifestyle blogger, fashion designer and beauty
therapist/cosmetologist. She started her journey into the fashion and beauty
industry as a model in 1999 and modelled for top fashion and beauty brands. In
March 2006, she joined City People Media Group as a style writer, and rose with
a short period to become the Fashion Editor. Her clothing line, Betyl BAT
Clothing and Accessories and natural skincare range, Chanterelle Skincare, are
doing great in the market)
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