How to look after your skin if u have acne?

Following are some tips for looking after your skin if you suffer from acne:

  1. Wash your face about twice each day. Do not wash it more often. Use a mild soap made especially for people with acne and warm water. Do not scrub the skin. 
  2. Don't try to burst the pimples. You may push the infection further down, causing more blocking and worse swelling and redness. Popping pimples make scarring more likely.
  3. Try to refrain from touching your face with your hands. When you are on the phone try not to let the receiver touch your face - there maybe sebum and skin residue on it.
  4. Keep your hands clean, wash them regularly.
  5. Always wash your hands before touching your face. This includes before applying lotions, creams or makeup.
  6. Glasses should regularly be cleaned. They will collect sebum and skin residue.
  7. Your skin needs to breathe. If your acne is on your back, shoulders or chest try wearing loose clothing. Tight garments, such as headbands, caps and scarves should be avoided - if you have to wear them make sure they are cleaned regularly.
  8. Don't go to sleep with makeup on. Only use makeup that is non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic - you should be able to read this on the label. If you cannot find it, ask the shopkeeper or pharmacist. You should use makeup which does not have oil and does not clog up the pores.
  9. Hair collects sebum and skin residue. Keep your hair clean and away from your face.
  10. Too much sun can cause your skin to produce more sebum. Several acne medications make it more likely that you will be sunburned.
  11. If you shave your face, do it carefully. Use either an electric shaver or safety razors. If you use a safety razor make sure the blade is sharp. Soften your skin and beard with warm soapy water before applying the shaving cream.

How to prevent making acne worse?

  • Menstrual cycle - Girls and women with acne tend to get it worse one or two weeks before their menstrual period arrives. This is probably due to hormonal changes that take place. Some people say they eat more chocolate during this time and wonder whether there may be a connection. However, experts believe the worsening acne is not due to chocolate, but rather to hormonal changes.
  • Anxiety and stress - mental stress can affect your levels of some hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which in turn can make acne worse. Again, stress can make some people binge-eat. Experts believe the culprits are most likely the hormone levels, rather than the binge-eating.
  • Hot and humid climates - when it is hot and humid we sweat more. This can make the acne worse.
  • Oil-based makeups - moisturizing creams, lubricating lotions, and all makeup that contain oil can speed up the blocking of your pores.
  • Greasy hair - some hair products are very greasy and might have the same effect as oil-based makeup. Hair products with cocoa butter or coconut butter are examples.
  • Squeezing the pimples - if you try to squeeze pimples your acne is more likely to get worse, plus you risk scarring.