If you have acne, you need to keep your face scrupulously clean. This involves using an acne cleanser or a mild cleanser and plenty of water to rinse your face afterwards. Some people recommend using a microfiber cloth when you wash and others say use your fingers to rub the cleanser in, obviously making sure they are clean first because rubbing dirt and oil into your skin is the opposite of what you want to do. Exfoliation is fine but make sure you are using something with small, smooth grains rather than a harsher exfoliant containing perhaps almond or crushed apricot shells because these can tear your skin and make your acne worse. Exfoliating a couple of times a week is sufficient to remove dead skin cells.
If you have to shave your face and you have acne, you should use plenty of shaving cream and be careful around the acne. Electric razors are good for acne sufferers because these cut the hairs and are less irritating to your acne. Oil-free products are kinder to skin which is prone to acne and products containing alcohol should be avoided because they dry out the skin and promote oiliness. If your skin is dried out, it produces excess oil to compensate, which makes acne worse.
Tie back long hair if it is oily and try not to touch your skin or pick at the acne. If you have body acne, clothes are going to cause a certain amount of friction and irritation so try to choose natural fabrics such as cotton or linen because they will let your skin breathe. Avoid tight, artificial materials such as spandex.
A light moisturizer is good for acne-prone skin as long as it contains no alcohol. Your doctor might prescribe something medicated and if your acne is severe, you might have to use a strong product to get rid of the acne. Remember that some treatments can take up to 6 months before you even see evidence that the acne is going away. You need to be patient and apply the treatment as often as prescribed. Alternatively, depending on the severity of your acne and what you have already tried, you might be prescribed oral antibiotics. These can also take a long time to work.
It is important to know about skin care for acne control if you have a tendency to suffer from acne because if your basic skin care routine is not up to scratch, you risk a multitude of pimples, whiteheads and blackheads as dirt and oils flood your skin. Ask your doctor or dermatologist for further advice about controlling your acne or have a look at the informative ebook, Relieving Your Life of Acne, for more help.
