5 Acne Treatment Tips You Can Use Today

Dealing with acne can be embarassing at any age. Luckily, there are
a number of things you can do everyday to make sure your skin is less
prone to flare ups. Here are five tips for taking control of your
acne starting today.

1. Exercise - Keeping in shape can help fight acne by fighting off
negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and
depression. However, some safeguards need to be in place to ward off
acne that can result from your workout routines. Watch what you put
on your body with regards to clothing, sports gear and equipment.

For example, tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits might look
great in the movies and on magazine models, but if you are
susceptible to acne problems, avoid these synthetic fabrics that tend
to trap in body moisture and heat resulting in a bacteria frenzy.
Instead, choose loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends to
allow more air to get to your skin.

And when you are finished with your workout, get out of clothing wet
from perspiration or water sports. Shower and change into dry, clean
clothing. And keep your sports gear and equipment clean, too. Dirty
headgear, for instance, can irritate forehead areas prone to acne
problems. So toss headbands into the washing machine after workout
sessions.

2. Cosmetics - To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that are
similar to acne and that can contribute to acne, use products labeled
noncomedogenic or oil-free. Shimmering facial colors can contain a
flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog
pores. Other additives in coloring that can cause similar reactions
are coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes.

More preventative measures include using a lip gloss that promotes a
matte finish instead of a high gloss for less pore-clogging; note the
more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more the
pores can clog. Beware that eye creams can contain heavier
concentrations of moisturizers than regular creams and lotions,
meaning they have greater potential to clog pores in the surrounding
facial areas.

3. Diet - Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the
cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is recommended for acne
preventative care is this: what is best for your body is best for
your skin, especially since your skin is the largest organ of your
body. So remember to watch your diet and consume healthy vitamins,
minerals and other supplements. This will help to prevent and help
conquer acne breakout.

4. Hygiene - A healthy skin regimen should include no harsh
scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin
irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what has
washed off, clogging pores in the process. Products with gentle
exfoliation ingredients are OK to use; i.e. not scratchy nut or fruit
shell pieces that can tear skin. And skip alcohol products when
possible; these can take off the top layer of your skin and cause
your glands to product more oil, clogging pores in the process.

If you do spot acne-troubled areas, do NOT mess with them. Remember
that these are already weeks in the making, and squeezing or picking
blemishes can force the infected area to regress back inside, further
troubling the region and possibly leave a scar. If necessary, seek
help from a dermatologist for alternative treatments.

5. Shaving - Shaving for both genders is actually an excellent way
of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and
spreading of acne instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. And
for some light acne cases already in process, shaving can help rid
whiteheads and blackheads from the face. A word of caution: for areas
with infection or high inflammatory activity (redness, sensitive,
open acne, sores, etc.), do not shave. Or at the very least, use a
shaving cream for sensitive skin!

By James Allen