Tips for Day to Day Acne Care

Acne Tip

A treatment for your acne should be accompanied by a healthy skin care routine.

• Wash the affected area twice a day with mild soap.
• Use soap such as Dove, or one that contains benzoyl peroxide, such as Oxy-5.
• Wash as often necessary to keep the area clean.
• Do not scrub.
• Shampoo the hair regularly.
• Keep long hair off the face and shoulders and wash it daily.
• Avoid shaving as much as possible; while shaving take care to avoid nicking the pimples.
• Use a fresh shaving blade to minimize the chance of spreading the infection.
• Avoid use of make-up or cosmetics in areas prone to acne. If you have to wear make-up, use only the hypoallergenic or fragrance free kind.
• Don't pop, pick, scratch, or squeeze your pimples. This may cause infection and scarring.
• You may use an over-the-counter treatment that contain substances such as benzoyl peroxide (gel or cream) or salicyclic acid. Start with the lowest strength and apply once a day about half an hour after washing. Never use more than 5 percent strength without consulting a physician.

Food and Nutrition Recommendations for Acne:
Some doctors believe that acne is not a food related problem. Some alternate practitioners use diet as a basis for their treatment of acne. They recommend that acne patients should eat foods high in beta-carotene, such as carrots, pumpkin, cantaloupe and other yellow-orange fruits and vegetables. They should also avoid fatty foods.

Vitamin Therapy for Acne:
Nutritionists generally suggest Chromium supplements - Chromium helps boosts the body's ability to break down glucose.Vitamin A - reduces sebum and keratin production. (Caution: taking mega doses of Vitamin A can cause headaches, fatigue, muscle and joint pain and other side effects. Consult a qualified practitioner before taking mega supplements).Vitamin E - an antioxidant (200 to 400 IU a day).Vitamin B-6 50 mg per day.

Note: People should not try to medicate themselves or others with any of the methods referred to here without the guidance of a qualified practitioner who is thoroughly familiar with both the remedies and the individual's medical status.