acne skin : Not Just a Physical Problem pt2

These misleading ideas can make acne a very traumatic experience. Feeling that they are being judged in social situations, acne sufferers may withdraw from events and gatherings, becoming shy and avoiding social contact. Others may respond with anger, acting rebellious to draw attention to their behaviour and away from acne-prone skin. Adults often feel particularly ashamed of their acne, since it is generally perceived to be an adolescent disease that should have disappeared by adulthood. A common complaint of many acne sufferers is that their quality of life has been compromised; the emotional and psychological stigma of acne can really take a toll on a person's self-confidence.

Fortunately, in these modern times, there is an abundance of help for acne sufferers. There are more skin care tips than ever before, and there are hundreds of products on the market, either over-the-counter topical acne treatments or prescribed acne medications. Even better, the knowledge base about acne has grown significantly, and dermatologists have identified a basic acne skin care regime that has proven helpful for many thousands of people suffering from acne. The first step is a good skin cleanser, often one containing or a gentle exfoliant to help remove dead skin cells. The second step is a toner, which neutralizes the pH of the skin and eliminates bacteria. The final step is a moisturizer, to keep the skin soft and supple. Some acne skin care regimes also add a medicated cream after the toner and before the moisturizer, to help existing acne heal more quickly. With so many acne treatment options, most people don't have to suffer from acne, and once treated, the psychological effects of the disease can also heal.

By C. L. Jackson