Acne is caused by the build-up of dead skin cells and oil inside your pores, leading to blockages. If the blocked pore is open to the air, the skin cells oxidize and turn black, causing a blackhead. If the blockage is sealed off from the air, it can form a whitehead. Often, whiteheads become infected with bacteria, leading to more serious forms of acne, which may cause scarring.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Your skin is an indicator of your overall health. While it is likely a myth that eating certain foods causes acne, it is certainly true that a healthy diet will increase the health and beauty of your skin. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains. Avoid processed sugar that causes insulin spikes that affect your skin. Make an effort to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, since water will help flush toxins from your body to help clear your skin.
Be Consistent with Skin Care
It is important to develop a manageable skincare routine and stick to it. A simple, consistent skincare routine will prevent build-up of excess skin cells and oil, and prevent the formation of blackheads and whiteheads to prevent future acne. Cleanse, tone and moisturize your face twice a day, choosing gentle skin care products that are formulated for your skin type. Use a moisturizer containing sunscreen, since sun damage contributes to the formation of acne.
Treat Your Acne with Medication
If you suffer from frequent breakouts, you should consider applying acne medication to help clear your skin and prevent future breakouts. A number of medicated acne treatments are available over-the-counter (OTC), that contain either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid helps loosen excess skin cells from within your pores to help clear blockages, and also makes each pore smaller to help prevent future clogs. Benzoyl peroxide cleans deep into your skin and releases oxygen to kill the bacteria that cause acne. Choose a treatment with salicylic acid if you suffer from blackheads and whiteheads, and choose benzoyl peroxide if you suffer from acne deeper in your skin.
