How to get rid of acne

Acne is unattractive and embarrassing, so it’s no wonder that there are so many products and treatment on the line for getting rid of acne. It is important that you keep up a skin care regimen in order to stave off outbreaks. Individuals with severe acne should seek assistance from a dermatologist to discuss the possibility of using a prescription acne treatment.

There are some behaviors that many people are guilty of that can trigger acne breakouts. If you wear makeup, it is critically important to the health and appearance of your skin that you remove your makeup every single night before you go to bed. It is not enough to just expect your cleanser to remove the makeup. You have to use a product that is specifically designed for makeup removal. Sleeping with makeup on is just asking for a breakout. Another point on makeup is the importance of the application process – don’t use your fingertips to apply foundation, powder, or blush. If you want to apply your lipstick or gloss and your eye makeup with your fingertips, that’s fine as long as you make sure to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water prior to applying the makeup. For applying foundation, blushes, and powder, use a makeup wedge, cotton ball, or makeup brush. If you use makeup brushes, make sure they are clean. Old, dirty makeup brushes are breeding grounds for dirt, germs and bacteria that can cause acne. Also, don’t use old makeup – it can irritate the skin and lead to nasty breakouts, especially when using old foundation or pressed powder.

Try not to touch your face. Your hands aren’t sanitized twenty-four hours a day, and when you touch your face, you are transferring any dirt and germs that your hands have collected throughout the day right onto your facial skin. Never ever pick at your zits, and don’t pop pimples either. If you sleep on your stomach or side, laying your face on your pillow, it is very important that you clean your pillow and pillow case at least once a week. The dirt, germs, and bacteria that collect on your pillow and pillowcase can wreak havoc on your complexion.

Your skin care regimen has to be consistent. You have to wash and treat your face every day, at least twice a day (morning and night). Also, if you get dirty or sweaty during the day, for example by doing exercise, make sure to wash your face afterwards – don’t let the dirtiness sit on your face until right before you go to bed. You only need three basic skin care products in order to get rid of acne (unless you have severe enough acne to warrant prescription treatment). You need a facial cleanser, a benzoyl peroxide cream, and a moisturizer. Your facial cleanser should be gentle and mild – nothing abrasive – and it absolutely has to be specifically for the face (not for the whole body). The skin on your face is more delicate than the skin on the rest of your body. Never use bar soaps – they dry out the skin, making you even more susceptible to breakouts. Your benzoyl peroxide cream should contain 2.5% benzoyl peroxide solution. You will find that many companies sell the 10% benzoyl peroxide solution, but research has shown that 2.5% is just as effective and is much less likely to dry out or irritate the skin. Your moisturizer works hand-in-hand with the benzoyl peroxide, counteracting the drying effect. Pick a non-comedogenic moisturizer that contains sunscreen.