Acne is a skin condition that's primarily caused by blocked pores. This can occur when the sebaceous glands in the skin produce too much oil, which frequently occurs during adolescence. The blocked pores can become inflamed due to a specific type of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes. You can treat inflammatory acne by following some base skin-care procedures.
Step 1
Wash the inflamed skin regularly. Use a gentle soap and warm water twice each day to keep the pores open. You should also wash your skin after heavy exercise. Avoid rupturing any pustules, as this can lead to scarring when the lesion doesn't heal quickly.
Step 2
Shave carefully and less often if possible. Shaving can nick the pustules which can exacerbate the inflammation. Soften your beard with soap and warm water. Apply a shaving gel before shaving with a new razor. Use only slight pressure and make a single pass over each area.
Step 3
Apply astringent on areas with severe inflammation. Astringents are substances that absorb the excess oil in the skin. However, they should be used sparingly and only on the oiliest parts of your skin. Astringents can cause excessive dryness when you use them on skin that doesn't need it.
Step 4
Use acne medication to kill the bacteria responsible for inflammatory acne. This medication contains an active ingredient such as benzoyl peroxide that increases the oxygen content in the pores. This can help eradicate certain bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes that contribute to inflammatory acne.
Step 5
Avoid the sun as much as possible. This is especially important when using acne medication, as these products can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. A tan may make acne less obvious, but it won't actually reduce the inflammation. Excessive exposure to the sun can cause sunburn and increase your risk of skin cancer.
Things You'll Need
- Mild soap
- Safety razor
- Acne medication
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