Bacteria growth on the skin, irritation of the hair follicles, an excess of oil and hormonal fluctuations can all contribute to acne. Caring for acne can be a long-term commitment, as many acne treatments show a gradual clearing of facial blemishes over a period of weeks. Sorting out the wide range of commercial products available to treat acne can be confusing as well. Caring for acne does not need to be a difficult task and does not always require high-tech products and procedures. Basic hygiene may be all that is needed to care for minor acne.
Step 1
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Avoid scrubs and other formulas that are gritty and abrasive, as well as those that contain oils or fragrances, since they can irritate your skin even more. Wash your face with your fingertips rather than a cloth, which can also lead to irritation.
Step 2
Cleanse your face after participating in any activity that makes you sweat. Perspiration makes acne worse in some people. Don't wash more than twice a day, because overwashing can strip your skin of beneficial oils.
Step 3
Apply a topical cream or ointment that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to care for acne. These two active ingredients can help dry up pimples and reduce the amount of surface oil on your face. Use over-the-counter acne products only as directed to avoid overdrying or irritating your skin.
Step 4
Resist the temptation to squeeze your pimples, as this practice can spread bacteria, worsen acne and may produce scars. Allow the blemishes to clear in their own time.
Step 5
Schedule an appointment with a dermatologist if self-care remedies for acne are not producing the results you desire. A physician who has experience with skin problems can prescribe stronger topical medications or oral drugs such as antibiotics or birth control pills to help clear up your skin.
Step 6
Consider cosmetic procedures such as light therapy or microdermabrasion to treat acne if other measures are not sufficient. Light therapy may stop the sebacus glands from overproducing oils. Microdermabrasion smooths out skin that is pocked by acne scars.
Things You'll Need
- Nonabrasive cleanser
- Topical medications
- Oral medications
- Light therapy
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