Before getting into acne control, let us know how it is formed. Oil called sebum is secreted normally from hair follicles which travel up to the pores where it lubricates and protects the skin. Sometimes, there are overworked oil glands which enlarge and produce too much sebum which can get trapped in the hair follicle. Thus the pores will get clogged which are either called blackheads or whiteheads, allow bacteria overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes. In the surrounding skin, acne will be formed by inflaming the hair follicle by this bacterium.
Acne control
Including a variety of seeds, nuts, vegetables and fresh fruit in your diet can be a good control for acne. Drink plenty of water every day since dehydrated skin sheds dead cells which can lead to clogged pores and effective acne control. Most skin care products contain chemical ingredients that can aggravate acne. If you use make-up, try products that are non-comedogenic. Keeping stress levels low can also reduce the release of stress hormones and reduce the intensity of acne. Dairy products and red meat in your diet can cause acne. Heavily tanned skin can lead to blocked pores. Some of the acne control guidelines recommended by The American Academy of Dermatology are as follows.
* Do not squeeze, pop or pick at the acne lesion. This can spread the inflammatory process and worsen the acne.
* Wash your face twice a day gently with mild soap or sulfur soap. Just pat your face dry and do not rub it with a towel.
* Avoid oil based products.
* Avoid acne irritants such as airborne grease from fast food restaurants, rubbing or friction from sporting equipment etc.
* Give anti-acne products time to clear up the lesions. This can mean several weeks or even months.
* Some acne products increase the skin’s photosensitivity. When in the sun wear a hat and use sunscreen and avoid tanning booths while using these products.
Acne Cleanser
Acne Cleansers have an important part in skin care. A good acne cleanser will remove make-up, oil build up, dirt and other debris from the skin’s surface, preparing it for acne fighting treatments.
Before the acne treatment, the skin has to be washed properly. Avoid using bath soap on your skin for cleansing. There are many kinds of skin cleansers in the market and you can choose the mildest cleanser for your skin. They are all natural and medicated cleansers and are great in controlling acnes. Some of the natural daily cleansers are as shown.
1. PhytoMe Gentle Cleansing Gel
Ingredients include herbal extracts that remove debris, impurities and excess sebum from the skin’s surface to leave a clean refreshed feeling to your face. It can be used 2-3 times daily as a facial cleanser or make-up remover.
2. Clarins One-Step Facial Cleanser
It includes all natural, facial cleanser/toner/make-up removers. This acne cleanser uses the properties of orange extracts to remove impurities and dirt from the surface of the skin. This product does not clog pores and it keeps the skin clean and nourished and is great even for oily skins.
3. FACE Stockholm Foaming Facial Cleanser
The self foaming formula of this cleanser clears all make-up and impurities without harming the skin. The skin is cleaned and refreshed and can be used both in the morning and night.
4. St. Ives Facial Foaming Cleanser
It is 100% soap-free and includes acne-fighting tea tree oil combined with gentle glycerin and chamomile extract to balance the moisture, creating a cleanser that prevents breakouts without drying the skin. This cleanser is excellent for removing facial make-up, oil and dirt.
5. Fira Foaming Tea Tree Facial Cleanser
The clarity, tone, and texture of your skin can be greatly improved by using this instant, self-foaming acne cleanser. The tea tree oil has the natural properties for controlling skin problems and fighting acne causing bacteria. Due to the deep penetrating action of the foam, the skin is cleaned, leaving it fresh, and refreshed.