Your skin has a tough job to do, that is, your internal body from the germs, dirt, and bad weather conditions that you face every day. So, do not be surprised if over time, the skin begins to feel rough or irritated. To keep skin clean and smooth, follow a regular skin care routine and take basic steps to prevent skin damage. If your skin is prone to breakouts, a doctor or dermatologist can help you.
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Method 1 of 4: Designing a Facial Skin Care Routine
Step 1. Choose a mild facial soap product that is formulated according to your skin type
Your skin type varies, from dry, oily, to combination. When looking for a facial wash, choose products that are suitable for your skin type so that you can provide the right treatment for your skin. The product packaging or bottle usually contains information about the skin type being targeted (eg oily, dry, combination, or all skin types).
- For example, if you have dry and sensitive skin, choose a moisturizing soap that doesn't contain dyes and perfumes. Avoid products that contain harsh ingredients or dry skin triggers, such as alcohol or astringents.
- If you have oily skin, choose a mild, soap-based cleanser formulated to remove dirt and oil from the skin.
- If your skin is prone to breakouts, choose products that contain acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
Step 2. Clean your face twice a day
Throughout the day, various types of dirt will stick and accumulate on the skin, clogging pores and triggering irritation. To keep skin healthy and clean, wash your face in the morning and evening. It's important to wash your face especially at night because you'll need to remove bacteria, dirt, makeup or skin care products, and other contaminants that build up on your skin throughout the day.
- It's also important to wash your face every time you sweat a lot because sweat can irritate the skin and clog pores.
- Try not to wash your face more than twice a day, unless you sweat a lot or your face is very dirty. Washing your face too much can actually irritate the skin.
- To prevent dry or irritated skin, wash your face with cold or warm water, and use your fingers to spread the cleansing product. Always dry your face by patting a towel against your skin, not rubbing it.
Step 3. Moisturize skin after cleansing
Facial cleansing can cause dry skin. Always use a light moisturizer after you wash your face while your skin is still damp. Thus, the skin will remain fresh and radiant, fine wrinkles can be reduced, and inflammation and acne can be prevented. In addition, it's a good idea to protect your skin with moisturizer before using make-up products. Choose a moisturizer that doesn't contain dyes, perfumes, alcohol, or other harsh ingredients.
- Look for products labeled “non-comedogenic” (“non-comedogenic”) or “won’t clog pores.”
- Sun exposure can damage and trigger premature aging of the skin. Therefore, use a moisturizer that contains an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 before leaving the room in the morning or afternoon.
Step 4. Exfoliate several times a week to smooth and even out the skin
Periodic exfoliation can even out skin tone, and reduce roughness and blemishes on the skin. However, if done too often, exfoliating can actually damage the skin. Therefore, do not let you "too excited" to do it. Try to lightly exfoliate 2-3 times a week, and reduce the frequency of treatment if you have acne, dry skin, or irritation.
- If you are undergoing treatment for acne, talk to your doctor or dermatologist before exfoliating. It is important for you to treat your skin carefully so as not to worsen the existing acne condition.
- Many dermatologists recommend chemical exfoliants because they are gentler or "friendly" to the skin than scrubs or other mechanical exfoliants. If you have dry skin, use a lactic acid laxative. For oily or acne-prone skin, an exfoliant containing salicylic acid can be a useful product.
- You can also do a light exfoliation by rubbing a soft washcloth dipped in warm water on your face. Use light circular motions and avoid the sensitive area around the eyes. Never rub or press too hard on the washcloth as this can irritate the skin.
Tip:
If you have acne scars or discolored skin, it's a good idea to undergo a professional exfoliation procedure, such as microdermabrasion, microblading, or stronger chemical peels. Talk to a dermatologist about the effectiveness or suitability of any of these treatments for your skin condition.
Method 2 of 4: Treating Acne at Home
Step 1. Reduce the pressure on the skin to minimize irritation and the appearance of pimples
Any pressure on the skin, especially on the face, can trigger acne breakouts. Headphones, cell phones, and hats can encourage acne breakouts. If your clothes feel tight around the neck, that area can also get acne. Plus, backpacks can put a lot of pressure on your back and trigger acne breakouts. As much as possible, avoid clothing or items that can rub or irritate the skin in acne-prone areas.
- For example, turn on the speakerphone when calling someone instead of holding the phone to your head. You can also reduce pressure and irritation around your face and ears by wearing earbuds instead of bulky headphones.
- If you tend to have neck breakouts, try wearing loose-fitting clothing that is made of lightweight (breathable) collars that won't touch your neck as much.
- Wearing a backpack can actually trigger acne on your back. Therefore, use a handbag or carry things with your hands and arms every now and then.
Step 2. Keep your hands away from your face to prevent exposure to germs and dirt
It can be really hard for you not to touch your face. Unfortunately, touching or "playing" with your face can transfer bacteria to your skin, allowing bacteria to enter your pores and cause inflammation and breakouts. If you tend to touch your face a lot, try to be more alert. Find something else to do with your hands whenever you are tempted to touch your face, like playing a stress ball or putting your hands in your pockets.
