Neil Niren MD

Dr Neil Niren: How to Avoid Acne and Control Excess Sebum Production

Acne or pimples are caused by an excess of oil called sebum, which is produced in the sebaceous glands found around hair follicles. If those follicles get clogged by too much sebum or dead skin cells, they become irritated and inflamed, which leads to pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and other lesions. Although acne affects people with every skin type, this is the reason why they are more common among people who have oily skin. Pittsburgh based dermatologist, Dr Niren explains that although the production of sebum cannot, and should not be completely stopped, the amount that is secreted can be reduced.

As natural oil, sebum helps keep the skin’s texture smooth, and prevent ageing. It also helps reduce water loss from the skin’s surface, it protects the skin from infection by bacteria and fungi, and has a role in the immune system regulation. Here are some safe ways suggested by Neil Niren MD that can help you reduce sebum production in the body naturally.

First and most important, wash your face regularly, in order to get rid of the excessive oil and dead skin cells. Neil Niren recommends using a mild face cleanser three times a day. Cleaning your oily zones few times a week, can also be beneficial. Make sure you’re using a toner that cleanses the skin and opens clogged pores to help the skin breathe. Turmeric is another ingredient that can help reduce the oil secreted by the sebaceous glands. All you need to do is add some turmeric to a few drops of lemon juice and water to make a scrub. Gently apply this paste to the acne-affected areas, and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. Finally, wash off the mask with lukewarm water.

When it comes to regulating the sebum production with your diet, vitamin A is the essential vitamin. Apart from being good for your vision, immune function, healthy skin and eyesight, vitamin A is also used to treat acne. Liver, sweet potatoes, milk and milk products, dark leafy vegetables, red pumpkins, dried herbs, dried apricots, musk melons, tomatoes, eggs, mangoes and carrots are only some examples of Vitamin A-rich foods.

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