Your skin has a tough job: it protects everything inside your body from the germs, dirt, and harsh weather conditions you encounter on a daily basis. No wonder it can get a bit rough or irritated from time to time. If you want your skin to stay as clear and smooth as possible, stick to a regular skincare routine and take basic steps to prevent skin damage. If your skin is particularly prone to breakouts, your doctor or dermatologist may be able to help.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Create a Facial Skin Care Routine
Step 1. Choose a mild cleanser designed for your skin type
Skin can be dry to oily and anything in between. When choosing a cleanser, opt for one that is suitable for your skin type so that you can give yours the right kind of care. The bottle will indicate if it is for oily, dry, combination skin or for all types.
- For example, if your skin is dry and sensitive, opt for a moisturizing cleanser that does not contain dyes and perfumes. Don't use cleaners with harsh or drying ingredients (such as alcohol or astringents).
- In case your skin gets oily, look for a mild soap-based cleanser designed to remove dirt and oils from your skin.
- If you're prone to breakouts, opt for a cleanser with acne-fighting ingredients (such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide).
Step 2. Wash your face twice a day
On a regular day, all sorts of nasty things can build up on your skin, clogging your pores and causing irritation. If you want to keep your skin happy and healthy, you should wash your face in the morning and at night. It is particularly important that you wash it at night as it will remove bacteria, dirt, makeup or skin care products, and other contaminants that may have accumulated on your skin throughout the day.
- It is also important that you wash your face every time you sweat because sweat can irritate your skin and clog your pores.
- Unless you've been sweating or have a particularly dirty face, try to stick with washing it twice a day at most. Washing too much can irritate your skin.
- If you want to prevent your skin from becoming dry or irritated, wash it with cold or warm water and apply the cleanser with your fingers. You should always pat your face dry instead of rubbing it.
Step 3. Moisten your skin after washing it
Washing your face can dry it out. You should always apply a mild moisturizer after cleansing your skin while it is still slightly damp. This will help you maintain a cool, moist glow, minimize fine lines, and prevent inflammation and breakouts. It is also advisable to apply moisturizer before putting on makeup. Choose a moisturizer that does not contain dyes, perfumes, alcohol, and other harsh ingredients.
- Look for the label to say "non-comedogenic" or "does not clog pores."
- Because the sun can damage your skin and age it prematurely, apply a moisturizer that has an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 before going out for the day.
Step 4. Exfoliate a few times a week to smooth and smooth your skin
Exfoliating occasionally can even out your skin and reduce roughness and blemishes. However, if you exfoliate too often, this can be harsh on your skin, so avoid getting carried away. Try using a gentle exfoliating treatment 2-3 times a week and reduce the frequency if you experience breakouts, dryness, or irritation.
- If you are using any acne treatment, talk to your doctor or dermatologist before trying the peel. It is important that you treat your skin gently so as not to worsen breakouts, if any.
- In many cases, dermatologists recommend chemical scrubs because they are gentler on the skin than other mechanical or other scrubs. If you have dry skin, try a lactic acid peel. For oily or acne-prone skin, a salicylic acid scrub may help.
- You can also gently exfoliate by rubbing your face lightly with a soft cloth and warm water. Use light, circular motions and avoid sensitive areas around the eyes. You should never rub or press down hard as this can irritate your skin.
Tip:
If you have acne scars or skin discoloration, a professional exfoliation procedure (for example, microdermabrasion, microblading, or stronger chemical peeling) may be beneficial. Talk to a dermatologist about whether any of these options are right for you.
Method 2 of 4: Treat Acne at Home
Step 1. Reduce pressure on your skin to minimize irritation and breakouts
Any type of pressure on your skin, especially on your face, can cause an outbreak of pimples. Headphones and cell phones can cause breakouts, as can hats. If your shirt is too tight around the neck, you may develop acne there. Similarly, a backpack can put pressure on your back, causing an acne breakout. You should avoid wearing clothing or items that could rub or irritate your skin in acne-prone areas as much as possible.
- For example, try putting your phone on speaker rather than holding it against your head. You can also reduce pressure and irritation around your face and ears by wearing earbuds instead of large earbuds.
- If you tend to get breakouts on your neck, try wearing loose, breathable collars that won't rub against your skin.
- Wearing a backpack can contribute to back acne breakouts. So try using a carry-on backpack or carrying items in your arms instead sometimes.
Step 2. Keep your hands away from your face to avoid introducing germs and dirt
It can be very difficult to avoid touching your face. Unfortunately, however, playing with your face can transfer bacteria, and these can get into the pores and cause inflammation and breakouts. If you tend to touch your face a lot, try to be aware of it. Find something else you can do with your hands when you feel like it (for example, play with a stress ball or put your hands in your pockets).
