Many rich or heavy moisturizing creams have ingredients that can clog pores, like sodium lauryl sulfate, cetearyl alcohol, cocoa butter or wheat germ oil. Other moisturizers contain ingredients like salicylic acid or retinol that can irritate skin that's trying to heal. Make sure to choose moisturizers that are non-comedogenic (non-clogging), non-acnegenic, and gentle on acne-prone skin.
Consider using a cleaner rather than bar soap to clean your face. The skin's natural pH is 5.5, while bar soap typically has a pH of around 9. Bar soap can therefore alter the skin's pH enabling the types of bacteria that cause acne to multiply. Bar soap also contains thickeners which can block pores. Finally, bar soaps strip the skin of all natural oils causing the sebaceous glands to overproduce oil leading to clogged pores.
TIP! Caffeinated drinks are especially aggravating to your acne problems. Less caffeine intake can mean fewer breakouts.
Sleeping on the same pillow case every night, covers your face in oils from the previous night, contributing to acne breakouts. Aside from regulating water intake to control acne, you should regulate your food intake as well. Eat less red meat and dairy to prevent more waste that can lead to acne, due to digesting high protein foods. Eat less sugar to prevent an insulin surge that may cause increased sebum production, which leads to acne bacteria growth. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber to help rid your body of waste that can result in acne.
TIP! Consume fewer meat and dairy products in order to control your acne. This is good for you because meat and dairy often contain hormones which can adversely affect your skin.
In this case, you may need to consult a dermatologist and secure medication to treat the root of your condition (instead of just the symptoms). Go to a dermatologist to see whether you can treat your acne with over-the-counter supplies, or whether you need a stronger prescription. Avoid touching your face as much as possible to avoid breakouts.
If you find yourself sitting with your chin in your hand or on your cheek, tell yourself to stop. When you touch your face a lot you are transferring bacteria and oils which will add to your acne problems. As you can see, relieving acne is a simple matter once you know what works and what doesn't. If you know how to get rid of acne, you can do it in a matter of weeks and start feeling and looking great. Apply the advice from this article now and see the difference.