Acne Face Wash Routine

We all want our faces to be shiny and clear; however some of us have a constant battle with acne, a condition that may occur daily or only on occasion. When it shows up, frustration and lack of self esteem can follow.

Excess face washing will not help, it will only dry out and irritate your skin. It is essential to keep your face clean after sweating.

Follow these face washing tips, twice a day, morning and evening. Remember, always remove make up before going to bed. I will also recommend products that are gentle enough for acne prone skin.

Face Clearing Regime

Step One - Cleansing

1.     Mist your face with cool water 

2.     Massage face wash (not soap) into your hands, create a lather

3.     Rub very gently onto face, in a circular motion, for about 15 seconds

4.     Wash off the face wash, using your hands and warm-cool water

5.     Pat dry with a soft towel, do not rub, let excess moisture air dry (wait 15 minutes before applying treatment)

Step Two - Treatment

• Rub thin layer of treatment into affected area (acne) Product can be drying, so start off using only once a day
• Use a hypoallergenic face moisturizer to combat dry skin. In the summer be sure to use sun block when outdoors.

Products of choice

Face washes- Do not use a soap based product on your face because it is drying

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser 

Burt's Bees Radiance Facial Cleanser 

Clean and Clear 

Treatments

Neutrogena "On-the-spot" Acne treatment

• Oil-free
• Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)
• 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide 

For a stronger treatment, you may see your dermatologist. Common acne treatments are Retin-A based products, many which need a prescription. It is best to do your own research, and try different products to see what works for you. Follow the directions, and if it becomes irritating to your skin discontinue use. 

Moisturizers

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15

Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer SPF 15

Eucerin Redness Relief Daily Perfecting Lotion SPF 15 Reduces visible redness and blotchiness

Be sure to look for "non comedogenic " facial moisturizers.  You do not have to buy a cream with an SPF; you can apply your own separately.

Not all skin types are alike, be sure to see a doctor if your skin condition worsens, or doesn't respond to any of your own treatments. It is best not to rub, or pick at your acne; this will only lead to irritation and possible scarring. This advice is not intended to cure, treat, or prevent any disease. Some major acne may be diet related. If you think you may have food allergies, see a doctor, or eliminate the foods that tend to make you break out.

Thank you for reading. If you try this regime, please let me know what you think. Leave a comment below.

Acne Clearing Tips

Acne, the definition

Acne is a common skin disease characterized by pimples on the face, chest, and back. It occurs when the pores of the skin become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.*

Acne is a problem that can start as an adolescent, run in the teens, and continue to adulthood. Blemished skin can cause low self esteem, anger and stress. Acne scarring can last weeks to lifetime, and with out the means to a afford a dermatologist, its something acne sufferers have to live with. While some say acne is caused by food we eat, others say it is a genetic skin disease, that really can't completely be cured.

Some Possible Acne Causes

•     Age. Due to the hormonal changes they experience, teenagers are more likely to develop acne.
•     Gender. Boys have more severe acne and develop it more often than girls.
•     Disease. Hormonal disorders can complicate acne in girls.
•     Heredity. Individuals with a family history of acne have greater susceptibility to the disease.
•     Hormonal changes. Acne can flare up before menstruation, during pregnancy, and menopause.
•     Diet. No foods cause acne, but certain foods may cause flare-ups.
•     Drugs. Acne can be a side effect of drugs including tranquilizers, antidepressants, antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and anabolic steroids.
•     Personal hygiene. Abrasive soaps, hard scrubbing, or picking at pimples will make them worse.
•     Cosmetics. Oil-based makeup and hair sprays worsen acne.
•     Environment. Exposure to oils and greases, polluted air, and sweating in hot weather aggravate acne.
•     Stress. Emotional stress may contribute to acne.*

Note:Do not diagnose yourself. I am not a doctor, these are only possible causes. Seek medical treatment if you have any questions.

While there are many forms of acne treatments, pills and creams, lotions and washes, not everything will work for every skin type.

Some tips to keep acne flares down include:

• Get tested for food allergies (they may cause your acne to be worse)
• Avoid certain food if they cause breakouts
• Do not touch or rub your face
• Wear sunblock, it is important to shield acne from the sun 
• Wash your face after wearing makeup

Whats Next on Orange Health: "Acne Removal Regime" What products to buy, and a face clearing regime that can help battle that acne.

Thank you for reading!

*(Source: 3/30/11 http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/acne)