Avoiding touching your face completely is nearly impossible for most people, so the second best thing you can do is wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If you have clean hands, you will be less likely to get germs on your face the next time you touch it
Step 3. Wash acne covered areas twice a day using a mild cleanser
While it is advisable to wash your face twice a day in itself, it can also be useful to wash the areas where there is acne while you are at it. Just use your hands, water, and a mild cleanser. Wash your hair every day if you have acne on your scalp or around your hairline.
- Don't use scrubs or cleansers with strong or drying ingredients (such as alcohol or perfumes).
- You may be tempted to rub your face or try to dry your acne using astringents (cleansers that break down oils). However, irritating or drying your skin can make your acne worse.
Step 4. Use skin care products that do not contain oil to avoid clogging your pores
Pimples arise from clogged pores, so you should be careful with greasy or oily lotions and creams that can make your face dirty. When choosing products, look for ones that say "non-comedogenic," "non-clogging," "oil-free," or "water-based" because these products are less likely to clog your pores. In case you wear makeup, be careful that it is also non-comedogenic and oil-free.
Even makeup formulated to not clog your pores can cause breakouts if you leave it on too long. In case you wear makeup, you should always remove it before going to sleep
Step 5. Minimize clogged pores by using salicylic acid products
Salicylic acid is an over-the-counter acne medication that you can get as a wash treatment or to leave it on your face. Find a concentration of 0.5% to start with and then increase it to higher concentrations in case it doesn't work. If you are using a leave-in treatment, apply it once a day to the areas where you have acne and rub it in gently. If you're using a rinse or soap, lather it up and gently spread it over the affected area with your fingers. Rinse it very well when finished.
Salicylic acid can irritate sensitive parts (for example, the eyes, the mouth, and the inside of the nose). Be careful to avoid these areas when applying the treatment
Step 6. Use benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria and remove dead skin cells
Benzoyl peroxide helps fight acne by killing bacteria on the surface of the skin and in the pores. It also removes dead skin cells and oil that can clog your pores. Start with a 2.5% concentration. As with salicylic acid, treatments come in the form of rinses and creams to leave on your face.
Benzoyl peroxide can sometimes cause irritation, so test it on one or two small parts of your skin for 3 days to determine your reaction to it. If it doesn't cause serious problems, try applying it over a larger area
Step 7. Use alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) for inflammation
AHAs remove dead skin that can clog your pores and cause breakouts. They also reduce inflammation and promote the growth of new skin. The combination can help you have smoother skin. Some of the common AHAs to look for are lactic acid and glycolic acid.
- An excellent option in case you want to stick to natural treatments is lactic acid. This is a mild acid that is derived from fermented milk.
- Some people experience side effects (for example, inflammation, burning, and itching) when using AHAs, especially at higher concentrations. They may also increase your sensitivity to sunlight or cause hyperpigmentation (darkening or discoloration of the skin). Be careful and stick to the lower concentrations until you know how these products will affect you.
Step 8. Don't pop or squeeze your pimples to avoid scarring
It is definitely tempting to squeeze your pimples. Maybe you've even heard someone tell you to do it. However, it is best to just leave the pimples alone. In case you pop them, you could end up with scars instead. Also, if you pop a pimple, you introduce bacteria to your face, and this can lead to more pimples and inflammation on the skin.
In case you have a huge pimple that you need to get rid of in a pinch, talk to your doctor. He may be able to gently drain the pimple in his office or give you a steroid injection. These can shrink a pimple quickly
Step 9. Try natural treatments in case the chemical treatments are too strong
There are many natural ingredients (for example, honey or tea tree oil) that work as antimicrobials, and this makes them work for the treatment of mild acne. However, it is still recommended that you consult with your doctor before trying one of these treatments because they can interfere with other medications you are taking. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about trying remedies such as the following:
- A gel containing 5% tea tree oil. This is an essential oil that has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight acne. Because it may irritate some people, test it in an inconspicuous area (for example, the back of the knee) before applying it to your face.
- A cream with 5% bovine cartilage.
- Lotions with 2% green tea extract.
- Products containing 20% azelaic acid. This is an acid that occurs naturally in whole grain products and some animal products.
- Creams and lotions that contain zinc.
- Beer yeast. You can take it as an oral supplement to reduce acne.
Method 3 of 4: Get Medical Acne Treatment
Step 1. Talk to your doctor about topical prescription medications
In case home remedies and over-the-counter medications don't give you the results you want, don't worry. Your doctor or dermatologist can prescribe stronger medications that may help. Talk to your doctor about trying a prescription topical treatment (for example, a cream, lotion, or gel that you can apply directly to acne).
