Daily Treatment for Acne

Acne is common in teens and young adults, but can affect older adults as well. Acne refers to blemishes caused by blocked and inflamed pores. An effective skin care routine will depend on a number of factors. Causes of acne and skin type should be considered. Does this Spark an idea?

Cleanse

Cleansing the skin gets rid of dirt, oil and bacteria that clogs pores and causes blemishes. It's best to cleanse in the morning and before bed, but no more. Keep in mind that over-cleansing the skin is counterproductive; washing more than twice a day will dry out the skin, causing it to produce more oil and irritate skin further.

Exfoliate

Exfoliation sloughs off dead skin cells and improves skin texture. This can be done with a washcloth or with a cleansing scrub designed specifically for exfoliating the skin. Exfoliating also helps to get rid of scars and redness left from past blemishes. Some exfoliating scrubs are even made with acne fighting medications to enhance treatment. Exfoliate one to two times per week.

Treat Blemishes

Treat blemishes with an acne fighting medication such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These medications are available in creams, cleansers and moisturizers. How often you use these medications will depend on the strength of the product and your skin type. Most people should apply topical acne medications each time they cleanse their skin. For severe acne, a dermatologist may even recommend an oral medication to take daily. Overuse of acne medications is not recommended, as they will dry out the skin and can cause extreme irritation.

Moisturize

Moisturizing with a facial lotion is essential, even for oily skin. Those with acne should choose a moisturizer that is oil free. Also, look for a lotion that contains SPF, as acne medications can increase the skin's sensitivity to UV rays. Apply moisturizer each time you cleanse your skin.

Considerations

Pay attention to what causes or worsens your breakouts. Some people have food sensitivities that worsen their acne. Also, many women tend to break out just before or during menstruation. Others are sensitive to cigarette smoke. Knowing what irritates your skin is important so that you can avoid those triggers. Also, drinking plenty of water may help your skin quality, as well as being great for your overall health. Most people need at least 2 liters of water per day.