How To Control Acne: Abridged

I want to do a quick, no nonsense post on acne. We have several on here already, but they’re pretty in depth.

We’ll keep this one to the point so you know what to look for when looking for products.

Acne is a combination of excesses: oil, skin cells and bacteria.

Tips for Controlling Oily Skin:

• Make sure you moisturizer is oil-free.
• Look for “Salicylic Acid” on the ingredient list. It dissolves oil and is one of the only ingredients that actually goes deep down into the pore. It can be found in washes, exfoliants, serums and facial balms. Use as low of a percentage and as sparingly as possible.
• Use loose or pressed powder foundations, and try to go with a good quality mineral makeup. You may have to spend a bit more, but they last longer, give great coverage, don’t clog pores and usually have skin soothers in them that reduce inflammation
• Wash gently with soap free cleansers morning and night. Stripping the skin of ALL it’s oil will result in skin overcompensating and producing more oil in an effort to balance.

Tips for Exfoliating Acne Prone Skin:

• There’s usually a certain amount of sensitivity associated with acne. Stay away from really abrasive, mechanical scrubs. No crushed pits, shells or nuts. Those cut and inflame the skin.
• Cycle in an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) such as Glycolic Acid  3-4 times a year for a month or two. Tingly, kinda of itchy, but very effectice at getting rid of those dead skin cells. It will brighten, even out texture and tone, and control blackheads and moderate breakouts.
• You can either gently exfoliate daily, or more aggressively 1-3 times a week. Not both. Overdoing will not give you better results. Consistancy and patience will.

Tips for Controlling Acne Bacteria:

• Benzoyl Peroxide is still the best available for this. Look for less than 5% in a spot treatment and apply to individual blemishes. It can cause severe dryness if put over the whole face
• Tea Tree oil can also be used in an antibacterial fashion. Make sure you’re using as a pure form of it. If it’s synthetic, it won’t have the anti-bacterial properties.

Diet: There’s still no actual, scientific proof that this effects acne. But I can’t imagine eating a more balanced diet will have an effect you would regret.

Some things to remember:

• It may get worse before it gets better. It’s frustrating and unfair, but for some people, that’s how it works.
• Be patient and consistant. Using a product for 4 days, or even 14, may not be long enough to really change and balance the skin. Give the products time to work and use them properly.
• Don’t touch your face. Clean your phone. Wash your pillow cases.

There are a lot of great products out there. Try these guidelines and you should see success. If your acne doesn’t clear up or if it worsens to cystic, it’s definitely time to see a dermatologist.

There is a solution, it’s just a matter of finding the one that works for your skin.

Share your tips below!

Tags: acne, bright skin, clear complexion, clear skin, pimples

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