Acne Skin Care Advice

Acne skin care is your first line of defense against acne and the effect it has on your skin. A number of acne medications, both over-the-counter and prescribed, can help with the pimples and blemishes associated with acne. However, a solid foundation of good acne skin care practices can make the difference between frequent blemish outbreaks and a more even and smoother skin appearance. Which one would you chooose?

You may ask, "How can I take better care of my skin when I have my hands full just trying to control all these pimples?" This is a frequently asked question and the reason why we developed this easy acne skin care advice. This advice is intended to be an easy-to-follow routine, which will compliment any acne treatment regimen.

Using this easy skin care advice will only take a few extra minutes each day. And the results can make a huge difference in the severity of your acne outbreaks and your skin appearance. And isn't this what it's really all about - improving your appearance and feeling better about yourself. Why not try these tips and see if you don't notice a significant difference.

Gently Clean Your Face

Gentle is the key word here, as scrubbing the skin will only further irritate the acne. You should only use a gentle soap or skin cleaner made specifically for acne prone skin. Use a soft cloth to moisten the face and then apply the soap or cleaner gently to your skin, starting at the hairline and working your way down to your neck. Using your fingers, rather than a wash cloth, to work the soap around your face assures that you will not further irritate the acne.

Rinse your skin with plenty of water and pat dry with a soft towel. Again, do not scrub your face using the towel.

If you are dealing with oily skin, it may be necessary to apply an astringent to your skin. This should be done with care, as some astringents may irritate your acne. If you elect to use an astringent, it should only be applied to those areas of your face that are most oily.

Remember, using these easy acne skin care steps will only take a few extra minutes each day. And the results can make a huge difference in the severity of your acne outbreaks and your skin appearance.  Following these step-by-step recommendations should give you noticable results within a week or two.  Here are the remaining steps:

Avoid Touching Your Blemishes

You can be very tempted, but don't give in to the urge to pop or squeeze pimples. What can seem like immediate satisfaction, can turn into something far more serious. Breaking open a pustule or pimple invites bacterium to spread, causing even more pimples and blemishes. It can even result in permanent acne scarring.

A better solution is to just avoid touching your face altogether. Your hands tend to be dirty, oily and carry germs, which can all lead to the further spread of the acne. Just don't do it!

 Apply Makeup Sparingly

Makeup has become a part of everyday grooming, but must be used carefully in combination with an acne skin condition. Of course, the best solution is to not wear makeup at all. But if you decide it is a "necessity", make sure that the product you use is noncomedogenic, or will not clog your pores. And lastly, never use a makeup that has an oil base, it can severely exacerbate your acne.

Shave with Care

Shaving is a normal part of male grooming, but can be a painful experience for those suffering from acne. Deciding which shaving method - safety razor versus electric shaver - is right for you is more of a trial and error process. Try both and see which is more comfortable for you.

Regardless of which you choose, there are a few recommendations and suggestions that will make the shaving experience more pleasant. Try to moisten the beard as much as possible before shaving. If using a safety razor, try using a sensitive skin shaving cream. Never use dull razor blades; it will just irritate your acne. And don't forget to change the blades on a regular basis.

Try to avoid shaving over blemishes; this can cause problems with spreading the bacteria that causes the acne. If you are experiencing a bad breakout, don't be afraid to miss a day or two of shaving. There is no sense in aggravating the situation even more.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

We all know that a suntan makes us look healthier and can temporarily hide your acne. However, your skin becomes accustomed to the sunlight, and the acne ultimately flairs up again. A greater risk to you is that some acne medications make your skin sensitive to sunlight. This can cause a severe skin reaction from even limited sun exposure.

And as most dermatologists warn, direct sunlight will also dry out your skin, making it more vulnerable to aging and skin cancer. It just isn't worth it! Be safe and apply a generous amount of sensitive-skin sunscreen to your face before heading out for a day in the sun.