8 Things To Help Treat Acne

Posted on May 26, 2009
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The most effective methods to fight acne include a combination of prevention and better care for the skin.

Here are some suggestions you can use to prevent and treat acne:

1. Get Regular Exercise

Regular exercise has been proven to help combat acne by fighting off negative stress levels that each of has has. However, avoid wearing tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits. These synthetic fabrics tend to trap body moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Stick to loose clothing made of cotton or natural fibers, and keep your sports gear and equipment clean.

2. Use Safe Cosmetics

To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that can give way to acne, use products labeled “noncomedogenic” or “oil-free.” Opt for “hypo-allergenic” perfumes and make-up to adverse reactions and skin irritation. Coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes can cause reactions.

Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky material called mica that has been known to irritate skin and clog pores. Use a lip gloss with a matte finish to also reduce clogging of pores. The more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more your pores can clog.

3. Eat a Healthy Diet

Recent studies have shown that diet does not play as large a role as once believed in either the cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is best for your body is best for your skin. So, ensure that you take in proper levels of vitamins, minerals and supplements that have been known to prevent and help conquer acne breakouts. These include:

* Vitamin A or Retinol (High doses are toxic)
* Vitamin B Complex
* Vitamin C
* Vitamin E
* L-Carnitine
* Zinc

A good quality brand name multivitamin will probably have the recommended vitamins and minerals to help you with acne prevention.

4. Hormonal Treatment May Provide Relief

Hormones (or a lack of them) during later years - especially for women - can play a part in acne flare-ups. One recent study showed that about 50 percent of women have acne problems, referred to as hormonal acne, in the week before their menstural cycle.

Options for treatment include topical retinoids, oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teenagers. For adult women, oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) have been beneficial at times. Other options include systemic ointments, and prescription or over-the-counter medications.

5. Follow a Healthy Skin Regimen

Harsh scrubbing or over-washing should be avoided, since this can cause skin irritation or lead to over-production of oil to replace what’s washed off. Use products that exfoliate gently and don’t use products that contain alcohol.

6. Acne Products Are Available

Some of the better products available that help fight acne are:

* Benzoyl Peroxide
* Proactiv® Solution
* Salicylic Acid
* Retinoids
* Antibiotics
* Oral Contraceptives
* Anti-Androgens
* Isotretinoin (Accutane)

7. Advice for Shaving

Shaving is actually a very good way to exfoliate or remove dead skin. This can help with the prevention and spreading of acne by removing it so it does not clog pores. And, for some light acne cases already in process, shaving can help remove small whiteheads and blackheads from the face. Do not shave areas that have worse cases and use shaving cream that says it is for sensitive skin.

Always use a razor with a sharp blade. Use gentle swipes instead of heavy pressure and go with the flow or “grain.” Electric razors may not shave as close to the skin, but they help with the prevention of acne.

8. Avoid or Reduce Stress

Stress includes external and internal stressors. External stressors are those that compromise your skin’s ability to heal, such as oily make-up and over exposure to the sun. Internal stressors like anxiety, fear, low self-esteem, depression and a variety of other internalized emotions, can cause chemical reactions inside the body that can result in acne flare-ups and other skin irritations.

There is more information on How To Get Rid of Pimples and Acne here.

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