Though commonly thought of as a problem for teenagers, blemishes don't always disappear when you get older. Adults are not immune to having blemishes. Whatever your age, it’s wise to be careful what you put on your skin since it will be absorbed into your body.
A Light Touch When Washing.
It's a really bad idea to scrub your face if you're prone to acne. It does the opposite, and if you rub your skin too roughly, it’s more likely to stir up more blemishes and aggravate ones you already have. It's so important you clean your face gently.
A gentle face washing helps avoid irritation that will make acne worse. It's best to not even use a washcloth. It's better to just splash some water on your face, then lather up your hands with the mild cleansing wash or mild soap.
Once you’ve washed your face, use a clean washcloth to gently pat the water off the skin until it’s dry.
Benzoyl Peroxide Best Acne Fighter.
Be sure your skin is completely dry, then use an over-the-counter medication with benzoyl peroxide. The best non-prescription medication you can use to control blemishes has this active ingredient. Peroxide has been used to cleanse skin a long time, and benzoyl peroxide is also a mild drying agent.
Use 2.5% benzoyl peroxide as it has been shown to be just as effective as 5% or 10%, but won't irritate your skin so much. It's a bad idea to irritate your skin and make acne worse instead of better.
It's quite important to start with a SMALL amount of medication. It’s a drying agent and can cause redness and itchiness, so don’t slather on a bunch right from the beginning. The first time, use just enough medication to very lightly cover your skin the first time, then gradually increase the amount you’re using. Within a couple of weeks you should be slathering a good coating of medication on your skin.
Be certain to stay away from the tender skin under your eyes. It is thinner and more easier irritated that the rest of the skin on your face, and not prone to break-outs anyway.
Use Moisturizer.
Due to the fact benzoyl peroxide dries out your skin, it’s important to apply moisturizer. Once your skin is completely dry, lightly apply moisturizer to your face. Wait for the moisturizer to dry, and if you skin still appears dry or flaky, add some more.
Be certain to apply the moisturizer even when first beginning to use benzoyl peroxide. This is to keep your skin from drying out too much.
Is Diet Important?
It’s an on again, off again thing with the scientific community as to whether diet has any effect on acne. Too much iodine is known to aggravate blemishes, so don’t go overboard with the salt shaker if you’re using iodized salt, or eat too many iodine rich foods like clams, crabs or other shellfish.
Don't pay attention to scientific theories, however, and if you notice that your skin tends to break out more after eating certain foods, quit eating them. Scientists don't always have the definitive answer since body chemistry and the effects of foods and other substances on our skin is so complex. (How many drugs have been okayed as safe, only to discover at a later date they have bad, or even lethal, side effects?)
Quick Help.
When you have a blemish and need help quick, try one of the following:
- If you run out of benzoyl peroxide and have a blemish, try using a little calamine lotion. This zaps the zit by soaking up the excess oil.
- Once you've got your face washed, use an ice cube for 60 seconds on any blemishes. It helps reduce the inflammation and make them less noticeable.
- Do not squeeze! While it may seemingly allow that place to heal more quickly, it will irritate the surrounding skin and may cause more blemishes.
- Watch what kind of make-up you use. Especially bad for acne prone skin is any kind of oil based make-up. If you want to wear make-up, look for fragrance-free types that are meant for people with sensitive skin.
The Desire Is For Clear Skin.
Nobody wants acne, but a good skin care regimen can usually help or totally eradicate the problem.
Clear skin is the clear goal.
No comments:
Post a Comment