Do you get acne and pimples as soon as winter comes? Dermatologist answers: The "3 bad habits" at the end of the year are the culprits of acne breakouts
Is acne related to seasonal changes? Doctor: Diet, stress and sleep are the main causes
Is winter a good time for acne (acne)? Is acne related to seasonal changes? Dr. Tang Haoyue, director of the Dermatology Cosmetology Center of Shin Kong Hospital, pointed out in an interview that the “American Academy of Dermatology” once published a paper pointing out that less ultraviolet exposure in winter and the cold and dry air slow down the skin metabolism, which in turn leads to strong sebum secretion. Clogged pores may be a potential cause of acne in winter.
However, does this situation apply to Taiwan, which is located in a subtropical environment? It is indeed open to question. In fact, acne becomes more severe and difficult to control in winter, which is still related to people’s own living and eating habits. Dr. Tang Haoyue explained that the following conditions may be risk factors for worsening acne:
Excessive psychological pressure: At the end of the year, the financial or operating conditions of major companies need to be summarized or reviewed. Office workers may need to work longer hours, causing excessive secretion of cortisol (stress hormone) and causing skin inflammation.
Poor sleeping patterns: There are more parties at the end of the year, and people are more likely to stay up late and party, which in turn affects sleep and circadian rhythm.
Changes in eating habits: Taiwanese people like to eat hot pots to warm themselves up in winter, but hot pots such as spicy hot pots have high fat content, which can easily affect sebum secretion; in addition, soups with nourishing effects such as ginger duck and mutton pots, If you “overdo it”, it can easily lead to internal heat and lead to endless skin problems.
However, Dr. Tang Haoyue pointed out that many people develop “rosacea” in winter, with their skin becoming red and itchy. This condition is indeed prone to occur when the seasons change. Rosacea skin is easily confused with acne. At this time, you can further seek medical advice and prescribe appropriate medicine to treat it.
Is it possible for acne to still occur at the age of 40? Are women far more affected than men?
Acne is not just for adolescent girls? Dr. Tang Hoyue said that in fact, acne has a chance to grow until the age of 40, and the so-called “adult acne” refers to acne that occurs when you are over 25 years old. Among them, women are more prone to acne than men. The reasons may be hormonal changes in the body, or the need to wear makeup for work, wearing masks during the epidemic, etc., which may be the cause of acne in women; in men, it is related to strong secretion of sebaceous glands, or staying up late, It is related to factors such as day and night reversal, entertainment, etc.
“If women often use makeup remover or waterproof foundation, it is easier for women to clog their pores and cause oily skin, and makeup remover may also cause acne proliferation!” Dr. Tang Haoyue pointed out that in addition to external factors such as makeup, if women have serious Internal factors such as hormonal imbalance, such as excessive androgens, and acne in unusual areas such as the chin or neck, may need to be improved through interdisciplinary diagnosis and asking an obstetrician-gynecologist to prescribe contraceptive pills.
If you have acne, don’t squeeze it, buy medicine and apply it yourself! Doctor: Just do “one thing” to speed up recovery
What are the types of acne treatments? Can I buy medicine and apply it myself? Dr. Tang Haoyue explained that it is not recommended to buy anti-acne drugs from unknown sources or acid products that are too irritating. If you have skin conditions, it is best to go to a dermatology clinic or hospital to clarify, such as common acne or rosacea skin problems. People may not be able to tell the difference. If they use the wrong medicine without permission, it will easily worsen the symptoms.
“For example, the “acid” products that are popular among women can easily cause sensitive skin if not used properly, and may even burn the skin!” Dr. Tang Haoyue suggested that the first principle when dealing with acne is “don’t squeeze it” to avoid leaving traces of acne. Lower acne scars. In addition, people with dry skin should pay attention to moisturizing at ordinary times; those with oily skin should avoid excessive cleansing to avoid aggravation of skin allergies, acne and acne.
Treatment methods vary depending on the type of acne. Dr. Tang Haoyue explained that antibiotics are more suitable for treating “purulent” acne; acids such as A acid can improve stubborn acne-type acne. “As long as acne is treated as soon as possible, it will actually heal very quickly. Taiwan’s health insurance system is also complete. We urge people with skin problems to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Do not squeeze or buy medicines to apply them on your own!”
Finally, Dr. Tang Haoyue reminds beauty-loving women to remember to maintain good living habits after winter and avoid staying up late or consuming a diet high in oil, sodium or salt. When the air is dry in winter, you can also use lotion in moderation to keep your skin moisturized. If you encounter skin problems that cannot be solved, you can further consult a dermatologist for solutions.
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