Mild cases of acne can often be controlled by simple acne remedies, such as skin care, natural alternative treatments, and self help techniques. For more severe cases requiring treatment, see the article on removing acne.
Basic Skin Care as an Acne Remedy
Use a gentle cleanser when washing areas of your skin with acne. A common mistake is to use products that are too harsh, these will tend to irritate the skin and make your acne worse. Stay away from facial scrubs, astringents, and masks. Don’t overdo washing and scrubbing your skin, this might seem counterintuitive, but you need to let your skin rest. It should be kept clean, but “rested”.
If you have problems with acne on your forehead or around your hairline, make sure your hair is not greasy. Shampoo it often. In the case of acne on the forehead, some find it beneficial to cut the bangs shorter.
You can find relatively mild over the counter topical acne creams, if basic skin care doesn’t do the trick, these will help you dry excess oil in the skin and speed up skin peeling.
Try to avoid overly greasy products getting in contact with your skin. When choosing cosmetics, hair products, sunscreens, etc., look for products marked “water-based”.
Natural and Alternative Acne Remedies
Natural acne remedies include tea tree oil, zinc, guggul, and brewer’s yeast.
Tea tree oil can be found as an active ingredient in over the counter creams. It is generally a mild remedy, but can cause some skin irritation. Zinc, guggul, and brewer’s yeast can be found as supplements. These remedies might help, but should be used in combination with the general advice; they are unlikely to do much by themselves, except in the mildest of cases.
Remember that because a substance is natural, does not mean it can’t have side effects. Before taking supplements and alternative medicine, be sure you consult your doctor.
Be Careful with what Touches Your Face and Your Skin
Sweat, oil, and dirt on your skin will make acne worse. Keep your hair short and clean and try to break the habit of letting your face rest on your hands.
Tight clothes or clothes made of materials that won’t let your skin breathe, will make you sweat. In general try to follow advice that will make you sweat less and prevent armpit sweat.
Don’t Squeeze your Pimples
Picking and squeezing your pimples will irritate the skin, making the condition worse. It can also cause infection and make acne scarring worse.
When Acne Remedies aren’t Enough
In some cases acne remedies are not sufficient to get the acne under control. If this is the case, make sure you consult your doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible. Effective acne treatment is available for all cases of acne.
Tags: Acne Remedies, Acne Skin Care, Removing Acne