This issue:


Diabetes: Special Needs For Women

Vitamins & Minerals: Women's Needs

Yeast Infection Treatments: What's Right for You?

 

Still Breaking Out? Why Women Still Get Acne As Adults

Acne can flare up when hormone levels change. They stimulate the skin's oil glands. That's why some women break out around the time of their periods, or while they're pregnant or using birth control pills, depending on the amount and form of hormones in the pills (some types may instead help reduce breakouts).

Hormone levels may also rise as a result of some medications, such as corticosteroids (sometimes used for asthma or arthritis), and stress. Some suggestions to help control blemishes:

• Washing your face too often and scrubbing too hard can make acne worse. Generally speaking, gently wash your face twice a day with warm water and a mild soap or facial cleanser. If you use an acne product, follow the directions.
• Don't pick or squeeze pimples. It'll only make things worse.
• When you choose a moisturizer, liquid foundation or sunscreen, look for products labelled oil-free or non-comedogenic (they may be less likely to clog pores). When you can, go without make-up.
• Try not to let hair care products, such as sprays and gels, come in contact with your face. It's also a good idea to keep your hair off your face as much as you can. If your hair is long, try tying it back while you sleep.
• If you tend to touch your face a lot or rest your hands on your face, try to break these habits.
• Try to eliminate or minimize friction and pressure on the skin from such sources as headbands, chin straps and sports helmets.
• Drink lots of water.
• Research now indicates that chocolate, french fries and other foods don't actually cause acne. But some people find that some foods seem to make their acne worse. If you think this is the case, try avoiding or cutting back on foods that appear to aggravate your acne, and see whether there's any change.