Acne Skin Care - To The Rescue!

by Linda Woods

People suffering from acne have a natural tendency to find the strongest, harshest products and proceed to scrub their face as if it were a hard tile floor. What this process does is aggravate and create a worse case of acne.

There are several degrees of acne from light to moderate exemplified by whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules to severe acne including cysts and nodules.

The following is a simple daily regimen for all types:

· Wash Gently - Wash your hands first with an antibacterial soap (Dial liquid for example). Use a gentle facial cleanser (examples are Cetaphil liquid or bar, Basis bar soap or Purpose bar soap). Use your fingertips in small circular motions and move upward on your face from the jaw line to the hairline. Rinse with cool water – never use hot water. For more severe acne, use a cleanser with Triclosan. It is a mild antibacterial. It cleanses but does not strip the skin of natural needed nutrients and oils.

· Medicate - with 2.5% Benzoyl peroxide (gel or cream). Apply gently in upward strokes from the jaw line to the hairline. DO NOT USE 10%! The 2.5% has the same beneficial effects without irritating the skin. Please note: 1-3% of the population can be allergic to Benzoyl peroxide. Test it on a place on your skin where there is no acne. If it reddens or shows signs of irritation do not use this product. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabrics.

· Moisturize - Yes! Moisturize your acne skin. Cetaphil moisturizing lotion is an example of a gentle product. It may feel thick, so use it sparingly, again using long upward strokes on to the face.

For severe acne (after a few weeks) add a few drops of a mild, gentle hydroxyl moisturizer to the Cetaphil in the palm of your hand. Several examples of a mild, gentle hydroxyl moisturizer are Lax Hydrin 5 and Neutrogena Healthy Skin with AHA. These may sting slightly at the onset of using the product combination.

For light to moderate acne care (after a few weeks) add 3 drops of jojoba oil in the palm of your hand to the Cetaphil.

Do Not:

· Pick at your blemishes or attempt to “pop” them
· Use harsh soaps
· Use body soaps on the face
· Use harsh washcloths or scrubbing motions

Do:

· Shampoo your hair regularly. Daily washing for oily conditions.
· Follow the regimen morning and night, and after exercising.

When to visit a Dermatologist

· For severe cases of acne
· If the regimen followed faithfully for 60 days does not show any improvement

Body Acne

· Follow the same regimen as you used on your face
· Avoid tight clothing (pressure from clothes can irritate the skin)
· Sports helmets and backpacks can also be a factor

Make up / Cosmetics and Acne Skin Care

· Choose an oil-free foundation. It will not go on smoothly in the first few weeks of following the regimen.
· Be careful even if the make-up says “noncomedogenic”. It may still cause irritation and further aggravate acne.

Shaving (Men)

· Change the blade often. For disposable razors that would be after 2-3 shaves.
· Try a gently designed razor like Gillette Sensor Excel. You will still need to change the razor often (after approximately 5 times).
· No electric razors

Acne is curable when you care for your skin properly. Find the products that work for you. Remember your best asset is your smile. Do it daily!

Linda Woods is a freelance writer and radio talk show host with a focus on healing, self-help and empowerment. Intention is everything. Set your intention to take care of your skin. Get all the latest in skin care information at http://www.rareskincare.com Be sure to check out our acne skin care pages.

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