Acne develops when dead skin, excess oil and bacteria build up to form a soft plug within the pores. This causes inflammation along the walls of the hair follicles, resulting in the papules, pustules or comedones associated with this skin condition. To enjoy acne-free skin, use skincare products that help to minimize or eliminate these contributing factors.
Daily Washing
One of the easiest ways to maintain acne-free skin is to wash acne-prone areas one to two times a day, notes the Mayo Clinic. Washing in the morning and the evening helps to remove dead skin and excess oil that clog the pores. Gentle cleansers should be used; facial scrubs and astringents can irritate the skin.
Daily Shampooing
For those with longer hair, the National Institutes of Health recommends shampooing hair each day, especially if it’s oily or contains hair-care products. Both factors can help to trap dead skin and excess oil within the pores on the face, which forms a soft plug and results in acne. Also, keeping the hair off the face, neck or back can lessen the chances of a breakout.
Acne Creams
Acne creams can also help provide acne-free skin. But these over-the-counter topical remedies aren’t just reserved for outbreaks, explains the Mayo Clinic. Applying creams containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to acne-prone areas can remove dead skin, dry excess oil and kill bacteria before they can ever clog the pores and cause acne.
Cosmetics
The National Institutes of Health cautions against the use of greasy or oily skincare products, as they can actually clog the pores and trigger acne. Look for moisturizers, sunscreens and other toiletries that are water-based, as well as cosmetics that are powder-based. They’re considered non-comedogenic by the American Academy of Dermatology, meaning they lack ingredients that clog or block the pores.
Fried Food
The American Academy of Dermatology also warns against certain foods, especially those that are fried. The reason for this has nothing to do with the dietary implications from eating such fodder. It’s more so about the greasy or oily residue that’s often left around the mouth after eating fried foods. The grease or oil can contribute to clogging of the pores and result in acne.
Exercise
Although exercise is a good way to keep fit, it may be contributing to acne outbreaks. This doesn’t mean you should avoid working out, but the sweat and oil secreted during moderately intense exercise can actually help trap dirt, dead skin and bacteria within the hair follicles. Showering and washing exercise apparel after each workout can minimize the effects of sweat and oil on the pores, helping to provide acne-free skin.
Prescription Medications
If self-care methods fail to provide acne-free skin, it may be necessary to contact a dermatologist. Prescription acne creams are far more effective at clearing the pores, drying excess oil and killing bacteria than over-the-counter medications. Retinoids, antibiotics and higher concentrations of benzoyl peroxide are some of the more popular treatments for moderate to severe acne.
Oral Contraceptives
When acne is linked to hormonal changes associated with menstrual cycles, an oral contraceptive can also help to provide acne-free skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends estrogen-based birth control pills, and the Mayo Clinic suggests using a combination of progesterone (norgestimate) and estrogen (ethinyl estradiol).