Not touching your face at all is probably something most people can't do. The best thing you can do is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If your hands are clean, there's a good chance that germs won't transfer to your face when you touch them
Step 3. Clean the pimple affected area using a mild cleansing product twice a day
Washing your face twice a day is a good pattern. However, it's a good idea to also clean other areas of acne while washing your face. Just use your hands, water and a mild cleaning product. Wash every day if you have pimples on your scalp or along your hairline.
- Don't use scrubs or cleaning products with harsh or irritating ingredients, such as alcohol or perfume.
- You may want to scrub your face or dry the pimple with an astringent (a cleansing product that destroys oil). However, irritating or drying the skin can actually make acne worse.
Step 4. Use oil-free skin care products to prevent clogged pores
Acne arises from clogged pores so beware of oily lotions and creams that can build up on your face. When choosing a product, look for products labeled “noncomedogenic” (“non-comedogenic”), “won't clog pores”, “oil-free” (“oil-free”), or “water-based” (“water based”) because these products are less likely to clog skin pores. If you wear make-up, make sure you're also using non-comedogenic, oil-free products.
Makeup products that are formulated not to clog pores can trigger acne if you leave them on your face for too long. If you wear makeup, always wash your face before going to bed
Step 5. Reduce clogged pores using salicylic acid products
Salicylic acid is an over-the-counter acne treatment that's available as a face wash or a no-rinse cream. Look for a product with a concentration of 0.5% first, then use a product with a higher concentration if it doesn't work. If you are using a cream or ointment, apply the product to the affected area once a day and rub it in carefully. If you use soap or cleanser, make a venom and apply it to the affected area with your fingers. Rinse your face thoroughly when you're done.
Salicylic acid can cause irritation in the sensitive areas around the eyes, mouth, and inside of the nose. Avoid these areas when you use the product
Step 6. Kill bacteria and remove dead skin cells using benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide helps fight acne by killing bacteria on the skin's surface and pores. In addition, this substance also removes dead skin cells and oil that clog pores. Use a product with a concentration of 2.5% first. Like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide products are available in the form of face washes and leave-in creams.
Sometimes, benzoyl peroxide causes irritation. Therefore, test the product on 1-2 small areas of the skin for 3 days to see how the skin reacts. If the product doesn't cause a serious problem, apply it to a larger area of skin
Step 7. Use alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to reduce inflammation
This substance can remove dead skin cells that clog pores and trigger acne. In addition, alpha hydroxy acids can also reduce inflammation and encourage the development of new skin cells. The combination of these two functions makes the skin feel smoother. Some types of AHAs that you can look for and use are lactic acid and glycolic acid.
- Lactic acid can be the right choice if you want to undergo a natural treatment. This mild acid is obtained from fermented milk.
- Some people experience side effects such as swelling, burning, and itching when using products containing AHAs, especially products with high AHA concentrations. In addition, AHAs can also increase skin sensitivity to sunlight or cause hyperpigmentation (darkening or discoloration of the skin). Therefore, be careful and keep using the product with a low concentration until you know the effect of the product on the skin.
Step 8. Do not pop or squeeze the pimple to prevent acne scars from forming
You may be tempted to pop an existing pimple. In fact, you may have heard that acne should be solved by yourself. However, it's a good idea not to pop or squeeze an existing pimple. If the pimple is solved, acne scars can actually form. Also, when you pop a pimple, you run the risk of transferring bacteria from your hands to your face, leading to more breakouts and skin inflammation.
If you have a large pimple that needs to be removed immediately, talk to your doctor first. Doctors can clear pimples safely in their clinic or office, or give steroid injections that can shrink pimples quickly
Step 9. Go for natural treatments if chemical treatments are too harsh for the skin
Some natural ingredients such as honey or tea tree oil act as antimicrobials, making them effective for treating mild acne. However, you should still consult with your doctor before trying any of these products because it can interfere with the treatment you are currently taking. Talk to your doctor or dermatologist about products or medications such as:
- Gel containing tea tree oil with a concentration of 5%. This essential oil contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can fight acne. This product may cause irritation in some people. Therefore, first test the product on areas that are not clearly visible (eg the back of the knee) before you apply it on your face.
- Cream containing bovine cartilage extract with a concentration of 5%.
- Lotion with green tea extract concentrate 2%.
- Products containing azelaic acid with a concentration of 20%. This acid is naturally found in whole grains and some animal products.
- Creams and lotions that contain zinc.
- Brewer's yeast. This product can be taken as an oral supplement to reduce acne.
Method 3 of 4: Getting Medical Treatment to Get Rid of Acne
Step 1. Discuss the use of prescription topical medications with your doctor
If home remedies or over-the-counter medications don't give you the results you want, don't worry! Your doctor or dermatologist can prescribe medications that are stronger and possibly more potent. Talk to your doctor about prescription topical treatments, such as creams, lotions, or gels that can be used directly on pimples.
