Tips For Acne

Acne could easily be cured by making certain changes in the dietary habits, behavioral and emotional lifestyle and strictly maintaining some precautionary measures.

• 1Avoid excess exposure to sunlight
  And do not use tanning booths or sun lamps. Contrary to common belief, tanning does not clear acne, it simply masks it. Some acne treatments can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight and ultraviolet light from tanning booths and sun lamps. If you have acne, it is important to protect your skin by following sun-protection practices, such as wearing noncomedogenic (won't clog your pores) sunscreen and avoiding sunburns.
• 2Gently wash and dry acne-prone areas
  Gently wash and dry acne-prone areas only twice a day. Washing removes excess oil and dead skin cells. But too much washing can irritate the skin. Wash areas daily with a gentle cleanser and use oil-free, water-based skin-care products.
• 3Avoid heavy foundation cosmetics
  Avoid using greasy lotions or cosmetic products since they are usually oil based and oils always irritate acne problems. Choose powder cosmetics over cream products because they're less irritating. When buying cosmetics or other skin care products, make sure it is labeled as noncomedogenic.
• 4Remove makeup before going to bed
  Leaving makeup products on your skin only contributes to clogging your pores, causing more pimples and blackheads.
• 5 Shower after exercise or strenuous work
  Oil and sweat on your skin can trap dirt and bacteria.
• 6Do NOT pop, squeeze or pick at acne
  This can make acne worse by spreading inflammation. With medical treatment, removing lesions is rarely necessary. When comedo removal is needed, it should be performed by a healthcare professional.
• 7Reduce and control stress
  Psychological stress may exacerbate acne [3]. Controlling stress can reduce the release of the stress hormone cortisol, and therefore reduce the severity of the acne. There are various ways you can reduce stress and become more relaxed:
  - Moderate exercise will increase blood flow to the skin and aid healing, as well as improve the health of your internal organs enabling them to get rid of waste more effectively.
  - Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises and meditation
  - Yoga
  
• 8Drink water
  Water is the essential substance for the health of our skin. Drink several glasses of water a day to flush out the toxins in your body and skin.
• 9Hair care
  Wash your hair frequently. If your hair is long enough to touch your face, try to wash it as often as necessary to keep the oils away. If you can't avoid hair sprays or gels altogether, try to keep them and your hair away from your face because they can clog pores.
• 10Eat foods rich in beta-carotene (Vitamin A)
  Vitamin A strengthens the protective tissue of the skin and actually prevents acne. It helps reduce sebum production. This vitamin is essential for the maintenance and repair of the tissue which the skin and mucous membranes are made of. Vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant needed to rid your body of toxins.
• 11Eat foods rich in Zinc
  Zinc is an antibacterial agent and a necessary element in the oil-producing glands of the skin.
• 12Avoid touching your face
  It's amazing how often we touch our faces during the day. Our hands have oil on them and of course bacteria too, both of which can make acne worse. So avoid touching your face or leaning your chin on your hand. Be sure that other objects that come in contact with your face like cell phones, telephone receivers, eye glasses, etc are clean.
• 13Dairy products
  Some people suffering from acne may react to milk or dairy products [1-2]. Milk contains hormones which can promote the potential for acne infections. Hormonally induced acne frequently follows the chin and jaw line.

Sources & References

• 1. Adebamowo CA, Spiegelman D, Berkey CS, Danby FW, Rockett HH, Colditz GA, Willett WC, Holmes MD. Milk consumption and acne in adolescent girls. Dermatol Online J. 2006 May 30;12(4):1. PubMed
• 2. Adebamowo CA, Spiegelman D, Danby FW, Frazier AL, Willett WC, Holmes MD. High school dietary dairy intake and teenage acne. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2005 Feb;52(2):207-14. PubMed
• 3. Yosipovitch G, Tang M, Dawn AG, Chen M, Goh CL, Huak Y, Seng LF. Study of psychological stress, sebum production and acne vulgaris in adolescents. Acta Derm Venereol. 2007;87(2):135-9. PubMed