Get Rid of Arm Acne for Good
Arm acne sometimes just doesn’t want to go away. While arm acne is not as common as facial acne, it is persistent and often seem to resist attempts to get rid of it.
But, the causes of arm acne are the same as for any acne. Four factors are involved.
No More Arm Acne
Why Arm Acne?
First, your sebaceous glands are overproducing sebum or skin oil. The main cause of this is the hormonal changes your body is going through. In adolescence testosterone is produced and for a while the body is overwhelmed. The sebaceous glands start overproducing sebum which, literally, gums up the works. This condition normally goes away all by itself as your body adjusts to the new hormones. Then, your acne problems, including arm acne, will go away.
Second, your body is always renewing the skin. Dead skin cells flake off and are replaced by new skin cells. But, when there is too much sebum the dead skin cells start forming clumps. This leads to the next issue.
Third, these clumps of dead skin cells mired in the excess sebum clog up or block the pores. The sebum created by the sebaceous glands normally flows onto the skin through the pores. When they are blocked up by clumps of skin cells there is no place for the sebum to go. So, it accumulates within the pores and almost ensures arm acne will occur.
Finally, the bacteria that is always present on the skin is now trapped in the pores in an idea environment for multiplication. The bacteria multiple and infect surrounding cells causing irritation.
Now, your upper arm is somewhat special. If differs from your face in that your shirt or blouse normally has sleeves that cover your upper arm. This cloth rubs against your upper arm spreading the sebum or skin oil around, encouraging the mixing of dead skin cells and the skin oil. Any pressure from tight fitting clothing or a coat will help press these clumps into the pores.
Not only that, but any perspiration that accumulates on your upper arm is spread around by your sleeves. This provides a better environment all over your upper arm for the multiplication of bacteria and creation of arm acne.
How to Get Rid of Arm Acne for Good
So, now let’s take steps to clear up your arm acne and keep it away. To do this we need to deal with each of the factors that contributes to arm acne.
Most people do not need to take action to reduce the production of testosterone. But, if you are concerned about this, you should see your doctor for a recommended course of action. Certain drugs (including birth control pills) can control testosterone production and laser treatments can shrink the sebaceous glands so they don’t produce as much sebum. By itself, this can reduce or eliminate arm acne.
The first line of attack for arm acne is normally the removal of the excess sebum. This is typically accomplished with twice a day cleansing. There are a number of non-alkaline cleansers (bacteria love alkaline environments) that can help remove dirt, grime and excess skin oil and keep the skin clean.
Next, you should remove as many dead skin cells as possible before they can clump together. This is called exfoliation. The most common exfoliants used to treat acne are found in gels or creams containing alpha hydroxy acid
Another cream to use includes ingredients to kill surface bacteria. The most common ingredient found in gels or creams to control bacteria is benzoyl peroxide
Finally, you need to control the clothing rubbing against your upper arm. Make sure the cloth contacting your arm is clean, free from dirt and perspiration so no bacteria will be added or find a favorable environment for multiplication. Wear lose fitting clothing that does not press against your arm and help mix oil and dead skin together. If possible, wear sleeveless clothing.
Follow these guidelines and you will get rid of arm acne for good.
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