Are you like million others traumatized by acne? Embarrassed to step out of your home with those red flare-ups of your skin? Many people have sensitive skin that is prone to pimples and acne. Acne is a common skin condition that causes inflammation of the skin and affects all age groups. Acne can appear anywhere on the face, neck, back and chest. Stress, anxiety, unhealthy eating and insomnia are the most common reasons for acne. Research reveals that every 8 out of 10 people suffer from acne prone skin and are struggling to find a cure. Yes, it is possible. With a regular skin care regimen you can achieve impeccable and flawless skin.
Treatment Products for Acne
Your skin is more than just acne and blemishes. An acne prone skin also succumbs to fine lines and wrinkles causing the ageing faster. If you are prone to acne breakouts and suffer from bouts of acne frequently, it is obvious that your first priority would be to treat acne. But it is important to put together a complete skin care regimen that fights acne, reduces fine lines and wrinkles and prevent the future occurrence of acne.
Knowing the correct treatment products is very important for effective removal of acne. Usage of wrong products can further worsen and damage your skin. Following is a general list of products that you require to use in your daily skin care regimen for acne.
1. Cleanser
Cleansing is the most important step in your skin care regimen. Choose a cleanser that is gentle and water soluble. This will help effectively remove excess oil, debris of skin cells and remove makeup from your skin. A good cleanser will help you keep your skin looking clean, fresh and radiant.
2. Toner
The next step after cleansing your skin is toning. The toner helps remove excess makeup if any and keeps the skin cool and hydrated. A toner also evens out the complexion making your skin glow.
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3. Exfoliator
Overexposure to the sun results in the thick and oily skin which in turn creates a perfect surface for the build-up of acne. An exfoliator helps remove dead skin cells, cleans clogged pores, reduces wrinkles and fights acne.
4. Benzoyl-Peroxide
For those who are already having acne breakouts on their skin, this is the perfect treatment. Following exfoliation, treatment with Benzoyl-Peroxide kills the bacteria causing acne and reduces the redness of the surrounding skin.
5. Skin Lightener
Acne often leads to dark patches and skin discoloration leaving your skin scarred, dull and lifeless. After the usage of Benzoyl-Peroxide, use an effective skin lightener that will help reduce the dark spots and discolouration formed due to acne.
Regular Skin Care Regimen for Acne Prone Skin
Now that you know the various treatment products to be used for acne prone skin, following is a step wise regular skin care routine to banish acne and prevent them from coming again.
1. Wash Your Face With a Proper Cleanser
Cleansing should be a regular routine for acne prone skin. Acne is most commonly caused due to the clogged pores in the oily skin. Washing your face with a water-soluble cleanser will ensure cleaning up clogged pores and removing the excess oil from the skin surface. Ensure to wash your face with a cleanser twice a day- ideally once in the morning and once at night before going to bed.
2. Exfoliate Your Skin
It is absolutely essential to remove dead skin cells so that new skin cells are formed. Exfoliation is a process of removing dead skin cells and initiating new skin cell regeneration. Exfoliate your skin in circular motions and then rinse off with cold water. Pat your face dries with a soft towel. You can choose to buy exfoliating pads to which the cleanser can be applied.
3. Herbal Treatment
There are plenty of medicinal plants and herbs that are used specifically for acne treatment. Herbs like Aloe Vera, Papaya, Licorice root extract, lemon juice and Tea Tree Oil help in treating acne effectively and prevent them from recurring.
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4. Avoid Excess Make-Up
Excess make-up makes the face sticky and attracts more dirt when you step outside. This results in clogging of the pores and bacteria to settle in which further leads to acne breakouts. Minimum usage or a light make-up will keep your skin free to breathe. Always try using mineral based or water based make-up on ensuring your face remains clean and fresh.
5. Apply Moisturizer
Although the primitive knowledge is to not moisturize an oily skin, it is otherwise. Moisturizing you skin regularly is a very important step as acne medications and treatment can over-dry the skin leaving the skin dull and lifeless. Choose an oil free moisturizer or gel to avoid your skin from getting too oily. To prevent dry and peeling skin, apply the moisturizer twice daily- ideally once in the morning and once at night before going to bed.
6. Eat a Hydrating and Balanced Diet
One of the major causes of acne is unhealthy eating habits. Avoid junk food and replace with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fibre, beans and nuts. Avoid junk and sugary foods as they increase oil production in your body. Drink plenty of water and consume foods rich in Vitamin C and Omega fatty acids to keep your skin looking fresh and hydrated.
7. Use Anti-biotic Creams
Anti-biotic creams target bacteria causing acne and kill them from within. They also reduce the risk of infection and redness in the surrounding skin areas. Regular usage will also prevent them from recurring and also reduce secondary infections.
8. Use One Acne Treatment At a Time
Although we are in a hurry to get rid of acne as soon as possible and opt for various treatments, it is advisable to stick to one treatment at a time. Too many treatments can damage the skin further. Keep patience and wait for one treatment to work before moving on to another one.
Simple Home Remedies for Acne
1. Baking Soda
Baking soda, a very common kitchen ingredient at your home, works as an exfoliant which unclogs the pores and removes dead skin cells. Baking soda has anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties that helps effectively treat acne. Make a mixture of baking soda with water and apply on the affected areas. Use baking soda twice a week for best results.
2. Lemon Juice
The acidic property of lemon targets the bacteria causing acne and cleans out the clogged pores. Lemon juice also reduces the redness caused due to acne. Lemon Juice can be applied on acne affected areas daily for effective results.
3. Toothpaste
Surprised? Yes, the ingredient used to clean your teeth everyday can be used effectively in getting rid of acne too. It is one of the easiest home remedies for acne.
4. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a natural cleansing agent that cleanses your pores and absorbs excess oil from your skin. It also exfoliates your skin by removing dead skin cells and initiating new cell generation. Oatmeal is not just a healthy diet but healthy on your skin too!
5. Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera is the easiest natural remedy available to treat acne effectively. The gel can be extracted from the leaf of an Aloe Vera plant, or the gel is easily available in commercial stores. Aloe Vera has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the redness and treat acne in no time. Aloe Vera gel also helps reduce the scars and discoloration caused due to acne.
Additional Tips
- Always use washed and clean towels to wipe your face and body.
- Ensure you wash your pillow covers and bedsheets regularly (preferably once a week)
- While using hair products, make sure you prevent them from falling on your face and the product can cause skin irritation leading to acne.
- Choose your cosmetics carefully. Always make sure to test the product behind your ear or on a patch under your wrist to check for any side effects.
- Always use herbal oil free and chemical free products on your face and body. Choose natural ingredients over chemical synthetic ingredients.
- Do not wash your face excessively.
- Always cleanse your face properly after exercise.
- Do not over-scrub your face, as it may cause skin irritation.
- Never pick on acne or pimples, as picking makes them bigger and causes further infections. If you take care not to touch them, acne heals faster.
Your skin is the most exposed part of your body and is easy to fall prey to most infections. Acne is the worst and most unexpected guest. It shows up at anytime and stays more than welcome. Although embarrassing, you can prevent it from attacking your skin, unless you take proper precautions. Diagnosing, treating and preventing acne is the only key to stay out of acne for a long period of time. Like the way we take care of our body internally, it is equally important to look after our skin with precautions. Following the above-mentioned skin care regimen will help you stay clear out of acne. Keep a strict skin care regimen and say goodbye to acne!
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