10 Things to Know About Taking Care of Acne

As the largest organ in your body, it is imperative that you take care of your skin from an early age. Despite its importance, many people neglect to direct the proper care and attention to the skin.

Why You Should Take Care of Your Skin

When it comes to caring for your skin, an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure. Taking a preventative approach to skincare can ensure that you stop issues before they become out of control. Instituting a solid skin care routine that incorporates cleansing, exfoliating, hydration, and other treatments will help to prevent a host of issues such as premature aging, acne, and more. You will thank yourself later in life for devoting the proper attention to your skin now when your efforts are still preventative and not reactionary.

5 Ways to Prevent Acne

1. Cleanse Nightly – A solid cleansing routine should be your number one priority when looking to take care of your skin. Choose a cleanser formulated for your specific skin type. Be sure to gently pat the skin dry after thoroughly rinsing the product off of your skin. You can cleanse your skin both in the morning and at night, but it is most important to wash off your face at the end of the day so that you remove all of the impurities that have accumulated throughout the day.
2. Exfoliate – After cleansing, exfoliating will strip away dead skin cells and leave a fresh layer of skin its place. A quality exfoliator will dig deep into pores to remove excess oil and dirt and clear the skin.
3. Moisturize – Properly hydrating the skin with an effective moisturize will help to reverse some of the drying effects of the cleansing and exfoliation process. A good moisturizer will deliver essential hydration to the skin and heal a variety of issues.
4. Wear Sunscreen – If there is one thing that you put on your face each day, make it a good sunscreen. Select a broad-spectrum sunblock with an SPF of at least 30 for the best protection.

5 Acne Face Mapping Signs: What Your Acne Means

While it is impossible to spot the reasons for acne with absolute certainty, some hints can help you to ascertain why you may be breaking out in particular parts of the body:

1. Forehead Acne: Acne around the hairline and forehead can be indicative of the beauty products that you use in your daily routine. Forehead acne is exacerbated if you do not remove your makeup and sunscreen at the end of the day. Acne along the hairline may be the result of hair products such as soothing gels.
2. Cheek Acne: A smartphone held to the face to talk may be the culprit for flareups located along the cheek. For this cause, it is a good idea to clean your smartphone daily with a disinfectant wipe. Not changing your pillowcase frequently can also lead to increased acne on the cheek area. Get in the habit of washing your pillowcases at least once per week so that you do not inadvertently introduce acne-causing bacteria, dirt, and oil to the face at night.
3. Body Acne: Those who experience body acne may have a sensitivity to bar soaps. The harsh ingredients in this type of soap can clog pores and lead to breakouts anywhere on the body. If you suffer from body acne, try switching to a gentle liquid cleanser to see if that helps to clear up the skin.
4. Jawline: Acne along the jawline and chin may be the result of hormonal changes such as an excess amount of acne-stimulating androgens. Some researchers also believe that acne along the jawline could be a result of a diet rich in processed foods and dairy products.
5. Nose: Breakouts along the nose are most often a byproduct of just oily skin. Stress can also affect this part of the face and lead to increasing amounts of blemishes.

When to See a Professional:

When you have exhausted all of the various over the counter treatment options, it may be time to consult the help of a professional. A dermatologist can accurately diagnose specific cases of acne so that you can find the treatment convention that is best suited for your individual skincare needs. When your acne is out of control, and you cannot keep up with it, a dermatologist can set you on the right path to clear skin.

Start Now

Acne and its causes can be confusing. Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach to proper skin care, there are a variety of proven ways to take care of this essential organ. This is the only skin that you have. Treat it right now, and you will have fewer issues to deal with down the road.