Chamjin Korean Medicine Clinic
ACNE & CHARMJIN
[Health Week] How can I improve acne on my back and chest through daily living?
While acne is often thought to occur primarily on the face, it can actually develop on the back and chest as well. Summer heat and humidity, post-exercise sweat, and spicy and irritating foods are major factors that worsen acne. Dr. Lee Jin-hyeok, the head of Chamjin Oriental Medical Clinic, explains that small changes in daily life can have a significant impact on acne prevention and improvement.

Acne occurs when sebum glands overproduce or pores become clogged, leading to inflammation. The back and chest, in particular, sweat more than other parts of the body, so sweat and sebum can clog pores and trigger inflammation. Furthermore, tight clothing or clothing that causes friction can further irritate the skin and trigger acne. Sweat and friction are particularly pronounced in the summer, making acne more severe.

The most important thing for preventing and improving acne is maintaining good hygiene. Showering immediately after exercise and thoroughly washing away sweat and sebum is a crucial step in acne prevention. In particular, it's recommended to choose functional clothing for exercise that absorbs sweat and allows for good air circulation. To reduce skin irritation, wear cotton or other breathable clothing. For skincare, wash your face with a gentle cleanser specifically formulated for the skin and use skincare products with sebum-regulating properties for greater effectiveness.

Acne is also linked to the foods you eat. While occasional consumption of spicy and salty foods is fine, frequent consumption can worsen the condition. The capsaicin component in spicy foods, in particular, can increase sebum production, while salty foods can inhibit exfoliation by altering the moisture content of skin cells. Therefore, it's best to avoid spicy and irritating foods as much as possible.

Sleep is also closely linked to acne. Insufficient or poor quality sleep can weaken your immune system, weakening your resistance to acne bacteria. This can lead to more easily occurring inflammation, slower healing, and increased inflammation levels, potentially exacerbating existing inflammation.

Adequate sleep of 7-8 hours is recommended, and creating an environment conducive to quality sleep is paramount. It's recommended to sleep between 10 PM and 2 AM, when hormones secrete and skin regenerates.

If acne persists or worsens despite routine care, it's important to seek prompt treatment before it worsens.

Acne on the back and chest can be significantly improved with consistent care and prevention. Maintaining healthy skin through proper lifestyle habits is key to acne prevention. To prevent acne from becoming a daily skin concern, we need to start making small changes to our daily habits now.


Source: Health Week - https://www.healthweek.co.kr
Original article: https://www.healthweek.co.kr/news/view.php?bIdx=8481
 
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