Acne is a persistent skin condition that usually requires ongoing treatment. Most people have mild or moderate outbreaks that are treatable at home without a physician's assistance. You can get rid of your pimples and keep them from coming back with a good home care routine, explains MayoClinic.com. It must include several phases, like washing, treatment and prevention, and it must be done consistently because acne is a chronic condition. It can easily recur if you slack off on your routine.
Step 1
Wash your face and other affected areas correctly. Many acne sufferers believe dirty skin makes their pimples worse. They use harsh cleaners and scrub roughly, but MayoClinic.com warns that this compounds the problem. Skin with an acne outbreak should be washed no more than twice a day with the mildest possible soap. It should be touched as little as possible during the process, then patted dry with a soft, clean towel.
Step 2
Apply an over-the-counter acne product with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as its active ingredient, TeensHealth, a Nemours hospital network website, recommends. These remedies help clear up current outbreaks and prevent future pimples. TeensHealth explains you might need to try several different products to find the one that works best for you. They are readily available at pharmacies and other stores.
Step 3
Apply water-based cosmetics or noncomedogenic products that does not irritate acne. Many people hide ugly pimples with makeup as part of their daily routine, but some products escalate the problem because they contain certain oils that contribute to pore blockage. Acne.com, an acne information site, states that lanolin and isopropyl myristate are two common culprits. They are not found in noncomedogenic or water-based cosmetics.
Step 4
Brush and tie your hair back so it does not contact your face, neck and any other areas affected by acne. Sweat and oil from hair strands against your skin can cause or aggravate outbreaks, according to MayoClinic.com. Shampoo daily because clean hair is less irritating to acne-prone skin than oily hair.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not ignore acne, warns the American Academy of Dermatology. It is more likely to get worse and leave permanent scars when it is not treated promptly. You can probably get rid of it at home if it's mild to moderate, but the AAD advises seeing a dermatologist if it persists or gets worse despite a consistent home care treatment plan. You may need prescription-strength products or oral drugs.
Member Comments