Acne may not be a life-threatening condition, but its cosmetic and emotional effects are often scarring, affecting men and women of all ages and backgrounds. Up to 95 percent of adolescents and 54 percent of adults older than 25 experience some form of acne, with symptoms ranging from occasional blackheads to painful and disfiguring cysts. Although uncontrollable factors such as genetics and hormones can play a role in acne, adjusting your lifestyle, diet and daily habits can help you achieve a clearer complexion.
Step 1
Adopt a gentle daily cleaning regimen. Use a mild soap to remove makeup and dirt that accumulates throughout the day, and wash your skin--particularly areas prone to acne--with a non-astringent cleanser designed to remove excess oil. Using gentle products is critical to avoid irritating your skin and worsening acne flare-ups.
Step 2
Replace any oil-based lotions or cosmetics you use with water-based brands. Applying greasy substances to your skin can encourage breakouts, but water-based products leave no oily residue and are less likely to breed pimples. Look for items labeled "noncomedogenic"--a term describing acne-friendly products that won't block your skin's pores.
Step 3
Keep your hair clean by washing it daily, and avoid letting your hair frequently touch your face. Dirty or oily hair can promote acne when it comes into contact with skin. If you have long hair and suffer from acne on your neck or shoulders, wear your hair up to avoid spreading oil or dirt onto acne-affected areas. If you have bangs, grow them out or hold them back with clips to prevent hair from brushing against your forehead.
Step 4
Shower and change clothing immediately after exercise. Allowing sweat to linger on your skin--especially when trapped there by dirty fabric--can lead to breakouts on your back, neck, shoulders and other areas of your body.
Step 5
Consider limiting your intake of milk and dairy products. A study published in the May 2008 issue of Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology revealed a correlation between skim milk consumption and acne, possibly due to acne-causing hormones and bioactive molecules in dairy. Replacing cow milk with dairy substitutes such as soy milk or rice milk may potentially improve your skin.
Step 6
Apply over-the-counter topical treatments to breakout sites and acne-prone areas. According to the Mayo Clinic, products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide may be particularly helpful for removing oil buildup and keeping your skin clear.
Step 7
Consult with your doctor to see if prescription ointments or pills may be appropriate for your situation. Some physicians prescribe antibiotics or isotretinoin to combat severe acne; for women, oral contraceptives with norgestimate and ethinyl estradiol can reduce acne outbreaks.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid squeezing or scratching pimples; this only spreads bacteria, increases inflammation and delays the healing process.
- Washing your face more than twice per day can lead to excessive skin dryness, which may increase the occurrence of acne.
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