| Acne can be an annoying skin problem and tough | | | | 4. Protect Your Skin. All skin, but especially skin |
| to get rid of. But, there are ways to minimize the | | | | that's sensitive or that has acne, should be |
| blemishes that you might be suffering from. Here | | | | protected from the sun's harmful UV rays. The |
| are seven tips to help you do just that: | | | | sun does provide much needed vitamin D, |
| 1. Know Your Skin. The absolute first step toward | | | | however, 10 to 15 minutes a day early in the |
| healthy skin, and particularly for those who are | | | | morning is all that's necessary for a healthy, daily |
| prone to acne, is knowing your exact skin type | | | | dose. |
| and how it reacts to different things. A surprising | | | | A common, and rather dangerous, myth is that |
| amount of people pay little or no attention to | | | | getting a facial sunburn will help clear up acne |
| what may be causing their breakouts or what | | | | quickly as it causes the skin to peel and |
| ingredients they're using on their skin. Generally, | | | | regenerate. While that part is true, this also |
| skin is either oily, dry, a combination of both, | | | | speeds up the aging process and considerably |
| sensitive or prone to acne. | | | | increases the risks of skin cancer. |
| 2. Choose the Right Products. The amount of | | | | 5. Treat Your Skin Gently. Instead of getting the |
| acne skin care products available today is mind | | | | skin extra clean, rubbing or scrubbing your face |
| boggling, however, after knowing our true skin | | | | may actually cause permanent scarring and |
| type, we can be sure to only use what's most | | | | exacerbate acne. Even skin without acne should |
| compatible. | | | | be cleansed gently to avoid damaging the delicate |
| Most people with acne-prone skin tend to have | | | | tissue. A good rule to remember is to use your |
| oily skin, although combination and dry areas are | | | | hands instead of some type of washcloth or facial |
| not uncommon. Be sure to select a cleanser that's | | | | cleansing pad to avoid rupturing or aggravating |
| specially formulated for this skin disorder as they | | | | acne sores. When you are able to safely exfoliate, |
| will usually contain ingredients such as benzoyl | | | | to gently remove dead cells, use a gentle scrub |
| peroxide or salicylic acid, both of which help the | | | | made from natural ingredients such as ground |
| skin regenerate itself faster. For severe acne try | | | | walnuts as opposed to products with potentially |
| 10% benzoyl peroxide, and for mild to moderate | | | | strong or harsh ingredients. |
| cases, 5-10% is usually the recommended | | | | For a easy way of reducing the redness and |
| concentration. | | | | inflammation that usually accompanies acne, try |
| A good toner is essential for keeping pores tight | | | | crushing an aspirin into a bit of lemon juice and |
| and unclogged. Either spray the toner directly onto | | | | then applying the mixture to the most affected |
| the face, or apply with a cotton ball. For | | | | areas of the face just before bedtime. Although |
| excessively oily skin, try a toner with three | | | | some people use toothpaste, not gel, as a |
| percent hydrogen peroxide, and for normal or dry | | | | spot-treatment on acne blemishes, this method |
| skin, many people swear by the inexpensive witch | | | | may actually burn the skin doing more harm than |
| hazel. Rubbing alcohol is mistakenly used for | | | | good. Yet another home remedy that some |
| severe cases of oily skin as it actually dries out | | | | swear by is taking a zinc vitamin tablet every |
| the skin far more than necessary, making the | | | | day. |
| irritation and acne ultimately worse. | | | | 6. Minimize Stress. Stress and tension have more |
| Contrary to popular belief, it is possible for people | | | | of an effect on the quality of our skin than we |
| with acne to use a moisturizer. Choose either a | | | | may realize, and for some, may directly |
| light, non-comedogenic moisturizer, or one that's | | | | contribute to breakouts or intensify acne. It's |
| are oil-free so as not to aggravate acne and | | | | important to do whatever is necessary to relieve |
| blemishes. Some of these moisturizers also | | | | stress and find time for relaxation. |
| contain antibacterial agents to keep acne causing | | | | 7. Have Patience. Keep in mind that it may take |
| bacterium at bay. | | | | six to eight weeks to notice a difference when |
| For makeup products, choose oil-free foundation | | | | changing your current skin care regimen to an |
| and those that are designed for use with acne or | | | | acne-friendly one. Most acne skin care products, |
| sensitive skin. Any type of heavy makeup, | | | | whether prescription or over-the-counter |
| including those for eye and cheek color, will clog | | | | strength, may take a month or two to show |
| pores and instigate an acne flare-up. | | | | positive results. Unfortunately, some people never |
| 3. Hydration Matters. Simply put, water is vital for | | | | give it the entire eight weeks before giving up or |
| our skin as well as for most other functions and | | | | switching to other methods of controlling their |
| components of the body. Without water, we | | | | acne. |
| wouldn't survive, and neither would our skin. Be | | | | Follow these tips and you'll be on your way to |
| sure to drink at least eight glasses of water each | | | | healthier looking skin. |
| day to keep your skin and body well hydrated. | | | | |