Acne can be frustrating to deal with. It does not matter what age you are when it strikes, the embarrassment of dealing with this skin condition can be debilitating and, at times, depressing. However, there are ways to both lessen the severity of acne and to control it on a regular basis and this article will discuss these.
A good wash if you suffer from serious acne is a mild solution of salt water. Salt water will clean the oils and dirt off of your skin in the same way a cleanser would, but without the detrimental drying effects of many commercials cleansers that are intended for acne treatment.
Your hormones can cause your acne. This can be especially true if you’re a teen. This is the body’s way of letting you know that it is going through constant chemical changes. Many teens do grow out of this phase once they are past puberty though. However, if you’re older, this can last for years and be caused by hormonal issues. It may be wise to seek a physician or dermatologist for advice.
Taking certain vitamins can help treat acne. This includes a vitamin B supplement, as well as, the fatty acid omega-3. Taking a daily multivitamin can help ensure that you’re getting the right vitamins in the right quantities, to take care of both your skin and the rest of your body.
A helpful technique for battling acne is to make a conscious effort to keep your hands away from all areas of the face. Excessive touching of the facial area can disperse acne-causing bacteria across the surface of the skin, and can serve to further exacerbate existing inflammation. It is never wise to intentionally burst pimples with your fingertips, because scars are likely to result.
Having a clearer face may be as simple as taking a dip in the ocean. It is known that salt water has a positive effect on acne. It drys up the oils that cause breakouts, leaving you with a smooth result. You can also make your own salt water and wash daily.
In order to reduce the chances of getting acne, you should make sure that you are getting your daily amount of essential vitamins. Taking a multivitamin once a day can provide essential vitamins that prevent acne, such as Vitamin B. Combined with a supplement for omega 3 fatty acids, you can prevent acne from the inside out.
Taking a high-dose vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) supplement everyday could reduce acne and improve the overall condition of your skin. Some studies suggest that vitamin B5 can regulate hormones and fatty acids. A build up of fatty acids in the body can cause sebum to be excreted through pores on the skin leading to acne, so by taking a supplement that regulates the levels of fatty acids in the body, acne outbreaks should be reduced.
Oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy can sometimes help with adult onset acne. Many women have acne flare ups as adults, when hormones are out of balance, especially in the week prior to menstruation. Under the direction of a physician, success can sometimes be seen when hormone pills and topical treatment are used in combination.
Avoid environmental pollutants as much as possible. The air pollution around us from cars, factories, and construction can take a toll on your skin. Avoiding environmental exposure and taking time to wash your face after being exposed can help to keep your acne at bay. If you live in a larger metropolitan area, this can be much more important.
To reduce the redness that often comes with acne-irritated skin, stay cool. When your body overheats, it gets rid of the extra warmth by sending heat into your capillaries, where the heat can escape through your skin. Unfortunately, this creates a flushed look that can emphasize already-reddened pimples or broken capillaries. Have a cool drink, turn on the fan and avoid steam rooms and sunburns if you want to keep redness at bay.
If you are having problems with adult acne, try laundering your pillow cases and towels more frequently. Most dermatologists recommend changing your pillowcase once or twice weekly and using a clean towel every day. This is because bacteria and dead skin cells can quickly accumulate on the surface of these fabrics, which can then clog pores and cause acne.
Drinking soy milk as opposed to regular cow milk will cut down on breakouts and acne. Dairy milk has natural hormones which aggravate oily skin and as numerous studies have shown, converting to soy milk will improve your complexion as well as provide you with many other health benefits.
Doctors have done studies that have proven that diets that include high carbohydrates can increase the severity of acne. Reducing the intake of sugar, white bread and pastas can reduce the severity of your breakouts or even help to eliminate them altogether. It is a hard thing to do but you will love the results.
Many people with acne also have sensitive skin. The harsh ingredients in most medicines, topical treatments and washes can irritate the skin, causing more acne and redness than there was before. Find natural products and treatments that don’t use chemicals. You can find many of these products in your local health food stores.
If you experience discoloration in your skin after your acne goes away, use moisturizer on that area. Your skin can dry out and become scaly and lighter after your acne goes away. This is especially noticeable with people who have darker skin. Apply moisturizer to the area regularly to help the color return to normal.
Avoid purchasing skin care products that contain mineral oil or petrolatum. These are both petroleum products that are inappropriate for skin care. These sorts of oils are composed of molecules that are too large to be absorbed into the skin, so they just sit on the surface of the skin and cause clogged pores. Choose products containing natural vegetable or plant oils instead.
When acne strikes remember that it is not uncommon and that millions worldwide are afflicted with the same problem as you. There is no need to let it rob you of your dignity or to let it rule your life. Simply hold your head up high, treat the condition as best you can, and get on with enjoying living.