Every year, millions of people of all ages suffer from acne – reddened, unsightly, and often painful bumps and lesions on the skin. Acne can develop not only on the face, but also on the scalp, shoulders, buttocks, and back. There are many different types of acne, but following these guidelines should put you on the road to clearer skin.
Did you know that acne can be caused by allergies? Allergies are a natural reaction that your immune system uses to fight off something that is trying to work it’s way to inside your body. The problem is, your body can sometimes end up fighting things it just doesn’t need to, because it was incorrectly programmed to do so. An allergy specialist can help by testing to find what allergies you do have. It could be something simple, such as dairy, or it could be more complex such as the paraffin wax in your hairspray. If your allergies are bad enough, an allergist can even give you shots that help to reprogram you body so that it no longer fights the things it doesn’t need to fight.
Search for over the counter cleansers that contain the ingredient salicylic acid. This component destroys the bacteria that you can get during the course of the day, and prevents free radicals from forming. Using a cleanser with salicylic acid can help control your oil level and reduce the chance for severe acne formation.
One of the best treatments that you can try is micro-needling for your acne scars. This process uses a roller with hundreds of small needles that puncture your skin. Over time, your collagen will grow back, filling in your acne. This treatment is great for deep, cystic acne scarring.
After you wash your face, you should use an exfoliating mask. Exfoliation will help remove the dead skin layers from your face. You should try to exfoliate your face, at least, once or twice a week. Doing this can help you clean your pores which will help you prevent or rid yourself of acne.
Try to use makeup sparingly. If you are having an acne breakout, it is best to avoid wearing some makeup, such as foundation, powder, and blush. Keep in mind, if you do wear makeup, you need to wash it off at the end of the day. If you can, buy oil-free makeup that has no added dyes or chemicals. Always check the ingredient list when purchasing makeup.
It you have repeated bouts of acne, seek professional help from a dermatologist. Over-the-counter medication does not work for everyone. It is important to obtain help from an expert that will be able to assess the situation and can prescribe more powerful treatments, if they are needed, to rid your skin of acne. Just remember, if you wait too long to see a physician, you may suffer permanent scarring from your acne.
You can create a facial mask by crushing aspirin and putting it thinly on your face. Aspirin contains salicylic acid which is great for treating acne. As you are not using the aspirin for its intended purpose, it is advised that you speak with a doctor before starting this method.
Antibiotics are good for fighting acne, but it is best to take pro-biotic or pre-biotic supplements along with them. Antibiotics have a negative impact on the healthy bacteria that assist with digestion. Pre-biotics and probiotics counteract this side effect. Healthy digestion is a significant factor in preventing acne outbreaks, so these supplements will help antibiotics work better.
Using aloe vera lotion on a daily basis can have a positive effect on acne break outs. Aloe vera has skin soothing properties. It can reduce redness and minimize scarring. Apply it to your skin twice a day, in the morning and before bed, for best results.
If you are prone to breakouts, wash your face gently instead of scrubbing it. Washing your face aggressively will make the problem worse. Acne develops when your pores are clogged by the oil that is naturally secreted by your skin. Things like hormones and genetics can also contribute to the problem. Because these are things that you cannot control, washing your face vigorously will not help.
In the end, your best tool in the battle against acne is a dermatologist. If you’ve tried everything from honey masks to benzoyl peroxide, you may be at your wits end. A dermatologist can give you a personalized regimen which will help you to clear up the zits you already have and prevent further breakouts, saving your sanity as well.
Never, ever, EVER pop your pimples! Acne happens when a pore becomes clogged and infected, so when you burst the skin you’re releasing that infection. It gets all over your fingertips and then the rest of your face, which spreads the bacteria and leads to more acne. Leave it alone!
Do not overdo it with your makeup, especially if you are already breaking out. Makeup can clog pores, making a breakout even worse. If you must wear makeup, try to use oil-free cosmetics, wear it for as short an amount of time as possible and wash it off as soon as you can.
Heat and light therapy can sometimes be used effectively to treat acne. This treatment involves applying intense heat to the skin, while also using a strong light source. The process clears the skin of bacteria and cuts down the size of some glands as well. The method should only be performed by a licensed Dermatologist.
So whether you are 15 or 50, there’s a good chance that you are having to contend with the discomfort and embarrassment that comes from moderate to severe acne. Try these useful and proven tips for eliminating acne, and do not be discouraged by your past problems with this skin condition.
