Acne is a problem that many face. Some of them even have skin problems related to this condition their whole lives. This can be a condition that can drastically affect one’s life.
It can be really difficult not to be comfortable in one’s own skin. Whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples can really affect your confidence, and it can lead to decrease in productivity and relationship quality.
If you want to clear your acne in fast and effective ways, then you can try out these simple techniques so that you will be able to have clearer and smoother skin.
Toothpaste
Directly apply toothpaste to the affected area and leave it on overnight. Toothpaste contains ingredients that help dry out pimples such as baking soda, alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide.
Take note that the toothpaste that you use should be white only. You should also apply this on dry and clean skin so as to fully benefit from its effects.
Ice
Ice can help in reducing the swelling and inflammation caused by acne. This will make bumps less noticeable and can also help in reducing pain.
Apply ice on the affected area for three to four minutes or for as long as you can tolerate it. Make sure that you do not ice your skin for a very long time as this can cause further damage.
Aspirin
Aspirin contains salicylic acid which helps you treat acne in many ways. Salicylic acid can help dry out and unclog pores. It is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Create a paste made out of crushed aspirin and water and apply directly to the skin. Alternatively, you may also buy topical creams or ointments that has salicylic acid as its main ingredient.
Zinc
For those with severe breakouts, a super dose of zinc is recommended. It helps in promoting good skin health by kicking the skin’s healing abilities into overdrive.
Studies have shown that those who take the recommended daily dose of zinc have significantly less breakouts than those who do not. Zinc can be acquired through foods or via supplements.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil benefits acne sufferers by helping reduce inflammation as well as by killing bacteria that causes infections and further breakouts to occur. Topical application to the affected area has been shown to provide food results.
Another option related to this is to regularly drink green tea. Not only will this keep you hydrated and your skin moisturized, but the anti-oxidants found in green tea can also help improve skin health.
Diet
Oftentimes, breakouts are caused by foods that you eat. If you regularly suffer from acne, then consider having a food journal so that you can discover what your trigger foods are.
Foods widely considered as acne-inducing include sugars and starches, dairy products, nuts, and chocolate, among others. Of course, foods will affect everyone in different ways so you should check which ones apply to you.
In some cases, breakouts can also be caused by allergic reactions or hormonal changes as well. If you find out that this is the case, then find a specialist that can provide you medication to control these side effects.
Don’t Pop Your Zits
Popping or squeezing your pimples is one of the worst things that you can do. This is because popping zits with your hands or other types of equipment can lead to infection as well as scarring.
If you would like to have your whiteheads squeezed out and your pimples popped, you can opt to go to a dermatologist who can do this for you in a controlled and sanitary environment.
Exfoliates
Exfoliators are your best friends when it comes to acne problems. Exfoliators are used to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and it can also help in unclogging your pores.
Another advantage of exfoliators is that it helps enhance the effects of topical ointments and creams. Use mild exfoliators only and do not use these types of products more than twice a week.
Keep Your Face Clean
Keeping your face clean is one of the biggest challenges for those who have acne problems. This is because many acne sufferers have the compulsion to keep on touching their skin.
This, however, only makes things worse as your hands are probably full of germs that can get into your pores which would then lead to further breakouts.
As such, it is recommended that you wash your hands and face regularly using mild soap and water. It is also especially important to keep those objects that are constantly touching your face clean.
These would include pillows, bed sheets, your phone, as well as your hair. Even your dog must be kept clean if you are constantly hugging it and its fur keeps on touching your face.
Have a Consistent Beauty Regimen
Having a regular beauty routine using quality products is essential in keeping your skin healthy and keeping acne at bay.
While regular soap and water can keep your skin clean, they do not have the essential minerals that can keep your skin’s quality at its peak.
Aside from exfoliators, you can also use toners that can help in closing up your pores. You can also use masks that can keep your skin hydrated and more resilient against damage.
When choosing beauty products, make sure that you choose ones that are made of natural ingredients as these are less likely to irritate your skin.
Those that contain aloe vera, honey, and dead sea salt are highly recommended as they have been proven to be very effective in treating acne as well as other skin conditions.
While acne is a skin condition that is not considered to be life-threatening, it can severely impact your way of life. As such, clearing acne before it get worse using the tips mentioned above is recommended.
Perhaps more importantly, you should also practice habits that will prevent breakouts in the first place. By having a good skin treatment plan, you can enjoy smooth, clear, and blemish-free skin every day.
