New Delhi: Whether you are a teen or adult, embarrassing blemishes can hit everyone. While acne is not a serious health threat, it is significant in an emotional and social sense. Everyone has unique skin types, skin tones, lifestyles, and genetic histories that make it impossible to have a single piece of one-size-fits-all advice.
Here are some tips to get rid of acne.
1.Keep your face clean.
Wash your face once or twice a day with an over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide face wash. This reduces inflammation and kills bacteria associated with acne formation. And make sure to remove all makeup and dirt so it doesn’t build up and clog your pores.
A very rare side effect of benzoyl peroxide is allergic contact dermatitis, so stop using the face wash if you develop a new rash.
2. Don’t scrub with a washcloth
Use your hands to clean your face, and pat your skin dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing it dry. Scrubbing can actually promote more acne.
3. Eat a healthy diet.
While there is no scientific proof that chocolate and greasy foods aggravate acne, a study published in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology suggests that consuming fewer sugars and carbohydrates results in decreased breakouts.
Keep a food diary to determine if a specific food triggers your breakouts. Eating an overall healthy diet is always good advice, and it may also help your skin stay clearer.
4. Use moisturizers and sunscreens specifically made for the face
Lotions designed for the body are heavier and can clog your pores. Look for products with glycerine and hyaluronic acid, which hold moisture in the skin, and products labeled “non-comedogenic” — which means they don’t cause acne.
No matter what, however, always wear sunscreen.
5. Use water-based, oil-free makeup
Makeup has long been the go-to for covering up blemishes. But be careful — you might be making your breakouts worse. Heavy, greasy products with cocoa butter, mineral oil or cold cream can aggravate acne.
As with lotion and sunscreen, your makeup should be water-based, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and oil-free. Mineral-based products with silica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide help absorb oil and minimize redness.
6. Avoid touching your face
Every time your fingers meet your face, they transfer dirt and oils. It’s a hard habit to break, but an important one. And wash your hands with soap and warm water frequently — especially after eating, to keep them clean.
