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.

Clean & Clear -- Oil Free can cure

Cleansing & Exfoliating

Acne forms under the skin, which means washing away surface oils does not do much to prevent or cure it. It is a myth that people get acne because they don't wash enough. Gentle washing is important, but too much washing can irritate the whiteheads and blackheads, causing them to be more infected and making more pimples. Use a mild cleanser such as Cetaphil, or an acne cleanser such as Aveeno acne bar, Neutrogena Acne Wash or Benzoyl Peroxide 5% bar.Exfoliating, which removes the layer of dead skin cells, is also important for healthy skin. After washing your face with a mild cleanser, exfoliate with face facial scrub one to two times a week. This can help reduce dead skin cells and debris which can clog pores and cause more acne.

Keeping It Clear

To avoid further clogging of your pores, all cosmetics, lotions and sunscreens should be oil-free! To avoid dry skin, use an oil-free lotion such as Complex 15. To avoid sunburn use oil-free products such as Neutrogena or Coppertone Oil-free Sunscreen. And remember to beware of hair products and gels, as they tend to be very oily.Look for product labels that read "Non-comedogenic", meaning they won't clog pores.

Medications

• Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide can be found in many over the counter acne medications. It kills bacteria that worsen acne, unplugging oil ducts, and helping to heal acne pimples.

Use: Start conservatively, with 5% gel or lotion once a day (such as after you wash your face to go to bed). After one week, increase use to twice a day if you are not using another medication.
If your acne is not better after 4 to 6 weeks, try a 10% solution.

It is now available over-the-counter (without a doctor's prescription). Be sure to get the pure form -- you may want to ask the pharmacist for the type that used to be available by prescription only.

• Retin-A

Retin-A is available with a doctor's prescription only. It acts by opening up blocked oil glands and prevents new pimples.

Use: Retin-A may cause your skin to become very red and dry, and may cause peeling. Newer medications have milder side effects. You should ask your doctor to switch your medication if you suffer some of these side effects.

As your doctor will tell you, Retin-A should only be used at night, because it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun and more susceptible to sunburn. Use extra sunscreen and sun protection when outdoors.

It may take 2 to 3 months to see improvement in your skin. Be patient, follow your doctor's instructions and remember to stick with the program. (Acne may get worse before it gets better.)

For females - your physician may prescribe birth control pills prior to starting you on Retin-A, as it can be extremely harmful to fetal development in pregnant women.

• Antibiotics

Antibiotics are available with a doctor's prescription only. Antibiotics can be very helpful for acne that is swollen and red, or for acne that is not improving with other medications. The antibiotics kill the bacteria which contribute to whiteheads.

Use: Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions. Take the antibiotic pills with plenty of water.
Some antibiotics may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun, wear sunscreen when outdoors.

• Accutane

Accutane is available with a doctor's prescription only. Accutane is a very powerful pill--it is intended for people with severe scarring, or acne that cannot be controlled by other medications.

Use: Blood testing is done frequently when taking Accutane, as it can affect blood cell count and levels.

For females - your physician may require you to prove you are on two forms of birth control prior to prescribing Accutane, as it can be extremely harmful to fetal development in pregnant women.
Some physicians will not prescribe Accutane.

You can find most available solutions to your acne problem from our sponsors:

• ZENMED® Three Step Skin Care Try the ZENMED® 3 Step System to heal, nourish and rejuvenate your skin. If your skin isn't healthy and radiant in 60 days we will give you your money back.
• Acne Scar Kit Fade and Lighten Acne Scars. Order Today for a Bonus Moisturizer
• Derma Cleanse System The most effective acne treatment on the market. Works Fast with Guaranteed Results!