There are thousands of oil glands in the skin. In the middle of your face, there are around 2000 oil glands per square inch. These glands lubricate the skin. These pores and glands sometimes become plugged by dirt, dead skin, and excess oil. The clogging and irritation of these pores creates acne.
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1. Hands Off
Do not pick or squeeze any of the pimples. This spreads bacteria and can cause scars. Even if you pop a pimple on the surface, the inflammation may be forced into the surrounding tissue below the skin.
2. Washing
Acne cannot be washed away. This only removes the oil from the surface but does not unclog the pores. Excessive washing of the face will just result in drying out the skin.
Wash once or twice a day with mild soap or nonsoap cleanser. Rub lightly with fingertips and use warm water. Do not use an abrasive washcloth since this might damage the skin.
3. Do Not Exfoliate
Exfoliating is the removal of the top layer of dead skin cells by using an abrasive washcloth, loofah or specially designed product. Acne is already irritating the skin and scrubbing makes it worse. Do not use facial brushes, rough sponges, or cleansers with scrubbing granules.
4. Benzoyl Peroxide
Several over-the-counter products contain benzoyl peroxide. This ingredient helps unclog pores and decreases bacteria on the skin. Start with the lowest concentration of benzoyl peroxide. The dose should be two-and-a-half to five percent lotion or gel applied once a day.
After one week up the application to twice a day if the benzoyl peroxide does not irritate your skin. After four to six weeks, up the dose to ten percent if there has been no improvement with your acne. This dose can be applied twice a day if needed. Benzoyl peroxide tends to dry out the skin so apply a mild moisturizer after each application.
5. Makeup
Use water-based makeup since oil-based makeup will only aggravate the pores. Check the label on your makeup to see if it contains oil. If you are unsure then use observation to determine the base of the makeup.
If your makeup separates after it sits undisturbed then it is water-based. If it does not separate then it is oil-based. The best makeup to use while suffering from acne is powdered. Eye makeup and lipstick are generally okay since they go on areas that are not affected by acne.
6. Diet
Diet does not have an affect on acne. Chocolate, greasy foods, nuts and other foods have not been proven to cause acne. If you do happen to eat something that causes an acne flare-up then simply avoid that food in the future.
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