Acne can do a real number on your self-esteem, whether you’re a teen or an adult. We’re not talking about the occasional pimple – we’re talking about acne vulgaris. It happens when hair follicles get plugged by excess sebum and dead skin. Bacteria can cause acne as well.
There are several kinds of pimples and blemishes that acne can cause. They include:
- Pimples
- Pustules
- Whiteheads
- Blackheads
- Nodules
- Cysts
Which type you have can help determine the best course of action. Keep in mind that hormones can exacerbate acne, which is why teens with their raging hormones can be the most vulnerable. Acne can extend well into the adult years as well. By following these tips, you can fight back against acne.
Tip #1: Keep Your Skin Clean
This may sound like a no-brainer, but keeping your skin clean and using an appropriate cleanser can help prevent the spread of acne. Gently cleanse (don’t scrub) twice a day using a cleanser for your skin type. Don’t cleanse your face more often unless you perspired profusely, as cleaning too often can irritate your skin and lead to more breakouts.
Tip #2: Use Acne-Fighting Medications
Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, retinoids, oh my! There are a number of acne medications/acne products that don’t involve the use of oral antibiotics or dangerous medications. You may need to give a new acne treatment regimen time to work rather than switching things around every week or so.
Tip #3: Moisturize
After you cleanse, moisturize. Acne medications and products can have a drying effect on your skin. Moisturizing adds a protective layer to your skin and can help combat acne. Consider using specially-formulated moisturizers – one for daytime and one for nighttime. Use a non-pore clogging moisturizer especially formulated for acne-prone skin. In addition, avoid astringents and rubbing alcohol, which can dry your skin.
Tip #4: Apply Makeup Sparingly
If you wear makeup, apply it sparingly. Use non-pore clogging cosmetics and wash makeup off every night. In addition, wash your makeup brushes on a regular basis, and don’t share cosmetics or brushes.
Tip #5: Avoid Touching Your Face
You may be tempted to touch your face during the day, or even pop a pimple. Don’t do it. Your hands are a breeding ground for bacteria, and by touching your face, you spread bacteria, which can cause acne breakouts. And picking or rubbing a pimple can cause scarring.
Tip #6: Take Care of Your Hair
Use gentle shampoos and conditioners. If you have oily hair, wash it more often and keep it away from your face. Watch the use of oils, gels, foams, and sprays. If they get on your face, they can clog your pores, resulting in acne. They can also clog pores on your back, causing “bacne”.
Tip #7: Limit Sun Exposure
We’re not saying you need to become a vampire, but limit your sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wear sunscreen for acne-prone skin. The sun’s rays dry out your skin, causing it to produce more pore-clogging sebum. Tanning beds can also damage your skin, and don’t interact well with some acne medications.
Tip #8: Eat and Drink with Skin Health in Mind
Drink plenty of water to keep your body and skin hydrated. Avoid processed foods and foods you know trigger a breakout – these can include sugary foods, dairy, and others. Add more fruits, vegetables, and grass-fed meats. Go for organic foods whenever you can.
Related Reading: Nutrition and Skincare: 5 Tips for What to Eat and Drink for Your Skin Health
Tip #9: Reduce Your Stress
Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep at night, and reduce your stress during the day. Lack of sleep stresses your body, and work stress, school stress, or family stress can all increase the severity of acne. Take time to relax and chill. Exercise is also a great stress reliever, and good for your overall health.
Tip #10: Seek Professional Help
And the final tip may be the most important one if you have persistent, moderate-to-severe acne. Seek the help of trained skincare professionals like the Face Reality Certified Acne Experts here at Aesthetics at Cima Health. We offer multiple treatments to target the root cause of your acne, treatments for acne scarring, and a range of Face Reality Skincare products that can help you achieve and maintain clear skin, usually in 3-4 months. The complete program has a 95% success rate!
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re looking for clearer, healthier skin, we understand. Schedule an acne consultation today to get a personalized acne treatment plan that will help you see real results. And you’re in experienced hands when you visit Aesthetics at Cima Health.
From the initial consultation to the treatment room, we offer the highest quality skincare and laser services, individualized to your needs. We are more than clinicians; we understand how hard it can be to carve out time for yourself to look and feel your best. We help you make the most of your time by offering the best range of treatments.
Book an appointment today.
