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Acne Basics

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Acne

From mild to severe, acne has a knack of presenting itself at the worse times. Fortunately, there are many cosmetic changes you can make to help clear up your acne. Of course, remember that what works for someone else may not always work for you. Our skin is highly individualized, with its own specific set of sensitivities. Here are a few tips to help you deal with your acne.

First, start off by using over the counter medications to treat your acne. If your skin is sensitive or prone to drying, use a mild cleanser or soap. You may have to experiment with different cleansers in order to find one that does not irritate or exacerbate your acne. Wash your face once or twice daily. Avoid touching your face, or excessive scrubbing or rubbing. The best rule of thumb when it comes to acne is hands off. Although the junk food-acne connection has not been proved, if you sense that a certain food may be contributing to your acne, stop consuming the food and see what happens.

If you use make-up, read the labels and purchase products labeled non-acnegenic, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic. These products are formulated so as not to irritate even the most sensitive skin. Avoid sharing make-up with others, and always use clean washcloths, towels, and make-up sponges or other instruments to avoid transferring germs to your face.

If your efforts to clear up your skin using over the counter medications do not seem to work, make an appointment to visit a dermatologist. Your dermatologist will likely prescribe you with anti-acne oral or topical agents. Common treatments include antibiotic therapies, including the popular tretracyclines, and erythromycin antibiotics. Also common is the perennially popular Tretinoid, or Retin-A. Retin-A is a moderately strong topical agent that is derived from vitamin A. Most Retin-A comes in gel, cream, liquid and is applied once daily, usually at night, since Retin-A makes skin much more sun sensitive.

If you're interested in creating acne treatments and lotions from regular household goods, you're not alone. Many household recipes have been circulated for years. Again, everyone reacts differently to the same treatment, but the ease and overall safety of household recipes make it a good choice for those suffering from mild to moderate acne. Here are a few recipes that you can create at home using everyday household items to clear up your skin.

Baking soda scrub: Making a baking soda scrub is easy to use, and many have reported successful results from its use. This scrub is designed to exfoliate your skin. Exfoliation is key in treating acne; since it focuses on removing dead skin cells that can get trapped in your pores and then manifest themselves as acne. First, mix a small amount of baking soda (a teaspoon will probably be enough) with water to create a consistent paste. Very gently, massage the baking soda scrub onto your skin. Leave it on for approximately one minute, then rinse clean with lukewarm review. Use a clean towel to pat your face dry.

Another popular home treatment uses apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has long been lauded for its health benefits, including acne. Some claim that apple cider vinegar has the ability to rid your skin of bacteria, balance your skin's pH level, and keep your face fresh and free of excessive oil. Apple cider vinegar is also high in citric acid, which is a strong exfoliating ingredient that can help remove excess dead skin cells and improve your skin's overall texture and tone. To use, simply dilute the apple cider vinegar, one part vinegar to eight parts water. If possible, use high quality apple cider vinegar and purified water. To use, wet a cotton ball with your apple cider vinegar mix and gently moisten your skin. Don't overdo it. Apple cider vinegar is strong stuff that can dry out your skin, resulting in even more breakouts.

Egg whites, rich in protein and vitamins, have also been a favorite healing ingredient. Egg whites have long been used to help tone and tighten skin. Simply beat two egg whites together to a consistent froth. Apply the mixture to your face and let sit for about fifteen minutes. Rinse the egg off with lukewarm water