Ever heard of a medical disorder called "acne vulgaris"? Actually, acne vulgaris is a scientific term to describe a very popular skin disorder, namely acne. You certainly know that acne can appear on any part of the skin and at any age, although its existence is more commonly found on the skin of the face and back of teenagers. Some factors that cause acne, such as puberty, are actually unavoidable. However, don't worry because you can still apply the various tips summarized in this article to avoid and prevent acne breakouts more effectively. In particular, try to take care of your overall health and avoid various factors that could potentially cause acne breakouts.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Keeping Clean
Step 1. Clean your face twice a day, in the morning and at night
Make sure you always wash your face gently and use warm (not hot) water. The warm temperature is effective in opening the skin pores and making the facial cleansing process take place more effectively. However, make sure the water temperature is not too hot so that the skin does not end up burning, OK!
- Choose a cleaning product that suits your skin type. If possible, use products that are labeled hypoallergenic (no risk of triggering allergies) or specially formulated for people with acne-prone skin. Also avoid products that contain fragrances and/or harmful chemicals so that acne conditions don't get worse.
- In America and some other countries (including Indonesia), the following brands are already very popular and can be easily found in the market: Cetaphil, Dove, Neutrogena, and Basis. If you feel that the prices of these products are too expensive, there is nothing wrong with buying products that are cheaper but still of good quality at various local beauty shops. If you have more funds, try buying more established brands like Boschia, Fresh, and Murad.
- Look for a facial cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to fight acne breakouts more effectively.
Step 2. Choose the right type of cleansing soap if your skin condition is very dry or oily
Remember, both conditions require extra care to maintain good health.
- Don't wash your face too often! Because acne is not caused by dirty skin, cleaning your face too often can actually irritate the pimple. Therefore, make sure you only wash your face once in the morning and once at night, and when your skin is very sweaty or covered by very heavy makeup.
- Dry skin can be moisturized with a facial cleanser that is oil-based or contains extra moisture.
- Oily skin generally doesn't need to be cleaned with products that contain extra moisture. However, make sure your skin doesn't end up too dry after cleansing! If your skin feels too tight or dry after cleansing, chances are that the ingredients in your cleansing soap are too harsh.
Step 3. Wash your hands thoroughly before washing your face
If your hands are dirty and/or oily, don't forget to wash them before washing your face for best results.
Do not clean or exfoliate your face with excessively harsh or vigorous movements. Some people prefer to clean and exfoliate their face with a towel. Unfortunately, this action actually risks further irritating the skin and making it more prone to breakouts. Therefore, it's best to keep rubbing your face with your hands to minimize the potential for damage to the skin
Step 4. Apply moisturizer after washing your face
Moisturizing the skin is a step that is no less important than cleaning it. Remember, the natural oil and moisture content of the skin will be lost when it is cleaned. As a result, the skin will be encouraged to produce more oil and sebum to ward off the dryness. That's why, you should always wear a moisturizer to restore the moisture lost due to the cleansing process.
Step 5. Choose the right moisturizer
Adjust the texture of the moisturizer to your skin type. In general, you can follow the following general rules, although it is not forbidden to be creative according to your skin type and needs:
- Oily skin: Choose a gel-textured moisturizer. A gel-textured moisturizer will do a better job of hydrating oily skin without making it too moist.
- Dry skin: Choose a cream textured moisturizer. When compared to gel products, creams have a thicker texture so they can last longer on the surface of the skin. Generally, doctors will recommend products with such a texture for skin that needs a moisturizer with a heavier texture.
- If you want, you can also use a special moisturizer for those with acne-prone skin.
Step 6. Exfoliate using a skin-friendly product, twice a day
Exfoliation is the process of massaging and exfoliating the outermost layer of the skin (called the epidermis) to exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores. That's why, you can do it twice a day to improve skin condition significantly. If you want, you can buy products available in the market, or make your own using a variety of home materials.
For some people with acne problems, vigorous physical exfoliation (for example, with the help of a scrub) can actually make their acne worse. If you have a similar problem, try using a chemical exfoliant that can be used every day (usually overnight). For example, AHAs are chemical exfoliants that are good for exfoliating dead skin cells, while BHAs are natural exfoliants that are effective at cleaning skin pores. Use one or both of them regularly
Step 7. Remove makeup well before going to bed
Never go to bed without removing makeup! If your skin has been covered in make-up all day, don't forget to remove it before going to bed. Remember, residual makeup can clog your skin pores and cause breakouts afterward. Also, try to wear a foundation that doesn't contain oil. If you have trouble finding it on the market, use enough powder to absorb excess oil on your makeup or skin. If you notice that you often forget or are lazy to wash your face before bed, try buying a special tissue to remove makeup in one swipe.
