There are many different ways to control acne, but all of them will be more effective if you understand exactly how acne is formed.
Acne is formed when your pores become clogged with dead skin cells and dirt which causes sebum (the oil in your pores) to get trapped in the pores. These clogged pores get irritated by bacteria which is why they turn red.
Acne is very common and many millions of dollars are spent every year by people trying to get rid of it. The vast majority of acne sufferers are teenagers, due to the many hormonal changes going on in their bodies at that time.
The best way to control acne is by keeping your skin clean. This can be as simple as washing your face with warm water and a mild soap twice a day. For those who are already experiencing outbreaks, an acne cleanser followed by an acne cream may be necessary.
A great foundation for healthy, clear skin is a good diet. That means passing by the burgers and fries and choosing fresh fruits and vegetables and plenty of lean proteins like chicken, fish and low fat dairy.
It's also important to drink plenty of water every day. Stay away from carbonated soft drinks and fruit juices since these contain sugar which has been shown to actually cause cystic acne in some people.
When you're working or participating in sporting events outdoors, always choose a water based sunscreen product. Oil based products will clog up your pores and should always be avoided.
If you already have a breakout, it's important to keep the area clean and avoid picking at it. That will only cause additional irritation and will lengthen the healing time. In fact, it's best if you keep your hands away from your face all together since your fingertips can transfer dirt and additional oils to your face.
