It never fails. Doesn’t it seem like acne always picks the worst time to appear? Luckily, there are many changes you can make to your cosmetic routine that can help heal acne. Always remember that what works for your best friend may not work for you. Everyone’s skin is unique, and you may have sensitivities to something your friend does not. Try the following suggestions and see if they work for you.
Try over-the-counter medications first. If you have dry or sensitive skin, choose a mild soap or cleanser. You may need to experiment to find one that works best for you and doesn’t irritate your acne. Wash your face gently only once or twice a day. Do not use a rough washcloth or scrub your skin. Keep your hands away from your face to keep from spreading bacteria. If you are worried about an outbreak after eating a meal of junk food, try laying off it for awhile to see if there is any connection.
If you use cosmetics, check all the labels and only purchase make-up labeled non-acnegenic, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. These cosmetics were made for sensitive skin and should not add to your breakouts. Don’t share your makeup with anyone else, and always make sure your towels, washcloths, sponges and other items you use on your face are clean. Re-using these items without cleaning them may spread bacteria that can lead to an acne outbreak.
If, after trying all this on your own, you are still suffering from acne breakouts, get a referral for a dermatologist. A dermatologist can give you a prescription for medical acne treatments. These may include antibiotics such as tetracycline and erythromycin. Tetracycline will increase your sun-sensitivity. Other common therapies include Tretinoid, or Retin-A. The latter is a fairly strong medication applied to skin that uses vitamin A as an important ingredient. Most frequently, Retin-A is a gel, a cream, or liquid applied once a day. Most people apply it at night, since Retin-A will make you sensitive to the sun.
You can also create your own acne medicines at home from items around the house. Many people follow this approach, and recipes have existed for such products for generations. Keep in mind that everyone reacts differently to treatment, but household recipes are pretty safe and pretty effective for those suffering from mild to moderate outbreaks.
Three skin care recipes are included here if you’d like to give them a try:
1. Baking soda scrub: a baking soda scrub’s main use is to exfoliate. Exfoliation is an important part of treating acne… it removes dead skin cells that can fill your pores and create acne inflammations. Mix about a teaspoon of baking soda with a little bit of water until it looks and feels like paste. Gently rub the scrub into your skin. Let it rest for about a minute, and then rinse gently with lukewarm water. Pat your face dry with a clean towel.
2. Apple cider vinegar : has long been used as a healthy ingredient, and treating acne is one of the areas it is recommended for. Some people insist that apple cider vinegar can get rid of bacteria, keep your face fresh, get rid of excess oils, and balance your skin’s pH level. It contains a lot of citric acid, which makes a good exfoliating ingredient. Dilute the apple cider vinegar into a one part vinegar, eight parts water solution. Use purified water in this solution if possible. Dip a cotton ball into your vinegar solution and use it to moisten your skin. A little goes a long way. Too much vinegar can dry your skin and make your acne worse.
3. Another old favorite is egg whites : egg whites are rich in vitamins and protein, and have been used in skin preparations for a long time. They can help tone and tighten your skin. Beat two egg whites into a bubbly froth. Apply the froth to the face and let sit approximately fifteen minutes. Rinse the egg froth off gently with lukewarm water.
If you have any concerns, or your acne is severe, see your family doctor, who may refer you to a dermatologist, who is a skin specialist.
By: Black