Acne treatment tips

Folks who struggle with acne need to give their skin some extra care and attention. Here are some do's and don'ts regarding the care of acne-prone skin:

DO :

Gently wash your skin twice daily with warm, purified water and a mild organic facial cleanser. Regular mild cleansing will help keep your skin free of debris that could potentially block pores and trigger acne blemishes.

Choose all-natural makeup and skin care products that are free of oil. Most commercial cosmetics are formulated with fatty acids that are higher in fat than your skin. This can promote the development of acne. Look for organic cosmetics that are specifically designed for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

DON'T :

Over-cleanse your skin. Cleansing your skin too harshly or too often (only twice a day) will aggravate acne and cause it to spread. The use of harsh soaps might also increase inflammation.

Pick your skin. NEVER pick, pop, or squeeze your acne blemishes. This can only spread acne lesions and lead to scarring as well. It can also expose you to secondary bacterial infections.

Smoke. Cigarette smoke is a potent toxin that is harmful to every part of the body, including the skin. Smoking dries the skin, causes premature aging, and can irritate acne blemishes too.

Use harsh skin toners. Skin toners may provide some extra cleansing, but many of them contain harmful ingredients such as alcohol or acetone that are very hard on your skin. This added irritation will often aggravate acne.

Over-expose your skin to sun. There is a myth out there that says sunbathing can help acne by drying it up. Don't believe it. Over-exposure to the sun can only harm the overall health of your skin, and worsen conditions such as acne. However, everyone needs at least 30 minutes of sun every day, preferably between the hours of sunrise and 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM until sunset.