- Your doctor may prescribe a retinoid cream such as Retin-A. Retinoids are a type of vitamin A that fights acne by preventing clogging of pores and hair follicles. You may need to use this product three times a week first, then increase the frequency to once a day.
- Other prescription topical medications include antibiotic creams containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, higher concentrations of azelaic acid, or 5% dapsone gel (an antibiotic that also contains an anti-inflammatory agent).
Step 2. Ask about prescription oral medications if your acne is very severe
Oral drugs are products that must be taken and work systematically (throughout the body), and not directly on the skin. Before taking this medication, give your doctor a complete list of medications you are currently on and describe any medical conditions you have. This way, your doctor can determine which treatment is safe for you.
- Some of the options that are usually given include oral antibiotics (usually combined with a topical medication, such as using a benzoyl peroxide cream or retinoid) and hormone-regulating medications, such as birth control pills or spironolactone.
- One of the most effective oral medications for fighting acne is isotretinoin. However, although they are effective against acne, they can also cause serious side effects, such as ulcerative colitis and serious depression. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits. Never use isotretinoin if you are pregnant or planning to have children because the drug can cause birth defects.
Step 3. Go through a chemical decay procedure that can even out skin tone
Dermatologists and estheticians offer chemical decay procedures to remove certain types of acne. Blackheads and papules are skin conditions that can be treated with this treatment. As a result, the skin will appear smoother. Chemical decay can also reduce the appearance of acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, and discoloration of the skin. Ask a skin care specialist about whether this treatment is suitable for your skin condition.
- Ask your doctor and skin care specialist about skin care before and after chemical decay procedures. After treatment, the skin may appear red, become more sensitive, or become inflamed.
- Before undergoing the procedure, tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, such as retinoids, which can cause serious irritation when combined with chemical decay.
Step 4. Ask about laser and light treatments to reduce acne scars
If you have acne scars, laser treatment can smooth and reduce the appearance of the scars. Ask your doctor or dermatologist about whether the treatment is suitable for your condition.
- Because some people develop acne after laser treatment, their doctor may recommend combining laser treatment with antibiotics.
- Some other treatment options to reduce acne scars include using skin filler injections, professional exfoliation procedures (eg microdermabrasion or chemical peels), or surgery to repair very severe acne scars.
Method 4 of 4: Keeping Skin Healthy
Step 1. Do not bathe or soak in hot water for too long so that the skin does not dry out
It's nice to take a hot bath or bath, but hot water can remove the natural oils on your skin. This causes dry skin, irritation, and even acne. Therefore, use warm water and reduce the duration of the bath.
Bathing in a short duration is also more friendly to the environment than bathing in a longer duration
Step 2. Protect skin from sun exposure to prevent damage and aging
The sun's rays can damage your skin over time, making it age faster. To protect your skin, use a daily sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Avoid sun exposure, especially on hot days (usually around 10am to 4pm). If you need to leave the room during the day, wear clothing that protects your skin, such as a hat, sunglasses, long pants, and a long-sleeved top.
Reapply sunscreen if you swim or sweat a lot. Even water-resistant sunscreen will still wear off after you've been active for a long time
Step 3. Keep body fluids to keep skin moist
It is important that you drink to keep your body (including your skin) functioning properly. If you are dehydrated, your skin will be dry too. Drink enough water so you don't feel thirsty. Usually, drinking patterns like this are enough to maintain body fluids and skin.
- For men, try to drink at least 3.7 liters of water every day. For women, drink at least 2.7 liters of water every day. You may need to drink more/frequently if the weather is very hot or after exercising.
- You can also maintain body fluids by drinking other fluids, such as broth, juice, smoothies, or caffeine-free tea. Consuming nutritious fruits and vegetables also provides the same benefits.
Step 4. Treat your skin by consuming omega 3 fatty acids
Skin needs good fats to stay healthy and naturally radiant. Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids are good for skin care. Consume foods such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, soybean oil, walnuts, flax seeds (flaxseeds), and tofu to improve skin conditions.
You can also get omega 3 fatty acids in the form of supplements, such as fish oil capsules
Step 5. Do stress-relieving activities to reduce acne breakouts
Stress makes the skin more prone to breakouts. To lower stress levels, try doing yoga, exercising, or meditating. You can also avoid or reduce activities that trigger stress. For example, if you often feel stressed while watching or reading the news, try reducing the “frequency” of watching or reading the news to 30 minutes per day.
- One quick trick you can try is to spend a little time each day doing deep breathing exercises. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Inhale for a count of four and hold for a count of four. After that, exhale for a count of four. Stay focused on your breath for a few minutes to relieve stress.
- Exercising, pursuing a hobby you enjoy, listening to relaxing music, and spending time with friends and family are also fun activities to relieve stress.
