Acne is a condition that starts in hair follicles. Sebaceous glands, which are connected to follicles, produce oil that carries dead skin cells to the surface of the skin. When bacteria, skin cells and oil clog the pore, a lesion will form. The most common types of acne are whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules. The best way to clear your breakouts in two days is by keeping your skin clean, using topical medication, avoiding touching your skin and using skin products that are not made with oil.
Step 1
Clean your skin every morning with a gentle, foaming cleanser. In a 2008 study, researchers at the Japan Society of Physiological Anthropology found that subjects who cleaned their skin with soap and water reduced the production of sebum for four hours.
Step 2
Apply benzoyl peroxide to the areas where you often have breakouts. Wash your hands and, using your fingers, spread the topical medication over the entire area. Benzoyl peroxide will kill the bacteria that cause acne to form.
Step 3
Apply alpha hydroxy acid to a new pimple. Daniel Kern, founder of Acne.org, explains that alpha hydroxy acid can stop a new pimple from getting worse. MayoClinic.com suggests using lactic or glycolic acid.
Step 4
Wash your skin at night using a cleanser with salicylic acid. Using a variety of topical acne medications can help clear acne more quickly, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Salicylic acid can get into hair follicles and slow cells from shedding too quickly.
Step 5
Wear makeup and sunscreen that is oil-free and labeled non-comedogenic, meaning that it won't cause breakouts. Be sure to wash all skin products off each night.
Tips and Warnings
- Even if you do not have any blemishes, continue treating your problem areas with benzoyl peroxide. This medication will help prevent pimples from forming.
- Avoid touching your skin. The oils from your hands and bacteria from items like a cell phone and gym equipment can cause redness and prevent the pimples from clearing quickly. Picking and popping lesions will worsen the appearance of your skin and delay your pimples from healing.
Things You'll Need
- Skin cleanser
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Alpha hydroxy acid
- Salicylic acid
- Non-comedogenic makeup and skincare products
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