Tips For Preventing Acne

Plugged hair follicles are what causes acne. Basically an increase in male hormone causes the Sebaceous Gland to over produce Sebum (oil). Dead skin cells and the sticky oil combine to plug-up a hair follicle (pore) which traps bacteria within and underneath the plug leading to various levels of acne. Practicing a good skin care regimen will minimize the occurrence of acne. If you are ready to put your best face forward, here are some skin care tips to help you get started.

Limit Face-Washing To Twice A Day.

Dirt does not cause acne. So washing your facial skin many times a day will not prevent acne. In fact washing your skin more than twice per day can compound acne problems by stimulating too much oil production. Over-zealous scrubbing can further irritate acne areas. Regular soap will dry-out skin causing your oil glands to respond by producing even more sebum.

Acne Care Requires the Right Cleanser.

Particularly among teens, skin is on the oily side and more prone to acne breakouts. Use a cleanser in the morning and evening that removes excess oil. An oil-free cleanser that contains no more that 2.5% Salicylic Acid works best to gently remove makeup, surface impurities and excess sebum. The Salicylic Acid will penetrate clogged pores to help exfoliate dead skin cellls. Certain natural botanicals like Arnica Montana and Horse Chestnut act as anti-inflammatories and Japanese Tea Tree will act as an anti-microbial. The active ingredients will not only help control acne but will help keep your skin smooth, soft, radiant and shine-free.

After Cleansing Tips.

If you have oily skin, use a mild, alcohol-free toner after cleansing and follow up with an oil-free moisturizer in areas that are dry - such as around the eyes. Before going outdoors, apply an oil-free sunscreen with an SPF of at least fifteen to prevent sun damage. Nothing ages skin faster than exposure to the sun, and wearing sunscreen should be a top priority in your teens and beyond. Lying in the sun or going outside without sunscreen will come back in later years to haunt you in the form of wrinkles and saggy skin.

Exfoliate Dead Skin Cells.

Get this! The average person loses 30,000 to 40,000 dead skin cells off the surface of the skin every minute. The epidermis continuously produces new skin cells that rise to the top to replace the old cells as they die and flake off. Some dead skin cells will make their way into follicle pores combining with sebum to plug the pores which causes the beginning phases of acne.

Use an exfoliating pad at least once per week that are soaked in a solution that will remove those trapped dead skin cells. Rub gently gently to avoid irritating the skin which can lead to more acne outbreak. Be careful around existing acne lesions. Exfoliating pads generally contain Salicylic Acid as an exfoliating agent and organic ingredients that perform as soothing anti-inflammatories to help brighten the skin and give it a softer, more beautiful glow.

Do Not Pick or Squeeze Acne.

Avoid the temptation of squeezing pimples which can push infected material deeper into the skin and produce more inflamed swelling of acne lesions. Picking and popping pimples will dump infected material onto other areas of the skin, and can lead to scarring.

Avoid Touching Your Face.

Other than when washing, cleansing or moisturizing, avoid touching your face. Hands carry bacteria that will cause pores to become infected. Also avoid letting items touch your face, particularly anything that could carry sebum residue like phones. You have to be very careful when borrowing someone else's phone or listening devices. Always wash your hands before applying anything to your face such as creams and makeup.

Nurture Your Skin from the Inside.

While there is no conclusive proof that certain foods contribute to acne problems, there are differing opinions among some dermatologists on that subject. At minimum, we do know that maintaining a healthy, balanced diet does have a positive effect on the over all health of the body. That is reason enough to eat healthy whether or not it would have a positive impact on controlling acne.

Other Acne Care Tips.

Don’t try to cover blemishes and bumps with heavy makeup since this will only clog the pores further and lead to new outbreaks. If you wear makeup, make sure it’s specifically formulated for oily skin, acne-prone skin and that it’s noncomedogenic. If you’re prone to frequent breakouts, spot-apply a lotion or gel that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to oily areas every day after cleansing.

The bottom line? The above skin care tips not only will help control or prevent acne, but will lay a firm foundation for a lifetime of beautiful, more youthful skin.

Reviewed by Erica Rodarte, Licensed Esthetician,
Tranquil Infusion Skin Care, Phoenix, Arizona