Acne is a bane of existence for many of us, especially because it mostly pops out before an important event. Did you know, acne affects a staggering 85% of people aged 12-24 (1)? It can manifest in various forms and may range from occasional, mild breakouts to persistent boils. While acne is commonly associated with puberty and early adolescence, it can linger into adulthood as well. Thus, it is crucial to take proactive measures to prevent and treat acne when it arises. In this article are a few common ways to fight acne without getting into invasive and expensive treatments. Read on!
1. Prioritize Regular Face Washing
Maintaining a clean face is essential, whether or not you have acne. It is generally recommended to wash your face twice a day. However, excessive washing can lead to adverse effects. When cleansing, use your hands and a gentle cleanser instead of abrasive scrubbing tools. Afterward, pat your skin dry with a clean towel. If you engage in physical activities that cause sweating, be sure to wash your face immediately after to remove sweat and potential acne-causing bacteria.
2. Keep Hair Clean And Away From Your Face
To prevent oil from your scalp and hair from triggering breakouts, make it a habit of keeping your hair away from your chin and jawline. Regularly washing your hair helps minimize oil accumulation and reduces the likelihood of acne breakouts.
3. Explore Homemade Cleansing Methods
Natural remedies can provide effective alternatives for combating acne. Consider incorporating the following homemade treatments into your skincare routine:
- Egg White Mask
Separate the yolks from 2 eggs and gently apply the egg whites to your face, creating a thin layer. Leave the mask on for 2 minutes until it dries, then apply a second layer. After 20 minutes, rinse off the mask with warm water. Egg whites help tighten the pores and extract clogged dirt, resulting in smooth, blackhead-free skin.
- Honey And Cinnamon Mixture
Combine half a teaspoon of cinnamon with a tablespoon of honey. Rub the mixture gently in a circular motion on your face for approximately 3 minutes. While cinnamon acts as a scrub, honey works to draw out dirt from open pores and acts as a natural antibiotic.
- Fenugreek Paste
Create a paste by blending fenugreek with water and dabbing it over your face. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it off with cold water.
4. Safeguard Your Skin From The Sun
Sun exposure can exacerbate inflammation, redness, and acne breakouts. Moreover, some acne medications may heighten your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. To protect your skin, limit your time in the sun, especially between 10am and 4pm. Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and broad-brimmed hats. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (recommended: 6% zinc oxide or higher and SPF 30 or higher) at least 20 minutes before going outdoors. Look for “noncomedogenic” on the sunscreen label to minimize the chances of new pimples forming.
5. Maintain Clean Bedding
Regularly changing your sheets (once a week) and pillowcases (2-3 times a week) prevents dead skin cells, bacteria, and dirt from clogging your facial pores. While daily sheet changes may be excessive, ensuring your skin resides in a clean environment can make a notable difference. Alongside clean bedding, cleanse your skin twice daily with a gentle wash or, if you already have acne, consider using salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
6. Explore Alternative Methods
For stubborn blackheads or pimples, alternative methods may prove useful. Consider the following techniques:
- Use A Comedone Extractor
After cleansing your face, position the loop of the comedones extractor over the blackhead. Apply gentle pressure and slide the tool down to extract the blackhead. Be cautious not to exert excessive force, which can harm your skin. Following blackhead removal, thoroughly clean your face and the tool.
- Pop Blackheads With Caution
Begin by cleansing and exfoliating your skin. Apply an astringent to the affected area, then use cotton balls to gently squeeze both sides of the blackhead to extract it. Afterward, cleanse your skin with water and apply the astringent once more.
7. Understand The Different Types Of Acne
As you navigate your acne journey, familiarize yourself with the various types of acne:
- Whiteheads
Whiteheads are noninflammatory, flesh-colored or whitish bumps with a white center surrounded by a red halo. In some cases, hair may appear to be trapped or emanate from the center.
- Blackheads
Blackheads are small dark or black spots that appear as raised bumps. The skin surrounding the blackhead is typically normal, while the center appears darker.
- Pustules
They are tender, larger bumps with a circular center filled with yellowish/whitish pus over a red base. Pustules resemble enlarged whiteheads and indicate inflammation.
- Papules
They are red, swollen blemishes with raised, pink, solid, and tender characteristics.
- Nodules
Nodules are painful, hard lumps located deep within the skin. Nodules can be severe and may lead to skin complications, such as scarring and dark spots.
- Cysts
Infected pustules can develop into cysts, which are large, soft, and painful lumps located deep within the skin. Cystic acne requires particular attention as it may cause long-lasting effects, including scarring.
If you are someone who is struggling with acne scars and pimples, we’d love to hear about the methods you have used to combat these skin problems. By sharing your experiences, we can support one another in our journey toward clearer, healthier skin. So, what is your go-to way to fight acne scars? Let us know in the comments section!