- Remove makeup and facial care products after use, such as sunscreen cream.
- Always wash your face after removing makeup.
Step 8. Try not to touch your face with your bare hands
Remember, your hands are a wetland for bacteria to live and multiply, especially since you use them to touch so many things. That is why, you should never touch the skin of your face with your bare hands to minimize the risk of bacterial transfer. The less the number of bacteria on the skin of the face, the less likely a pimple will appear there.
Step 9. Try not to share toiletries and facials with other people with acne-prone skin
The equipment in question is a towel, brush for makeup, hair tie, etc.
Step 10. Wash pillowcases regularly
The oil content that accumulates on the pillowcase can spread dirt, dust, and dead skin cells to your facial skin, you know. As a result, the appearance of acne can no longer be avoided. To overcome this, at least wash the pillowcase every week or even twice a day to maximize the results. Therefore, it's a good idea to have two pillowcases so you can wear them alternately at the end of the week.
Avoid using dryer sheets (special sheets for scenting and softening clothes) and detergents that contain fragrance. Both can trigger the appearance of acne on the skin of some people
Step 11. Focus on doing the right hair care, especially if you have very oily skin
The way you treat your hair will actually have a big impact on the potential for acne to appear, especially in the area around the forehead. Remember, your scalp will produce natural oils to keep your hair moisturized. Unfortunately, the oil content can actually be harmful to skin health if the levels are not controlled. Therefore, make sure you wash your hair at least every two days to balance the health of your hair and the surrounding skin.
Step 12. Don't apply too much product to your hair
In fact, styling products like gels, mousses, and sprays can clog your skin and cause breakouts! Therefore, be more selective in determining the dosage of the product, especially if the fig along the line of your forehead has acne.
Step 13. Avoid direct sunlight
Overexposure to the sun is a toxin that is very harmful to your skin! Did you know that in addition to the risk of causing cancer, this condition can also trigger the growth of acne? Therefore, when you have to go outside for a long time, don't forget to wear a non-comedogenic sunscreen (no risk of clogging pores) to prevent excessive sun exposure. Make sure you also wear a hat, as most topical acne medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Method 2 of 3: Improving Diet and Exercise Patterns
Step 1. Consume more water to keep the body well hydrated
Remember, skin will only be clean and bright if it is properly hydrated. Although there is no definitive evidence regarding the ability of water to flush toxins from the body, most researchers agree that drinking water has more benefits, than harm, on the health of your skin. Instead of forcing yourself to drink eight glasses of water per day, try to drink enough water to overcome thirst and replace fluids lost during exercise.
Step 2. Eat healthy foods
After years of inconclusive research results, doctors are finally starting to understand that the appearance of acne and its severity really depends on the sufferer's diet. Therefore, try to always eat a diet full of fruits and vegetables, low-fat protein, whole grains and seeds, nuts, and healthy fats such as omega 3 fatty acids, to fight acne breakouts. At the same time, all these food sources will make the body feel healthier and more energetic! In addition, you should also increase your intake of:
- Vitamin A. Vitamins help your body to excrete acne-causing proteins and oils through the skin turnover cycle. Therefore, try taking a vitamin A supplement with a dose of 10,000 IU, or eating foods rich in vitamin A such as fish oil, salmon, carrots, spinach, and broccoli.
- Zinc. Several studies have shown that people who have problems with acne actually do not have sufficient levels of zinc in their bodies. Researchers found that zinc can create a less comfortable living environment for acne-causing bacteria. That's why, you don't need to hesitate anymore to eat foods rich in zinc such as turkey, wheat germ, oysters, pumpkin seeds, and peanuts.
- Omega 3 fatty acids. These substances are able to encourage the growth of new skin cells and reduce inflammation of the skin. Some examples of foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids are flaxseed, salmon, sunflower seeds, and almonds.
Step 3. Avoid foods and diets that are at risk of causing acne
Researchers believe that high-glycemic foods such as chocolate, french fries, pizza, etc., have a very close relationship with the appearance of acne. In addition to foods with a high glycemic index, doctors have also found that milk can be another cause of acne.
Step 4. Milk and other dairy products are actually full of hormones like testosterone or androgens
As a result, consuming them can increase your insulin levels, as can the effects of sugar and starchy or high-glycemic index foods. In addition, researchers have also revealed a very close relationship between the habit of consuming dairy products with acne growth! While you don't have to completely cut dairy products out of your daily diet, try limiting them if you're having acne problems.
Step 5. Don't smoke or drink alcohol to excess
In addition to the risk of damaging the overall health of the skin, research shows that toxins such as tobacco and alcohol are closely related to the appearance of acne. If you are a smoker or an active drinker and have problems with acne, try cutting out these habits to improve your overall health condition.
