Acne forms when pores become clogged with dead skin cells, dirt, oil or bacteria. By developing a skin-care routine that works, and sticking with it--even after acne is no longer visible--you will be preventing lesions from forming. It could take several weeks for acne to clear up after you first start medicating your skin, but once you start treating your skin regularly, acne should clear in a few days, or better yet, not appear at all.
Step 1
Take a shower every morning. In 2007, researchers from the "Journal of Physiological Anthropology" in Japan found that people who showered in the morning curbed the production of acne-producing sebum for up to four hours.
Step 2
Wash your skin with a cleanser containing salicylic acid, especially areas that are prone to breakouts like the chest, back, cheeks, forehead, nose and chin, once or twice a day. Salicylic acid cleans deep inside the pores; slows skin cells from shedding; promotes the generation of new, healthy skin cells; and helps the outer layer of skin peel.
Step 3
Use a spot-on treatment cream with benzoyl peroxide once or twice a day. Be sure to wash your skin with soap and water prior to applying the medication. Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria that causes acne and dries pores.
Step 4
Use cosmetics and skincare products labeled non-comedogenic. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that these products are developed to not cause acne.
Step 5
Shampoo your hair daily if you have breakouts on your forehead or around your temples. Oils from your hair can clog pores around the scalp and cause breakouts. By shampooing daily, you'll keep sebum production and clogged pores at bay.
Step 6
Use at least one acne product at all times, warns the AAD. If your skin clears after starting an acne-fighting routine, continue treating problem areas. The best way to fight acne is by preventing it from forming.
Tips and Warnings
- You can use spot-on acne treatment on areas that are acne prone, even if you do not currently have pimples there. Sweating can cause and exacerbate existing acne. Wash your skin with soap and water after a workout or other activity that causes sweating.
- Picking or scratching at lesions could worsen your complexion and cause scars to develop.
Things You'll Need
- Gentle soap
- Cleanser with salicylic acid
- Spot-on treatment cream or lotion with benzoyl peroxide
- Shampoo
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