Acne and Skin Care

Whether you take good care of your skin or not is only a minor piece of whether you will eventually develop acne. As well as being the foundation for healthy skin, a good skin care regime is essential in the treatment of acne.

Although some people believe that acne can be prevented by scrubbing diligently, they are mistaken. As a matter of fact, washing your face has very little effect on whether or not you develop acne. This generally happens after acne has already developed.

In most cases, scrubbing isn't the answer. The skin often dries out and is merely roughened. When harsh treatment exposes the lower skin layers, these layers are forced to develop a protective coat consisting of oil and outer dermis. In the meantime, the skin suffers from the exposure to bacteria, both by contact and by the air. Our front-line barrier to dirt and germs is our skin. It does not enhance the health of our skin to remove multiple layers of it at once.

The answer to healthy skin is to gently wash it with a mild cleanser. Wash completely, but do not rub hard. Not only your face, but also the back, shoulders and chest area can develop acne, so be sure to wash them in the shower. It is a good idea to clean your entire face, from below the jaw up to the hairline, twice a day; around the middle of the day, and at night.

The oil naturally produced by your skin, called sebum, plays a part in the development of acne, but you should not remove it completely. Sebum keeps micro cracks from occurring by helping to enhance the skin's flexibility. These tiny cracks can let bacteria in. Sebum also prevents the skin from getting too dry, which again can cause tiny cracks in the upper layers.

If using astringents to reduce excess oil, do not use them too frequently. Acne washes available without a prescription are precisely developed to attain the proper equilibrium. Make sure to follow the directions when you use them.

Of course, one challenge always is shaving. The hardest problem to solve is the faces of men. When there are skin conditions and/or blemishes, electric razors might help men to stay well groomed, but they can still nick the skin surface like a traditional razor. The best way is to be patient and use movements which are careful and deliberate.

Another helpful tip is to use a softener before shaving. It is fine to use either a manual or electric safety razor. It does not play an important part in the development of acne. Acne is caused by different reasons including ingrown hair and clogged pores. It is important, though, to shave with, not against the grain of the hair. The process can be enhanced by using warm water and soap to soften up the beard.

For women, there are some other recommendations that can be helpful.

These days, makeup selection is easier. Many make-up formulas exist that address acne concerns. They are especially designed to keep pores from clogging. Using foundation sparingly may help. Use subtle check blush rather than caking it on. Non-comedogenic is what you should look for on a makeup label. Mild acne which includes black and whiteheads is called comedones.

Over-the-counter antibacterial products are most effective after acne has developed. Skin care products can help acne but only if used as directed. Medication can be overused and acne is exacerbated by the clogged pores and injured skin that the medication can cause.

The key to minimizing outbreaks in order to allow for natural oil movement and shedding skin cells is keeping pores open. Both are aided by proper skin care practices.