Step 6. Exercise to reduce stress and prevent acne breakouts
In fact, exercise is beneficial for reducing stress which, unfortunately, is one of the biggest factors causing acne in both children and adults. Therefore, try doing it as a way to relieve stress and "cleanse" your facial skin.
Step 7. To reduce stress levels, make sure your body always gets enough rest every night
In fact, studies show that lack of sleep can significantly increase stress levels. In particular, for every hour of sleep lost from normal sleep duration, a person's stress level can increase by up to 15%! Therefore, try to always sleep for 9 to 10 hours every night if you are under 18 years old, and 7 to 8 hours if you are an adult. After all, sleep is the only opportunity for the body to restore the condition of various tissues in it, including skin tissue, to the fullest.
Method 3 of 3: Using Acne Medication
Step 1. Use benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful substance that kills acne-causing bacteria. While you'll find benzoyl peroxide in different concentrations on the market, research shows that a product with a concentration of 2.5% is as effective as a product with a concentration of 5-10%, but carries a lower risk of irritating the skin. In addition, the use of benzoyl peroxide is also able to exfoliate dead skin cells on the outermost layer of the skin. As a result, your skin will look younger and brighter afterwards!
Step 2. Use salicylic acid
Like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid is able to kill bacteria that cause acne growth while shedding skin tissue more quickly. As a result, new skin tissue can grow faster too. To use it, you just need to apply a small amount of salicylic acid to the acne-prone area that has been cleaned before going to bed.
Step 3. Consider the possibility of using tea tree oil
Although it is not specifically intended to treat acne, tea tree oil is actually one type of natural remedy that is very effective for treating various skin problems, especially because the anti-inflammatory content in it is able to disguise the size of pimples and redness that appears on the skin. In fact, a study states that tea tree oil has been shown to be as effective as benzoyl peroxide for reducing inflamed sores on acne-prone skin.
Since tea tree oil is very concentrated, make sure you dilute it with a little water before applying it to your skin using your fingertips or similar tool. Don't overuse tea tree oil so you don't irritate your skin even more
Step 4. See a doctor if your skin condition gets worse
Dermatologists are medical experts with experience in diagnosing and treating various skin problems. If your skin condition worsens, your doctor may prescribe medications containing clindamycin phosphate or benzoyl peroxide which are known to be effective in treating acne. Remember, medicines prescribed by a doctor will work more effectively than over-the-counter medicines that you buy without a prescription at the pharmacy.
Step 5. Use manuka honey
Manuka honey is another natural remedy that many people claim can treat acne very effectively. In addition, this product also contains ingredients that are very friendly to the skin when compared to other acne medications. Since manuka honey contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, using it is effective in reducing acne scars and preventing acne scars, while being able to soothe and hydrate the skin well. Interested in using it? In general, manuka honey can be used as a solution to clean the face. However, if you're still wearing make-up, don't forget to remove it first with soap or another cleansing liquid before applying the manuka honey solution. In addition, manuka honey can also be used as a mask and/or spot remedy for acne-prone areas.
Tips
- Applying a mixture of honey with orange or lemon juice to the facial skin can minimize pores and disguise acne scars.
- Keep hair away from facial skin whenever possible. Since your hair contains natural oils, their interaction with your facial skin may trigger acne breakouts.
- Increase your intake of green vegetables which have been shown to prevent acne breakouts.
- If you want to add a new product to your facial care routine, don't forget to read all the warnings and information on the product packaging before using it.
- In the morning, wash your face with plain water, then pat dry with a clean face towel. Before going to bed, try exfoliating your face with a special scrub.
- Try applying aloe vera. This natural remedy is actually effective for moisturizing the skin and removing stubborn acne scars.
- Never squeeze a pimple so that it doesn't get worse and leave scars!
- Mix soda with water. Then, apply the solution to your face for 10-15 minutes before rinsing it off thoroughly with warm water.
- Wash clothes properly to prevent the growth of new pimples due to the skin being exposed to residual dust and dirt.
- Relax! Stress will only make your number of pimples increase.
Warning
- Never pop a pimple! Doing so risks leaving scars on your skin.
- If your skin is not acne-prone, you can rub the scrub in gentle motions over its surface. However, make sure you don't exfoliate too often, okay?
- Applying products that are not friendly to the skin risks exacerbating acne conditions and even triggering the appearance of new pimples due to damaged or too dry skin conditions.
- The use of creams and lotions risks clogging your skin pores.
- Since benzoyl peroxide can have a "whitening" effect on your skin and clothes, as well as increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun, you're more likely to get sunburned after using it.
- Do not drastically change your diet or skin care routine without consulting a medical professional first. Be careful, some types of hormones can actually trigger the growth of acne on the skin.
