People who are blessed with clear complexions may want to read this anyway, because who knows down the road what their skin may do!! At some point in life, acne is going to be a problem- whether it's a serious condition, or just a few breakouts here and there. Whatever your skins condition, you can find some help with the following tips
1
We all want clear, beautiful, care-free skin. However this isn't always a reality. Some people don't even experience any acne until their mid-twenties (this hardly seems fair- wrinkles starting AND acne?!) What can be done to help with this very common problem, no matter what your age?
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Step 2
DIET
You may not realize it, but that old saying, "You are what you eat" really is true. So avoid processed foods and aim to eat 5 vegetables servings per day as well as 4 fruit servings a day. This will go a long way to excellent skin and excellent health. It's important to know that the antioxidants in fruits and veggies attack the wrinkle and acne causing free-radicals. Drink a lot of water each day and this will also help. You are healing your skin from the inside out.
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Step 3
SKIN CARE
Some people over-wash their face when they break out, which can cause a terrible chain reaction, resulting in more breakouts! If you wash your face with very strong products, your skin will be working overtime to try and produce more oils to replace the oils you've stripped from your skin with the over-washing. This results in more oil and bacteria on your skin, and more clogged pores, and more acne!! Don't go overboard- wash your face in the morning, and then at night before bed. You can use acne products on your skin at night, and try tea tree oil which can really help for some people.
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Step 4
SUNSCREEN
Contrary to popular belief, sun cannot be helpful if your skin is breaking out- it can cause a greater production of sebum (oils) which will result in clogged pores. So you need to use products with an SPF --just be sure it is non-comegenic (or it won't clog pores) and get products that will absorb oils. Salicylic acid is fantastic because it helps to treat and prevent acne, so look for this when you are selecting a good product for daily use.
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Step 5
EXFOLIATE
Once or twice a week use a gentle exfoliator product, or make your own using corn meal and everyday-face soap. Exfoliate the skin for 1-2 minutes, rubbing in circular motions and do not pull on the skin excessively.
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Step 6
PRACTICAL TIPS
Things that you may never even realize can make a difference. For example, if your hair keeps falling in your face, or you touch your face a lot without even noticing. Try using a headband to keep your hair away from your face, and be mindful of putting your hands on your face. Also consider getting blotting tissues to blot away the excess oil in your t-zone; some blotting tissues have powder, others don't.
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Step 7
PERSCRIPTIONS
Sometimes using the products, eating well and following all these steps is simply not enough. You will have to see a dermatologist and have them look at your skin. I found that what worked best for me was a combination of Retin-A, and Clindimyacin- within a few weeks I saw a complete improvement.
