Many people are concerned about small, rough pimples on their skin. How should they be managed?

 

 

◇Prevent debris from accumulating in pores

 

Milia acne is caused by the accumulation of sebum, cell debris, keratin produced by cells, etc., inside pores that are blocked on the skin. To alleviate milia acne, you should eat less food that increases sebum secretion. First, avoid excessively spicy foods. Eating spicy foods raises body temperature, leading to increased sweating and sebum secretion. During the process of blood vessels dilating to release heat, substances that cause inflammation in the skin may also be secreted. This can result in facial redness or worsen acne.

Sweet foods are also not good because they induce 'IGF-1,' a factor that promotes sebum production. According to a study by Seoul National University Hospital, people without acne tend to consume more foods with a low glycemic index, such as green and yellow vegetables or soybeans.

 

Patients who received treatment for acne were found to consume more refined carbohydrates with high glycemic index, such as hamburgers, donuts, and ramen, more frequently. Foods high in fat, such as pork belly and chicken, also increase sebum secretion and are not recommended.

 

 

◇Consume foods rich in vitamin C

 

To alleviate millet-sized acne, it is better to avoid consuming sweet and greasy foods and instead focus on a diet rich in vegetables and fruits high in dietary fiber.

 

Fruits contain many antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C. Antioxidant vitamins reduce the activity of sebaceous glands and suppress sebum secretion. Irregular meals and late-night snacks can also cause acne, so it is best to eat meals at regular times. Additionally, moving the body promotes the secretion of anti-inflammatory substances and improves blood circulation, which helps alleviate acne.

 

Let's exercise for 20 to 30 minutes a day. However, be careful, as excessive exercise can have negative effects on the skin.

 

◇Rinse with cold water after extrusion

 

Meanwhile, to remove millet-sized acne, open the pore opening with a fine needle, press the area with a cotton swab or gauze to remove it down to the root. Do not forcibly squeeze the sebum during extraction.

 

Applying excessive force during extrusion can damage skin cells, leading to scars or marks. 

 

If you squeeze out millet-sized acne, you should tighten the enlarged pores again. If the pores do not contract, waste materials such as sebum and dust can accumulate again, leading to recurrence. After extraction, wash with cold water to reduce the pores, and it is recommended to apply acne medication or ointment to the extracted area.

 

When performing self-extraction at home, thoroughly disinfect the area to be extracted and the extraction tools after washing your face. If not properly disinfected, bacterial infections and inflammation may occur. If thorough disinfection and management are difficult, receiving an extraction procedure at a dermatology clinic is also an option.

 

 

Eating 'this food' helps eliminate millet acne © Provided by Health Chosun