Common Acne Treatment Mistakes

Acne is a problem encountered by most people in a part in their lives, and they still have to live with the fact that there is still no cure for it. In searching for the proper treatment of acne, many facts and fiction have surfaced. Because of the many acne treatment practices, it is important to know what the real thing is through reliable sources.

Tanning

Though the rays of the sun may seem to improve irritated skin, it has been found out that acne treatments make the skin more sensitive to the UV rays of the sun, thus needing a sunscreen with high SPF to protect it. The formation of red or brown spots from acne will be more difficult to control and remove. Exposure to the sun is not a reliable treatment for acne, and it will even harm the body and skin.

Pimple Popping

When acne is popped using dirty fingers, improper techniques, and done under dirty conditions, this will just further aggravate the skin and even cause permanent scarring. It is only a qualified doctor or dermatologist or aesthetician who is able to clear acne for you.  Apply a warm compress on the irritated skin, especially when the pimple is painful and swollen, then take an anti-inflammatory medication to help alleviate the pain until professional treatment is obtained.

Scrubbing

Although periodic exfoliation is recommended to keep the pores clean and clear, avoid exfoliating on irritated or acne-filled skin as this can burst open small pimples and scatter the bacteria all over the face, thus creating more pimples on the skin. It can also make the oil glands go haywire, producing more oil on the skin and causing more irritation on the sensitive skin.

Excessive face washing

Even if you wash your face every hour, you can still develop acne as this can actually stimulate the oil glands further to produce more oil, thus clogging the pores and developing more pimples, plus having dry, irritated skin due to the harsh cleansers. Wash your face at least once daily, using mild cleansers designed for your skin type, which will get rid of excess oil that may cause acne formation and leave it clean, clear, and smooth.

Refrain from eating chocolate and fried foods

A popular myth about acne is that you can develop acne if you eat chocolate and foods that are fried. However, scientific studies have not seen any connection between acne and these types of food except for the fact that these are not healthy for the body, therefore the skin. It would be best to frequently eat food rich in vitamins and minerals which have antioxidants to protect your skin, such as fruits and vegetables. Lessen your intake of fatty foods and even dairy products as these may trigger excessive oil production. The rule of thumb is that whatever is good for the body is definitely good for the skin.

Cleansing with very hot water

The use of hot water for cleansing your skin can cause delicate capillaries to break under the skin, creating a reddish, blotchy appearance. It can also over-stimulate the oil glands. It is often best to use tepid water for a thorough rinsing.

No need to moisturize

All types of skin needs to be hydrated, especially when undergoing treatment for acne since acne medications such as Accutane and Retin A can dry up the skin. For acne-prone skin or skin with active acne lesions, a moisturizer that is oil-free is best to avoid clogging the pores such as hydrating gels. A moisturizer suited for the day, with sunscreen is also great to protect it from the aging and hyperpigmentation effects of the sun.