Acne Skin Care

Acne skin care is a priority for many people since over ninety percent of us will unfortunately suffer with acne breakouts at some time during our lives. The right skin care routine can combat blemishes and prevent future flareups from occurring.

Three Step Acne Skin Care

Acne-prone skin is like taking care of any other skin type when it comes to basics – you always use a three step system. Whether your system is based on natural elements, over-the-counter remedies or prescriptions, you will always use a cleanser, toner and moisturizer.

Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser to remove dead skin cells, dirt and oils. Next, use a toner to get rid of the residue that may remain after cleansing, Finally, apply a light, noncomedogenic moisturizer to maintain your skin's balance. Moderate to severe acne sufferers can use specialized acne cream with ingredients such as tea tree oil or benzoyl peroxide to combat breakouts while replenishing moisture.

Never combine acne skin care routines. Certain ingredients do not mix well with others and you should never conduct a potentially harmful chemistry experiment on your face. By sticking with one line of acne treatment products at a time, you can identify what works and what does not work without irritating your skin.

Also, certain ingredients in your acne treatment products can actually aggravate the condition and should be avoided. Elements that should not be included in your everyday skin care regime include lanolin, mineral oil, parabens and propylene glycol that can cause inflammation and irritation.

Controlling Breakouts

There are acne skin care remedies that can help clear up pimples and prevent future breakouts. Over the counter acne skin care treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid and tea tree oil are particularly helpful for clearing up this skin problem.

To remove dead skin cells that can clog your pores and aggravate acne, you can use clay masks, microdermabrasion and exfoliating scrubs. Avoid harsh treatments that will strip or irritate your skin, causing additional breakouts.

The Right Diet

Including certain vitamins in your diet is an essential part of an effective acne skin care routine. Vitamins to enhance your acne skin care program include vitamin A (found in carrots and tomatoes), vitamin B (found in meats and whole grains), vitamin C (found in oranges and lemons), vitamin E (found in almonds and vegetable oil) and zinc (found in eggs and mushrooms). Your daily diet should include six to eight glasses of water daily to flush toxins out of your system for clearer skin.

Foods that really don't belong in your everyday diet (and can also pack on unwanted weight) include fried foods, chocolate, sweets, saturated fats, soft drinks and alcohol.

Acne Regimes Take Time

No matter which acne treatment option you choose, remember it takes time to see results. Allow six to eight weeks for your program to work before changing your routine or trying a new one.

By following a practical acne skin care treatment routine, you can enjoy a more glowing complexion in just a few weeks.

Acne Skin Care Grooming Tips

To best deal with the excess oil that builds up on the skin, use an astringent, especially if you have excessively oily skin. Additionally, do not use a moisturizer every day. However, a moisturizer with no oil is very useful directly after washing the skin when it is at its roughest.

Your products should be water based when at all possible so as to avoid the excess oil that some products can produce. Also use a sulfur-based soap twice a day to wash your face. Be gentle when washing though to avoid abuse of the skin. Scrubbing will negate the positive effects of your acne skin care.

Honey is a great facial mask product. It works as a disinfectant and in some cases to heal some blemishes. As a natural acne skin care product, it is believed to be one of the most effective. Long hair does not bode well for skin afflicted by acne either. The dust and oil in your hair brushing against your face will only serve to further clog pores and inflame acne.

Acne Skin Care through Nutrition and Supplements

There are plenty of vitamins and supplements you can take on a daily basis to increase the effectiveness of your acne skin care regiment. A multi-vitamin should be a part of your diet while an additional chromium supplement will serve to help your blemishes heal quicker. Vitamin A is a natural skin protector as well as an acne preventative, acting to reduce sebum.

Drinking at least 8 glasses of water each day will keep your skin clean and your body hydrated to promote overall health and subsequent skin health. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables on a regular basis is not only a good healthy habit; it promotes acne skin care by combating the negative nutritional factors that can cause acne such as greasy food.

What Not to Do during Acne Skin Care

There are a variety of things you should avoid at all costs. Do no pop or squeeze pimples as it can easily lead to infection and further swelling or even scarring of your skin. Alcohol based skin care products should also be avoided as they promote the production of the hormones that cause acne. Wash your pillow cases and your sheets every day if possible to reduce oil transferred to your face. Stress is another common cause of acne, so try to find times to relax and not allow stress to overcome your body.

Ultimately, the proper combination of a healthy lifestyle and the right acne skin care techniques can ensure that your body remains as healthy as possible and keep your skin as clear as possible.

By: Maya McMahon