- Your doctor can prescribe a retinoid cream. Retinoids are a form of vitamin A that fight acne by preventing clogging in the pores and hair follicles. You may want to start by using the product 3 times a week and then increase it to once a day.
- Other prescription topical treatments include antibiotic creams that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, prescription-strength azelaic acid, or 5% dapsone gel (an antibiotic that also has anti-inflammatory properties).
Step 2. Ask about prescription oral medications in case you have severe acne
Oral medications are taken by mouth and therefore work consistently (throughout your body) rather than directly on the skin. Before trying one of these medications, you should give your doctor a complete list of the medications you are taking and inform him of any medical problems you have. This will help you choose a medicine that is safe for you.
- Common options include oral antibiotics (usually in combination with topical medications, such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoid creams) and hormone-regulating medications (for example, birth control pills or spironolactone).
- One of the most effective oral medications for acne is isotretinoin. However, although it is very good at fighting acne, it can also cause serious side effects (for example, ulcerative colitis and serious depression). Talk to your doctor about the possible risks and benefits. You should never take isotretinoin if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. This is because it can cause birth defects.
Step 3. Consider chemical peels to help even your skin
Dermatologists and estheticians use chemical peels to help clear acne of certain types. Blackheads and papules are the main ways that this treatment benefits, and it can result in smoother skin. Also, chemical peels can help reduce the appearance of acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, and discolored areas on the skin. Ask your skincare specialist if this is a good option for you.
- Ask your doctor or skin care specialist how to care for yours before and after peeling. Your skin may be red, tender, or inflamed for a time after treatment.
- Before the procedure, inform your doctor if you are using any other treatments (for example, retinoids, which could cause serious irritation if combined with chemical peeling).
Step 4. Ask about laser and light treatments to minimize scarring
In case you have acne scars, laser treatments can be helpful in smoothing them out and reducing their appearance. Check with your doctor or dermatologist about whether it is a good option for you.
- Some people experience flare-ups after laser treatment, so your doctor may recommend combining laser treatment with a course of antibiotics.
- Other options to minimize scarring include using fillers injected into your skin, having a professional exfoliation procedure (for example, microdermabrasion or chemical peeling), or having surgery to repair serious scars.
Method 4 of 4: Keeping Your Skin Healthy
Step 1. Skip long, hot showers and baths so you don't dry out your skin
Staying in a hot shower or bath can feel good, but in the long run, the hot water will strip your skin of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness, irritation, and even breakouts. Stick only to warm water and limit the amount of time you spend in the shower.
Also, shorter showers are more environmentally friendly than long showers
Step 2. Protect your skin from the sun to prevent damage and slow aging
The sun can damage your skin over time, causing it to age faster. If you want to protect your skin, use a daily sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Avoid the sun, especially during the hottest part of the day (which is usually around 10 am to 4 pm). If you need to go out in the middle of the day, wear clothing that covers your skin, including a hat, sunglasses, pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.
In case you swim or sweat a lot, reapply sunscreen frequently. Even waterproof sunscreens will wash off or fade after a while
Step 3. Stay hydrated so your skin stays moisturized
Drinking water is essential for the proper functioning of your body, which includes your skin. In case you are dehydrated, your skin will also dry out. Drink enough water so you don't feel thirsty, which is usually enough to keep your body and skin hydrated.
- Aim to drink at least 15.5 glasses (3.5 liters) of water a day if you are a man and 11.5 glasses (2.5 liters) if you are a woman. You may need to drink more if it's very hot or you've been exercising.
- You can also hydrate yourself by drinking other liquids (for example, broths, juices, smoothies, or teas that do not contain caffeine). Juicy fruits and vegetables also count.
Step 4. Consume omega 3 fatty acids to nourish your skin
Your skin needs good fats to stay healthy and maintain that natural glow. Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids are particularly good for nutrition. Add foods such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, soybean oil, walnuts, flaxseed, and tofu to your diet to improve your skin.
You can also get omega 3 fatty acids in the form of a supplement (for example, fish oil capsules)
Step 5. Do activities that relieve stress as a way to minimize flare-ups
Stress can give you breakouts more often. If you want to reduce your stress level, try yoga, exercise, or meditation. You can also try to reduce things that cause you stress. For example, in case the news stresses you out, try limiting your consumption to 30 minutes a day.
- A quick trick is to take a moment each day to take a deep breath. Close your eyes and focus solely on your breath. Inhale for 4 seconds and hold your breath for 4 seconds. Exhale for 4 seconds. Continue to focus for a few minutes on your breathing to help de-stress.
- Other great ways to relieve stress include exercising, engaging in hobbies you enjoy, listening to relaxing music, and spending time with your friends and relatives.