Acne usually affects teenagers and young adults, but it can cause problems for women of all ages. Common causes include bacteria or a build up of dirt and dead cells on oily skin that clogs pores. Heredity, certain medications, and increased stress levels can also trigger outbreaks. Long considered a rite of passage that ends with those awkward teenage years, many women are shocked to find themselves dealing with acne into their 20’s and 30’s. Here are some acne fighting tips and techniques:
Avoid touching your face unnecessarily. Oil from your hands can clog pores and if your hands aren’t clean you can easily spread germs. You might not even realize how often you touch your face. Be careful!
Avoid holding objects against your face or touching anything to your face. Be sure to wash pillow cases and towels regularly to keep them clean.
Don’t touch or squeeze pimples, it can make your skin worse and cause scarring. It can be hard to do, but leave them alone! They’ll heal faster.
Wash your face often with gentle cleansers. Don’t use bar soap, the formulas in them can clog pores. Overcleansing and rough scrubbing or exfoliating will cause more oil production and make matters worse.
Experts have not found acne to be related to any particular foods. Those myths about acne being caused by chocolate french fries, or junk food are simply not true. But a healthy, balanced diet is always beneficial for your skin.
Avoid over-tanning and getting sunburned. Conversely don’t wear oily or heavy sunscreen, they clog pores. Also some acne medications are sun-sensitive, so be sure to wear sunscreen and limit your time in the sun. In addition to helping avoid acne, as you age, you’ll be thankful you avoided unnecessary sun damage.
Avoid using greasy creams, oils, or lotions—especially those containing lanolin and Vaseline. Look for products specially formulated for acne-prone skin.
Don’t allow excessive sweat to dry on your skin. Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy body and healthy skin, but perspiration is a magnet for bacteria which can cause acne. Always remove excess perspiration with a clean towel and shower as soon after a workout as possible.
Don’t us alcohol-based products. They strip and dehydrate the top layer of skin and cause irritation.
Mild benzoyl peroxide creams are recommended treatment for acne, as they are anti-bacterial and help reduce oil production. There are over-the-counter solutions of salicylic acid, which also reduce oil production as it exfoliates.
If possible, wear makeup only on special occasions and be sure to wash your face thoroughly and remove all makeup once you get home. If you must wear makeup look for "oil free," "noncomedogenic" (non pore clogging), and "nonacnegenic" on the label.
Wash all your makeup brushes and sponges often and thoroughly. Everything touching you and your face should be spotless.
Drink lots of water, it helps flush the impurities out of your system that cause breakouts.
Avoid excessive moisturizing. If you stay well hydrated and healthy, you shouldn’t need them.
Shampoo your hair regularly and avoid using oily shampoos, conditioners, gels, and lotions
Keep your hair off your face as much as possible. Avoid bangs and other hairdos that can spread oils to your face.
For adult acne, check the ingredients of all your skin care products. Your acne could be the result of excess mineral oil, alcohol, Vaseline, or lanolin in these products.
Try over-the-counter treatments for four to six weeks. If you see no improvement, it’s time to see a dermatologist. Leading dermatologists say they love to see an acne patient because they have such great success rates.
Acne can be a great source of anxiety and depression so don‘t delay in seeking treatment. Clear beautiful skin is something anyone can have with the right products and treatment.