Avoid Acne

Common acne (aka "acne vulgaris") is a skin condition characterized by what are often called pimples or zits. It can occur anywhere on the body and at any age, though it typically affects teenagers on the face and back. Some factors, such as being in puberty, can't be altered, but you can take steps to avoid and prevent acne. Keep yourself healthy and presentable by removing factors that contribute to acne.

Steps

 * 1) Remove bacteria from your pores. Your skin can become "allergic" to this bacteria. Use anti-bacterial products containing benzoyl peroxide by rubbing, twice daily, into the pores over the affected region or washing with a medicated wash. Do not use bar soap(it can clog the pores). Keep in mind that this may cause dryness, local irritation and redness. Warm water cleans your pores very well. So you should fill the sink with warm water, pull your hair back and put your face under water for about 10 seconds.
 * 2) Avoid exposing your skin to other sources of oil and irritants.
 * 3) *Break the habit of touching your face.
 * 4) *Keep bangs off of your forehead. The oil in hair as well as hair products in general may clog pores. Or use oil absorbing sheets.
 * 5) *If you use a phone a lot, don't let it touch your face.
 * 6) *Change your pillowcases and sheets once a week to prevent the build-up of oils and bacteria that can re-occupy your pores.
 * 7) *Use non-comedogenic moisturizers and makeup. Choose cosmetics that are water-based and hypoallergenic. Avoid oil-based products, coal tar derivatives, and heavy creams. Make sure you wash your skin thoroughly every night to remove makeup residue.
 * 8) Review your diet and the research surrounding the links between diet and acne. The relationship between food and acne is a debatable topic. Your diet may or may not have an effect on acne.
 * 9) *Stay hydrated.
 * 10) *Studies have shown a correlation between milk and acne. Try substituting with soy milk and other calcium-rich foods.
 * 11) *Excessive consumption of foods high in iodine, such as seafood, may worsen acne, but probably won't trigger it.
 * 12) *Research suggests--but does not prove--that a diet with a low glycemic index may reduce the likelihood of acne. High glycemic foods to replace with healthier alternatives include:
 * 13) **soft drinks (drink water instead)
 * 14) **sweets (substitute with fruit)
 * 15) **white bread (replace with whole wheat bread)
 * 16) Dermabrasion removes the redness. A simple natural home remedy for this is to use the skin inside of an egg shell. Google "dermabrasion with eggs".
 * 17) Consult a dermatologist regarding your acne. Minimize use of medication containing halogens (iodides, chlorides, bromides), lithium, barbiturates, or androgens.
 * 18) Keep your bed sheets clean. Wash your pillow case on a regular schedule to reduce the transfer of natural body oils.
 * 19) Wash your face one time a day. Don't over-wash, because that will cause only more production of oil on your skin. Or use very gentle cleansers for normal skin that don't dehydrate the skin and wash twice a day.
 * 20)  ''' Make sure to do these weekly to avoid lying on dirty items!!

Tips

 * As with any common condition, keeping your body hydrated is sound advice.
 * Avoid drinking too much alcohol (especially beer) and eating spicy food. These increase the level of heat within, believed by the Chinese to be linked to acne. Salads, avocado etc will help.
 * Drink herbal or green tea at least once a day to help detox your system.
 * Try Dan's regimen of gently washing your face twice a day, then applying generous amounts of benzoyl peroxide and finally putting on a good non-comodogenic moisturizer.
 * Cleanse the colon by taking psyllium husks with water once or twice per day. This is another excellent way of detoxing the body. Psyllium can be found at most chemists, pharmacies, and drugstores.
 * Sometimes the best way of taking care of this condition is by doing it naturally, as in using natural products. Witch Hazel can help when applied with a cotton swab after washing your face.
 * Some people believe that green apples are extremely good for preventing and fighting existing acne both on your face and around the body. To avoid acne, eat one green apple a day (cut it into slices if need be and eat it throughout the day). And to reduce existing acne, cut a green apple into quarters and rub two of those quarters over the acne areas. If needed, use the rest, or just eat them. Combine this with drinking plenty of water to achieve clear skin.
 * If all else fails and you have severe problems: Accutane (also referred to as Roaccutane) removes the underlying root of Acne and will in many cases rid you of the problem forever. It does however have several side effects and potential severe ones.
 * If you have glasses wash them so that all the oil is off your face.
 * There are no perfect creams or medicines that make your face smooth, soft and acne-free.
 * Try sleeping upright as often as possible (with your back facing the bed)
 * If you smoke, quit smoking, as nicotine, an ingredient found in cigarettes, has been tied to the eruption of acne on the skin. Quit smoking, and notice your skin becoming clearer.
 * Consult your dermatologist, he can help you get rid of the problem better than you can do it yourself.
 * Oily skin may be a bad thing now. Fortunately, the oils on your skin will slow down the aging process so you wont have many wrinkles when your older.
 * Always wash your face when you are sweaty. The oils in your skin can cause more breakouts, stress also takes a part of breaking out. When you are stressed, the chances of breaking out are 55.5%.
 * Also, if you have bangs, wash them every 2 day's to stay with a clean forehead.

Warnings

 * Never make any drastic changes in your diet or skin routine without first consulting a medical professional; certain hormones can cause unexpected break outs!
 * Anything beyond very gentle cleansing can actually worsen existing lesions and even encourage new ones by damaging or over-drying skin.
 * You should only scrub your face if you have no existing pimples. Scrub lightly; avoid scrubbing too much or with too much pressure.
 * Benzoyl peroxide can have a bleaching effect on clothes and hair. It may also increases sensitivity to the sun, so you might find that you burn faster!
 * Hydrating creams and lotions clog pores.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Get Rid of Acne Without Using Medication
 * How to Stop Acne Reinfection
 * How to Make Your Own Acne Treatment
 * How to Get Rid of Acne on Your Chest and Back
 * How to Get Rid of Scars and Cuts Left by Acne
 * How to Make an Egg Facial Mask
 * How to Add Natural Ingredients to Face Cleansers for Healthy Skin
 * How to Create a Hot Compress for Acne Treatment and Skin Health
 * How to Get Rid of Acne

Sources and Citations

 * Wikipedia on acne - More background information about acne vulgaris; what causes it, what's a myth and what's not, and more treatment options.