Brilliant Acne Tips from Ezine

Acne affects around 85% of teenagers to some extent and it's more than just a skin problem. Teens suffering from acne experience a social stigma that can see their self-image badly shaken and their self-esteem plummet. But Acne is not just a teenage problem, it's a problem that can continue into adulthood and affects around 60 million people throughout the United States.

Because of the social stigma associated with acne, the different methods of treatment and daily regimes to counter acne are usually not openly discussed. This is a shame, because while the skin problem is very common, in most cases it is very easily treated as well.

Top Acne Skin Care Tips

• Don't Pick at it: There is a very natural tendency to pick at pimples. Removing the hardened shell and squeezing out the infection can seem to solve the problem, but it often does as much damage as good. This can drive the infection deeper into the skin, and from there it can spread to other areas nearby and resurface. Often this can turn a single pimple into a crop of pimples. There is a 'right way' to squeeze a zit, and it involves breaking the surface with a sanitized needle, squeezing from outside the infected area towards the center, removing all the infected liquid and then thoroughly washing and disinfecting the area. However even when done correctly there is a risk of spreading infection, and the other skin care tips below should be used as a first form of treatment.
• Use lots of Water: Water is a vitally important part of your skin care regime for two reasons. Firstly, you should wash regularly (but not excessively) with water. If your skin is dirty, and your pores are clogged, you are creating an environment that bacteria thrive in and it becomes harder to isolate and eliminate acne. Secondly, you should drink plenty of water every day. High water intake helps your bodies' natural ability to flush out toxins, both through the urine and the pores. Not only this, but it also keeps your skin hydrated and elastic.
• Beware of the Sun: Excessive exposure to the sun can dry out the skin, which in turn leads to an increased reaction from your body. Your body will attempt to compensate for the skins dryness by producing excess oil and sebum which contribute to the formation of acne. Furthermore, the more intense the exposure is, the more pronounced the effect. So if you are tanning via a sun bed the intense blast of UV exposure can be very damaging to the skin, and moisture lost during a sun bed session should be replaced immediately.
• Choose Cosmetics carefully: If you have a disposition to acne, you need to be very aware of the cosmetic products you are using. Cosmetics applied directly to the face can prevent the skin breathing if applied too thickly, and may also react if you have sensitive skin. Don't forget to review hair creams, shampoos and conditioners when you are considering cosmetic products that may be affecting your acne. Even the sunscreen you are using may be causing problems and should be carefully selected if you have a predisposition to acne.

It's important to remember that acne is a complex problem that usually arises from imbalances in the body. How severe the imbalance is will affect how severe the acne becomes. Using these tips together will provide you a solid groundwork for getting rid of acne; however in more severe cases a heavier hand is sometimes needed. If acne persists despite following the steps above you should consult with a pharmacist or dermatologist for a more potent solution.