7 Ways To Conquer Acne


Reports show that over 90 percent of all adolescents and almost 25 percent of all adults suffer from acne at some time. Acne affects males and females worldwide, regardless of nationality.

The most effective methods to combat acne include a combination of prevention and better skincare.

Here are some of the ways you can use to prevent and treat acne:

1. Exercise

Regular exercise can help fight acne by fighting off negative stress levels that can come from negative self-esteem and depression. But avoid wearing tight lycra and nylon exercise outfits. These synthetic fabrics that tend to trap body moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. Stick to loose clothing made of cotton or natural blends, and keep your sports gear and equipment clean.

2. Safe Cosmetics

To avoid pore-clogging and skin irritations that can contribute to acne, use products labeled "noncomedogenic" or "oil-free." Opt for "hypo-allergenic" perfumes and cosmetics to avoid allergic reactions and skin irritation. Coal tar derivatives, carmine and heavy cream in blushes can cause reactions.

Shimmering facial colors can contain a flaky mineral called mica that can cause skin irritations and clog pores. Use a lip gloss with a matte finish for less pore-clogging. The more the shine, the more then comedogenic content and the more your pores can clog.

3. Healthy Diet

Studies show that diet does not play a role in either the cause or the treatment of acne. However, what is best for your body is best for your skin. So make sure you get enough vitamins, minerals and supplements that have been known and recommended to prevent and help conquer acne breakouts. These include

  • Vitamin A or Retinol (High doses are toxic)
  • Vitamin B Complex
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • L-Carnitine
  • Zinc

A good quality brand name multivitamin will probably have the recommended vitamins and minerals that you need to help with acne prevention. Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day and making good, healthy dietary food choices.

3. Hormonal Treatment

Hormones (or a lack of them) during later years - especially for women - can play a role in acne flare-ups and prevention. One recent study showed that about 50 percent of women have acne, referred to as hormonal acne, problems during the week before their menstruation.

Treatment options include topical retinoids, oral antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide for teen years. For adults oral contraceptives or hormonal birth control pills and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) may be helpful for women, combined with systemic or topical treatments, prescription or over-the-counter products and medications.

4. Healthy Skin Regimen

Avoid harsh scrubbing or over-washing, because this can cause possible skin irritation or possible over production of oil to replace what's washed off, clogging pores in the process. Use products with gentle exfoliation ingredients and skip products that contain alcohol.

5. Acne Products

Some of the more popular products on the market that can prevent acne include:

  • Benzoyl Peroxide
  • Proactiv® Solution
  • Salicylic Acid
  • Retinoids
  • Antibiotics
  • Oral Contraceptives
  • Anti-Androgens
  • Isotretinoin (Accutane)

6. Shaving

Shaving is actually an excellent way of exfoliating or removing dead skin to help with the prevention and spreading of acne instead of leaving the remains to clog pores. And for some light acne cases already in process, shaving can help rid whiteheads and blackheads from the face. Do not shave areas taht are sore or infected. Use a shaving cream for sensitive skin.

Shave with a sharp blade. Use gentle swipes instead of heavy pressure and go with the flow or "grain." A single-edged blade is better than a twin-blade razor. Electric razors may not shave as close to the skin, but they help with the prevention of acne and other skin breakouts and flare-ups better.

7. Stress

Stress includes external and internal stressors. External Stressors are those that compromise your skin's ability to heal, like oily make-up and too much sun. Internal stressors like anxiety, fear, low self-esteem, depression and a variety of other internalized emotions, can trigger chemical reactions inside your body that can result in acne flare-ups and other skin irritations.

To combat internal stressors and prevent acne problems, get plenty of rest and sleep. Try to maintain regular hours. Keep a check list of "Things that Calm You" handy for stressful times, like reading a book, resting, listening to music, taking a walk, going out for an ice cream cone, etc.

_______________________________________________

Copyright © 2005 Priya Shah

Priya Shah is the editor of The Glutathione Report and Health Naturale. "Get Rid of Acne," is a comprehensive report on acne treatment and remedies available at Treat Acne

This article may be reprinted as long as the resource box is left intact and all links are hyperlinked.

_______________________________________________

The Truth About Your Acne Problem!

Like a good many people I have been the victim... Read More

The Many Benefits of Microdermabrasion

There are numerous microdermabrasion benefits. One of the most noteworthy... Read More

Back to School With Clear Skin

Backpack? Check. Notebooks? Check. Ink-pens? Check. Clear Skin? Mommmm!If you... Read More

Over The Counter Acne Treatments ? Do They Work?

Over the counter, sometimes referred to as otc for short,... Read More

Beware of Acne Cyst! Take the Precautions Necessary

People are exposed in many elements outside and inside their... Read More

Different Ways of Dealing With Acne

Types of AcneAcne is a general term used to describe... Read More

Acne Solutions ? Do You Need One?

Acne solutions occupy the minds of our teenagers. With acne... Read More

7 Ways To Conquer Acne

Reports show that over 90 percent of all... Read More

Conquering Your Acne - A Few Helpful Tips

Acne is the all-encompassing term that refers to blemishes, blackheads,... Read More

Acne Can Be A Problem At Any Age

Adult, teenage and baby acne have something in common; no... Read More

Proactive Facial Cleanser For Acne

Acne can be a tough problem to fight but it... Read More

Remedying the Silly Ways Women Get Acne When Applying Makeup and Moisturizers

Women spend thousands of dollars to create a flawless face.... Read More

Acne Program- Step 4: Adding Essential Fatty Acids To Your Diet

Getting sufficient essential fatty acids is importance in clearing acne.... Read More

Ways To Avoid Acne

In many cases acne can be avoided. There are lots... Read More

Acne -- Prevention And Treatment

Acne is the most common skin related ailment in the... Read More

Healing Skin Cream

There are so many skin creams on the market it's... Read More

Acne Treatments that Work

Two of the best-known treatments for acne include phototherapy and... Read More

The Hows and Whys of Acne

A few simple steps occur that cause skin blemishes. First,... Read More

Take Advantage of Natural Acne Treatments

Let's face it. Nobody is really immune to having acne... Read More

Heres Your Acne Cure Harry Potter

Even though Harry Potter's magic wand could not cure the... Read More