Acne cure marketers know that more than 90 percent of all young people and nearly 25 percent of all grownups suffer from some level of acne. This aggravating condition spares almost no one regardless of where they are in the world because pimples and zits are largely caused by bacteria forming in clogged skin pores.
It makes sense, then, that good common sense methods to treat acne should be followed and these include a proven combination of prevention and sensible skincare. Here are the top 7 things you should put into action right now to prevent and treat acne:
1. Physical Fitness
We all know that physical fitness is extremely important in combating many diseases but few of us realize that we can be promoting acne because of the clothing we wear during exercise. We may look fashionable in those jazzy outfits made from synthetic fabrics like polyester but we may be trapping oils in our pores as we sweat. This is a perfect environment for acne bacteria - body heat and clogged pores.
Exercise outfits should be loose fitting and made of real cotton. Cotton tends to wick off the heat and sweat. You also want to shower immediately after exercising and sanitize your exercise equipment after each workout.
2. Hypo-allergenic Personal Grooming Products (for Men too!)
Any grooming product that contains oil, additives, coloring, or synthetic ingredients such as coal tar should be avoided. This includes cologne or perfumes and hair spray. The word to look for on the label is - hypo-allergenic. Such products are less harsh and do not contribute to acne when used as directed.
Keep your combs, brushes, and other grooming instruments sanitized as well.
Women should avoid cosmetics that have a "shimmer" effect. That shimmer may make you look sultry but it is created by a mineral additive that tends to clog pores. The more you glimmer, the more the mineral content, and the greater chance that you are clogging your pores.
3. What Goes Into The Body Shows On The Outside
A healthy diet is universally accepted as a way to keep you fit and energetic while boosting your immune system. We want our immune system working at high capacity to combat bacteria that causes acne. A healthy diet promotes healthy skin by helping the body shed dead skin quickly, replacing it with fresh and smooth new skin.
Here are a few vitamins, minerals, and other compounds that will help fight severe acne.
...Vitamin A
...Retinol ( but use as directed!)
...Vitamin B Complex
...Vitamin C
...Vitamin E
...L-Carnitine
... Zinc
You need not go overboard with this. Just look for a multivitamin that contains the recommended dosages. Here again, watch out for the hype and avoid super-high-priced products.
3. The Female Hormone Cause of Acne
Hormone imbalance, too much or too little, has been found to be one of the key causes of acne. This hormone imbalance affects women more than men, especially during and after menopause. A recent study found that some 50 percent of women suffered from hormone-caused acne just prior to menstruation. Hormone imbalance was the key cause. Men were not studied but hormone imbalance does effect men who have feminine tendencies.
Ask your doctor about treatment options. Common treatments include retinoids, antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teenagers. If you are an adult, your doctor may recommend hormonal birth control pills or a hormone replacement program. Your doctor may also recommend a combination of topical creams or lotions, prescription drugs or over-the-counter acne treatment products for mild acne.
4. Be Kind To Your Skin
A common sense daily skin cleansing program will go a long way to preventing acne from getting out of control and even preventing outbreaks. The word for this is - moderation. Treat your skin gently when washing. Do not scrub. Do not use very hot water. Use warm water to wash and to rinse. Look for products that exfoliate the skin with natural ingredients. Avoid products that contain alcohol.
The idea here is simple - over washing removes all your skin oil. You will then need to replace that oil. Look for a natural moisturizer product to replace some of the skin oils if you find that your skin is too dry or visibly flaking.
5. Preventing and Treating Acne with Products
As stated earlier, avoid the hyped and expensive products. Go for cheaper alternatives before you lay down your credit card. Here are some of the cheaper alternatives:
...Benzoyl Peroxide
...Salicylic Acid
...Retinoids
...Antibiotics
...Oral Contraceptives
...Anti-Androgens
...Isotretinoin (Accutane)
Please, consult your doctor or skin care specialist for their recommendations.
6. A Close Shave
If you have a mustache or beard and find acne a problem in those areas then shaving may be your solution. You need to remove facial hair because it can capture and hold skin oil and clog pores. If you do not have excessive facial hair, a good shave is a proven way to clean your skin of dead cells. The body naturally replaces dead skin every several weeks and shaving helps that process. New skin takes the place of the dead skin and your complexion will look much healthier.
Shaving can also clean off mild blackheads and zits, however, be careful shaving around severe acne for obvious reasons. If you have sensitive skin, opt for shaving cream made specifically for your skin type. Avoid shaving cream that has oil additives.
Shave with a sharp single blade razor or use an electric razor. Use light pressure while shaving and go with the grain or hair growth not against it. A close shave should not cause cuts or sensitivity. Rinse with very warm water, not hot water nor cold water.
7. The Acne-Stress Connection
Stress creates toxins in the body that can contribute to acne by forcing our immune system to react. A weak immune system allows these toxins to stay in the body. While a sensible exercise program will burn off those toxins before they can cause damage, it is much better to learn to handle stress before it becomes a problem.
You need to learn to deal with anxiety, fear, low self-confidence, depression and any other negative emotions. Not handling these stresses can leave toxins inside your body that can cause acne and other skin problems.
Aside from exercise, a good night's sleep is an excellent stress reliever. When we go without sleep our tiredness, in itself, is a stressor. We also need to take time to rest and relax during our waking hours. Take a walk and smell the flowers, so to speak. Take up a relaxing hobby, listen to music that reminds you of happier times, call a friend on the phone, tell someone a joke, watch a funny video, do anything that removes the stress.
You need not settle for a life of bad skin! Visit the Top Acne Solutions for more helpful acne home remedy tips and tricks. For reviews of the top three natural acne treatments, also visit Natural Acne Cures.
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