Although blemishes has long been considered a problem of teenagers, they don’t always disappear when you get older. Unfortunately, adults can have blemishes too. Whatever your age, it’s wise to be careful what you put on your skin since it will be absorbed into your body.
Gentle Face Washing.
If you have blemishes, scrubbing your face isn’t going to get rid of them. In fact, if you rub your skin too roughly, it’s more likely to stir up more blemishes and aggravate ones you already have. A gentle cleaning of your face is much better.
When you wash your face gently, you’ll avoid irritation that will make acne worse. Don’t even bother to use a washcloth. Just get your face wet, then lather up your hands with the mild cleansing wash or mild soap.
Once you’ve washed your face, use a clean washcloth to gently pat the water off the skin until it’s dry.
Benzoyl Peroxide.
Once your skin is completely dry, then use an over-the-counter medication with benzoyl peroxide. The best non-prescription medication you can use to control blemishes has this active ingredient. Benzoyl peroxide is a mild drying agent, and peroxide has long been used to cleanse skin.
Use 2.5% benzoyl peroxide as it has been shown to be just as effective as 5% or 10%, but doesn’t irritate your skin so badly. It’s counter productive to irritate your skin and make acne worse instead of better.
Starting with a small amount of medication is important. Because this medication is a drying agent and can cause redness and itchiness, so don’t slather on a bunch right from the beginning. Start with just enough medication to very lightly cover your skin the first time, then gradually increase the amount you’re using. After a couple of weeks you should be giving your skin a good coating of medication.
Be certain to stay away from the tender skin under your eyes. This skin is thinner and more easier irritated that the rest of the skin on your face, and not likely to break-out anyway.
Moisturizer.
Due to the fact benzoyl peroxide dries out your skin, it’s important to apply moisturizer. Wait until the medicine has soaked in and your skin is completely dry, then lightly apply moisturizer to your face. Once the moisturizer is completely dry, if you skin still appears dry or flaky, add some more.
Be careful to apply the moisturizer even when first beginning to use benzoyl peroxide. This is to keep your skin from drying out too much.
Is Diet A Factor in Skin Care?
Opinions vary in the scientific community as to whether diet has any effect on acne. It is known that too much iodine will aggravate blemishes, don’t eat too many iodine rich foods like clams, crabs or other shellfish. Also don’t go overboard with the salt shaker if you’re using iodized salt.
However, if you notice that your skin tends to break out more after eating certain foods, ditch the scientific theory of the moment, and avoid those foods. Scientists don’t always have the definitive answer since body chemistry and the effects of foods and other substances on our skin is so complex. (How many drugs have been okayed as safe, only to discover later they have bad side effects?)
Quick And Easy Tips.
When you have a blemish and need help quick, try one of the following:
- If you run out of benzoyl peroxide and have a blemish, try using a little calamine lotion. This will absorb the excess oil, and get rid of the blemish.
- After washing your face, use an ice cube for 60 seconds on any blemishes. The cold from the ice cube helps reduce the inflammation and make them less noticeable.
- Positively do not squeeze! The first blemish may seem to heal more quickly, but will irritate the surrounding skin and may cause more blemishes.
- Watch the make-up. Oil based make-ups are especially bad for acne prone skin. If you want to wear make-up, look for fragrance-free types that are meant for people with sensitive skin.
The Result Is Better Skin.
Considering no one wants acne, it’s helpful that but a good skin care regimen can usually help or totally eradicate the problem.
Clear skin is the clear goal.
