According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 80 percent of people ages 11 to 30 have acne at some point. Factors that are believed to be related to acne include an increase of sex hormones in both genders during puberty, hormonal changes related to pregnancy, genetics and the starting or stopping of oral contraceptives.
Cleanse
Wash the face twice per day using a mild soap and warm water. Try not to wash more than twice per day unless perspiration occurs. Sweat can cause the oil glands to become engorged and fill with dirt, bacteria and other harmful debris. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, excessive washing can cause more harm than good because facial skin has essential natural oils. Do not scrub, which could cause the skin to become irritated, flaky and dry. Use gentle, circular motions for optimum results.
Do Not Touch
Do not pop, pick, squeeze or touch acne, which can cause the oil, bacteria and dirt to spread to other areas of the face. When the oil and bacteria spread, it can produce more unwanted acne. Another reason not to pick at acne is that permanent scarring could occur. At times, it may be necessary to touch the face to apply creams, lotions or cosmetic. In those instances, wash your hands first to avoid transferring dirt and debris onto acne-prone skin.
Monitor Daily Routines
Detoxifying the body is another way to treat acne. Drinking water will help flush toxins out of the system. Stress can change the chemical hormonal balance within the body, so get plenty of rest. If a person is not rested, it can cause the body to overstress, which in turn may trigger acne. Change pillowcases frequently. Dirt, oil and bacteria can rub off on the pillowcase and transfer back onto the face. For women who wear cosmetics, purchase products that are oil-free and noncomedogenic. These types of cosmetics often contain fewer oils, preservatives, waxes and other chemicals. If you wearing styling gel or hair spray, keep it away from the face as much as possible. Wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30 or higher to protect skin from the sun. Skin that has spent too much time in the sun may become dry and damaged. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays every two hours.
