The fact that the cause of acne is that our skin pores become blocked by body oils and dead skin is well know. It is some of the other things that we have learned that are less than true.



To begin with that means that eating greasy foods like pizza, bacon, French fries or potatoes chips will not affect your acne either way. Neither will eating chocolate or drinking any kind of carbonated soda pop. Wearing make-up is also not likely going to affect your skin, especially if the make-up is the oil-free.

I am sorry to tell you that if your parents had acne as teens, you will probably do the same. If this happens, most people have the problem disappear by the time they are out of their teens. Here are some things that you can do to reduce the acne problem. Clean your face with a mild soap and warm water in the morning and before going to bed. I would suggest that you not use a washcloth as it may be too rough. If you use your hands you will be much kinder to your skin.

If you are considering putting anything on your face be it makeup, moisturizer or sunscreen, it needs to be oil free. If you are wearing makeup, you should not go to bed without washing it off. If you are working out or doing anything that causes you to sweat, make sure that you wash the sweat off of your face. Keep your hair clean because it has oils that can be transferred to your face.

If you must use products like sprays or gel to keep your hair in place, make sure that you keep it off of your face. These items can contribute to your acne by blocking up your pores. And if you have to wear hats or caps, be careful that they do not promote acne along the hairline.

Another important thing to remember is not to touch your face excessively. Touching transfers the dirt and oils from your hands to your face. Equally important is to refrain from picking, touching, popping or squeezing the pimples which can cause them to get much worse.

There are many acne products to be found at the drug store. Be careful what you use because something that works for your friends may not work for you. The products that work the best contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as these ingredients will help dry out and reduce the pimples. But, you must follow the directions completely. And do not overuse or misuse these products because that could damage your skin.

So, if you find that none of the products you have used over-the-counter work for you, consult your dermatologist. He may be able to prescribe something that is stronger and that will work for you.