Want to improve the health of your skin? Make an effort to sort out your acne. These tips will help you get started:
Keep your face clean at all times. Whether you have acne or not, it is important to wash your face two times per day to remove extra oil from the skin surface — dead skin cells and impurities. It isn’t necessary to wash more frequently than two times per day as it might do more harm than good. Use a mild facial cleanser and warm water ( not hot water). When a harsh soap is used it may hurt skin that is inflamed and cause additional irritation. Do not scrub your skin too harshly using a loofah. Instead, sponge with a coarse texture, exfoliating glove or washcloth. Wash it gently with your hands on a very soft cloth. Rinse well at all times, and use a clean towel to dry your face. Don’t forget to throw the towel into your laundry hamper after use as bacteria is spread by dirty towels. Only use your washcloth one time.
Moisturize.There are ingredients in many acne products that dry out your skin. Use a moisturizer that will minimize skin peeling and dryness. Simply look on the label for “noncomedogenic.” That means that the product shouldn’t cause acne. Moisturizers are available for combination, dry or oily skin.
Try using an over-the-counter acne product. A prescription isn’t needed for these acne products. A majority of them have ingredients like lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicyclic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which dry your skin and curb bacteria. They might cause peeling or drying to begin with so at first start out with a small amount. You can then adjust how much and how often to use it. A new topical OTC retinoid gel is another option. It works to prevent acne from forming. If you happen to have sensitive skin, these products should be used cautiously.
Use makeup sparingly. Avoid wearing blush, powder or foundation during a breakout. If you are going to wear makeup, at the end of each day wash it off. Also, if possible, select cosmetics that are oil-free without any added chemicals or dyes. According to most Singapore dermatologists you should choose “noncomedogenic” makeup, which means it shouldn’t cause any acne. Look at the product label and read through the ingredients list before you buy anything.
Be careful about what you put into your hair. Avoid using gels, pomades, oils or fragrances in your hair. If they get onto your face, your skin’s pores could be blocks and they can irritate your skin. A gentle shampoo as well as conditioner should be used. Oily hair may add to your face’s oil, so make sure to frequently wash your hair, particularly if you are breaking out. Do you have long hair? If so, make sure it is pulled back from your face.
Your hands should be kept off of your face. Avoid propping up your chin or cheek with your hands and don’t touch your face. This can help spread bacteria and may irritate your facial skin that is already inflamed. Never pop or pick pimples with your fingers, since this can result in scarring or infection.
Stay away from the sun. The ultraviolet rays of the sun may increase redness and inflammation, and might cause a dark discoloration called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. There are some acne medications that might result in your skin being more sensitive to sun. Your time in the sun should be limited, particularly during the hours of 10 am to 2 pm. More importantly protective clothing should be worn, like a broad-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt and pants. Whether or not you have pimples, a broad-spectrum sunscreen that includes SPF of 30 or higher should be applied at least 20 minutes prior to being exposed to the sun. Check the sunscreen label for “noncomedogenic” to make it less likely that you will get new pimples. Share your tips on acne treatment. We would love to hear from you.
