How to Treat Acne
ZITS ZITS ZITS!!
How to Treat Acne
Skin Acne is never fun! When you thought reaching adulthood and you still get those unsightly pimples and blemishes, but alas those pesky zits still persist! While acne affects both men and women, men suffer from acne longer because men excrete more oil than women and have higher levels of testosterone, which can make acne worse.
First thing you must understand is acne is caused by the P bacteria that is present in all of your pores. P bacteria is an anaerobic organism, which means it needs an environment without the presence of oxygen. When pores get clogged the P Bacteria multiply. Your body’s defenses start to fight the bacteria resulting in swelling and a pimple is formed!
There are several things you can do to help control acne breakouts and smooth out your complexion.
1. Have a Regular Cleansing Routine Clean the skin on a regular schedule — in the morning, before bed and after physical activity. Washing away dirt and excess oil from the skin is the first step in keeping pores clean and freefrom bacteria. If you are looking for a good face wash check out Glo Therapeutics Cleansing Face Polish, Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment Cleanser or Rugged and Dapper Daily Power Scrub Facial Cleanser For Men.
2. Exfoliate Your Skin Regularly
Scrubbing or exfoliating your skin gently, on a regular basis will help those pores stay clear. Exfoliating also removes dead skins cells that accumulate on the surface of your skin, revealing the newer and fresh skin underneath. I recommend gentle face scrubs with natural exfoliants. For oily or acne skin this can be done 2 – 3 times a week. If you are looking for a good face scrub or exfoliant check you Image Skin Care Clear Cell Acne Scrub, MensScience Androceuticals Microfine Face Scrub or Menaji Face & Body Scrub.Tip: Remember to exfoliate gently! Acne is actually inflammation and harsh rubbing can cause more inflammation as well as the spreading of bacteria.
3. Use a Toner or Astringent After Cleansing
Using toners or astringents after cleansing help remove the remaining dirt and oil that is on the surface of the skin. Some toners or astringents have antiseptic qualities which help kill the bacteria on the surface of the skin. There are many over the counter toners, but I recommend toners that have salicylic acid in it. Salicylic acid kill the bacteria that causes acne. If you are looking for a a toner with salicylic acid as its main ingredient these are the ones I recommend: Image Skincare Clear Cell Salicylic Clarifying Tonic or La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Facial Toner for Acne Prone Skin.
4. Add Benzoyl Peroxide to Your Routine
BPO – Benzoyl Peroxide, found in many over the counter acne products as well as products prescribed by your doctor, help treat acne by killing the bacteria that causes acne as well as keeps the pores clear. BPO is often used to treat cystic acne.Benzoyl Peroxide is best used with consistency! Once you start using BPO use it consistently until the acne dissipates. And once it dissipates wean yourself of it slowly. If you start and stop and start again the acne can get worse!How to use a cleanser with Benzoyl Peroxide: Gently massage and cleanse with benzoyl peroxide of 2.5% to 10% benzoyl peroxide onto your skin for at least 30 seconds. I recommend leaving it on for a minute afterwards. Rinse with warm water and pat your skin dry with a towel –don’t rub — . Use Humane Benzoyl Peroxide 10% Acne Treatment Body & Face Wash or Topix Benzoyl Peroxide 5% Wash.How to use Benzoyl Peroxide gels or creams: Cleanse and completely dry the affected area. Gently rub the medicine in until it is evenly distributed. I recommend M.A.D Skincare Blemish Repelling Gel Benzoyl Peroxide 5% or 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Cream Gel Dr Song Spot TreatmentTip:
One thing to remember, once you start using BPO products use it with consistency! You may always need to use it because your skin can develop a need for it. When you stop using BPO, wean yourself of it SLOWLY! Beware these acne medications can dry out your skin as well.
5. Add Salicylic Acid to your Routine
Salicylic acid cleansers and toners can be found over the counter at many pharmacies and stores. Salicylic Acid has anti-inflammatory properties, and can help open clogged pores and clear up redness and swelling associated with acne.
How too use a cleanser with Salicylic Acid: Gently massage onto your skin for at least 30 seconds. I recommend leaving it on for a minute afterwards. Rinse with warm water and pat — don’t rub — your skin dry with a towel.
How to use a toner with Salicylic Acid: Men with oily skin and acne should use a facial astringent or toner with salicylic acid after every wash. This not only wipes away leftover cleanser, dirt and oil, it actually helps restore the skin’s pH balance and aids in acne-medication penetration.
The addition of salicylic acid is important for acne-prone skin, because it acts a gentle exfoliant and helps slough away dead skin cells as well as diminishes the appearance of pores. Pour some on a cotton pad and swipe around your entire face once. Try Anthony Logistics for Men’s Spot Therapy, Clinique Men’s 3.5 Percent Scruffing Lotion or Derma-E Very Clear Astringent.
6. Add Sulfur to Your Routine
One of the best ways to treat breakouts is to dab sulfur products on blackheads and whiteheads. This antibacterial agent suppresses the bacteria that causes acne, peels the top layer of skin and helps unclog pores. Sulfur acne products can be found over the counter in such products as: Clearasil Daily Clear Adult Tinted Acne Treatment Cream, Kate Somerville EradiKate Acne Treatment or AcneFree’s Therapeutic Sulfur Mask.
7. Add Retinol to Your Routine
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A which can alter the skin’s oil chemistry. It works to shed dead skin cells and unclog pores to release trapped dirt, and oil. As a bonus, retinol also increases collagen production, makes the skin appear brighter and plumps up any fine lines and wrinkles as you age, and diminishes pore size. These products are used after cleansing and toning. Try SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 or Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Anti-Blemish Cream, or Glo Therapeutics Renew Serum. Below is the link to my #1 Recommended Acne Protocol. This is the regimen I prescribe to my clients if nothing else seems to work. It has been very effective and many of clients can’t believe how easy it is. If this doesn’t work for them l refer them to a dermatologist.