The face is among the most common places people experience acne breakout. Acne is an inflammatory skin condition caused when dead skin cells, oil and bacteria clog hair follicles. Whiteheads and blackheads are known as non-inflammatory acne, according to the National Institutes of Health. They occur when sebum gets trapped below the skin. Inflammatory acne, papules and pustules, occur when there is a break in the follicle wall beneath the surface of your skin. You can clear your breakouts pretty quickly by starting a daily acne-treatment regimen.
Step 1
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day. The American Academy of Dermatology explains that rigorous scrubbing and cleansing too often won't clear up your acne. It can, however, cause irritation.
Step 2
Apply benzoyl peroxide to your cheeks, forehead, around your nose and on your chin--top areas for facial breakouts. Don't just apply this topical medication to existing lesions. The only way to prevent future breakouts is by applying to areas you commonly breakout.
Step 3
Spot-treat new pimples with an alpha hydroxy acid. If you feel a pimple beginning to form, spot-treat that area as well. According to Daniel Kern, founder of Acne.org, an alpha hydroxy acid like lactic or glycolic acid can stop a zit in its tracks
Step 4
Exfoliate your face two or three times a week. Use an exfoliator that contains salicylic acid. The Acne Resource Center reports that using more than one topical acne medication at once will improve your chances of clearing breakouts.
Step 5
Shampoo your hair daily. An oily scalp can cause breakouts to appear at your hairline. Also, some hair products can drip onto your forehead and cause breakouts.
Tips and Warnings
- Start with using 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide. If after four to six week you do not see an improvement, try to the five-percent formulation. Avoid running your fingers through your hair and touching your face. The oils on your hands can cause acne.
- The AAD explains that picking and popping your pimples can cause your blemishes to become irritated, inflamed and possibly even scar. If your acne does not respond to treatment in about two months, you may want to see a dermatologist and discuss a more aggressive treatment plan.
Things You'll Need
- Gentle face cleanser
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Alpha hydroxy acid
- Exfoliator with salicylic acid
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