How to Control Acne Using a Proper Skin Care Regime

Most people suffer from acne at some point in their lives and following a proper skin care routine is one of the major steps in controlling it and preventing future acne flair ups. Learn how to do this the easy way without expensive medication and dermatology bills.

Acne is a type of bacteria that causes the pores in your skin to become inflamed and red. There are various different types of acne that you can get which are embarrassing and often painful.  Acne has affected 90 percent of the population at some point in their lives and normally occurs during puberty, when the body is undergoing rapid hormone changes. Some people, sadly, continue to suffer well into their twenties, and for some for the rest of their lives. There are numerous ways that acne can be controlled and even prevented, one of which is to follow a correct skin care regime from your early teenage years. 

Follow a Three Step Program
The three step method is probably the best way to prevent acne from forming in the first place, as you are cleansing your skin in the most effective and hygienic way. If you consider that acne is a build-up of excess oils in the skin, called sebum that are infected by a bacteria, it is only natural to assume that by keeping your pores free from this sebum, you can prevent and control acne break outs. The three steps of skin care that you should follow are: cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. This allows your pores to be cleansed from dirt, freed from deep lying bacteria, and replenished with healthy moisture.

Choosing the Correct Soap
Most soaps are too harsh for acne sufferers to use as they cause the skin to become too dry. Acne skin is sensitive and therefore a mild anti-bacterial soap, or preferably a gel should be used. The face, back, neck and any other area of the body that is affected should be cleansed twice a day only. Over-washing the face is one of the major reasons that acne becomes worse.

Using a Toner
Using a toner is effective in deep cleaning the skin’s pores and killing the bacteria that causes acne. Most toners contain alcohol which is too harsh for acne sufferers, so rather choose an alcohol free toner with fruit acids that will naturally cleanse and close the pores.

The Importance of Moisturizing
Skin care regimes often neglect the most important part of the three step program – moisturizing. This is imperative in maintaining a healthy skin and preventing acne. Due to the nature of acne, most people assume that moisturizers will make acne worse. The complete opposite is true. By using an oil-free moisturizing gel, you will successfully replace the lost moisture in your skin. If your skin is dry, your pores will start producing more sebum to try and counteract this, therefore making acne worse.

General Skin Care Advice for Acne Sufferers
Aside from the basic three step skin care program that you should follow for preventing and controlling acne, you should also take the following tips into account:

• Exfoliate your skin once a week only with a very mild exfoliator to get rid of dead skin cells which will allow your skin care products to be more effective.
• Avoid using hot or cold water to wash your face – use warm water.
• Do not use a sponge or cloth because this can cause irritation and spread bacteria.