Tips to Eliminate Acne

Tips to Eliminate Acne
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While acne often affects teenagers, adults may also suffer from this condition. Pimples start forming when blockages develop in skin pores. The MayoClinic.com advises that self-care techniques and good skin care can help control most cases of acne. Severe and stubborn cases of acne may require a visit to your doctor to obtain medical treatments or prescription drugs.

Choose the Right Cleansers

Choose mild cleansers that gently remove oil and surface pollutants. Avoid products that irritate your skin, such as facial scrubs, astringents and masks. These harsh products may aggravate your skin, causing your acne to flare up and worsen.

Use the Correct Washing Technique

Wash your face twice each day to help treat acne-prone skin. Washing too frequently can strip the skin of natural lubricants. Apply your mild cleanser to your fingertips or a soft washcloth, using a circular motion to rub it gently over the surface of your damp skin. Splash some warm water over your cleansed skin, removing all traces of your cleanser. Dry your skin gently by dabbing a soft towel over your acne breakouts.

Avoid Touching Your Skin

Picking, squeezing and rubbing can make your acne worse. Limit skin touching to the times when you wash your face and apply makeup. Avoid leaning on your palms or resting your face in your hands.

Use Safe Makeup

Use makeup that does not clog your pores or increase your chances of developing acne. Look for products that state they won't cause acne. Noncomedogenic and nonacnegenic are terms some manufacturers use to notify consumers that their products don't contain ingredients that clog pores. Use clean applicators or fingers to apply your makeup to avoid introducing bacteria into your cosmetic containers. Discard your makeup if it begins to look or smell differently than it did when you purchased it from the store.

Keep Your Hair Out of Your Face

Although you may want to wear your hair near your face to help hide areas of acne, this practice can promote the formation of more pimples. Choosing styles that keep your hair away from your face may help prevent introducing additional dirt and oil to your skin.

Treat Your Acne

Treat your acne-prone skin with a product that helps to dry up excess oil. Choose a product that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide as an active ingredient. Apply your acne medication as the instructions direct. Keep your medication in plain view to remind you to use it regularly.

References

Article reviewed by Lisa Dittrich Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011

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