How to Treat Bad Acne

How to Treat Bad Acne
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While many people will battle with acne during their lifetime, some have it worse than others. Bad acne can alter one's appearance and create social insecurities. In addition to being embarrassing, it can also be painful as well. For those who have it worse than others, it can seem like a losing battle. If you are dealing with bad acne, there are several things you can do to help get it back under control.

Step 1

Drink six to eight glasses of water daily to stay hydrated. Keeping hydrated will help your body to flush away impurities and toxins that may be contributing to the acne problem. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these tend to dehydrate the body and can make the acne worse.

Step 2

Wash your face twice daily with warm water. Hot water may dry out the skin. Use an acne-specific soap, or you can opt for a more natural approach by mixing a tablespoon of table salt into a pint of warm water and using it to wash your face. The salt will help to dry up the oils that cause acne. It is helpful to use steam to open up your pores before washing your face, as this enables you to reach more of the bacteria. Hold your face over a pot of boiling water or place a hot damp cloth over your face for a few minutes. Dry your face with a soft, clean, dry towel be patting gently.

Step 3

Make changes to your diet to eliminate processed sugars and greasy foods, as these can make acne worse. Opt instead for fresh fruits and vegetables as well as lean meats so you can reverse any possible deficiencies in vitamin A and zinc, which can contribute to acne.

Step 4

Apply fresh lemon juice to your face each night with a clean cloth or cotton balls before you go to bed. Allow the lemon juice to sit on your skin overnight and rinse it away with clean warm water in the morning. Do this every night to help eliminate acne.

Step 5

Change your beds linens frequently, as oils can transfer onto them and back onto your face. Change your sheets at least once a week.

Tips and Warnings

  • Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about plausible causes and treatments for acne that will work for you.
  • Avoid touching your skin with your fingertips, and keep your hair pulled back away from your face. The oils in your fingers and hair can make acne worse. Do not pop or pick at pimples, as this can lead to scarring.

Things You'll Need

  • Acne soap
  • Table salt
  • Clean towel
  • Lemon juice
  • Clean cloth
  • Cotton balls

References

Article reviewed by demand53656 Last updated on: Aug 24, 2010

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