Skin Care for People with Acne

Good skin care plays an important role in treating acne. Following these skin care guidelines — unless your dermatologist instructs otherwise — can help improve your results:

Gently Cleanse Acne-prone Skin
Avoid Acne Skin Care Taboos
Practice Sun Protection
Shave with Care
Gently Cleanse Acne-prone Skin

Limit washing to twice a day – and after perspiring. Once in the morning and once at night as well as after perspiring heavily should be the limit. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, can make acne worse, so the skin should be gently cleansed as quickly as possible after perspiring.

Use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Wash the face and other acne-prone areas with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that does not contain alcohol.

Use your fingertips. Apply the cleanser and wash with your fingertips. This reduces skin irritation. Using a washcloth, mesh sponge, or anything else can irritate the skin and lead to breakouts.

Never scrub the skin. Scrubbing the skin clean does not clear acne. In fact, scrubbing irritates the skin and can make acne worse.

Rinse with lukewarm water. Be sure to thoroughly rinse away the cleanser with lukewarm, not hot, water.

Shampoo regularly. If you have oily hair, shampoo daily.


Avoid Acne Skin Care Taboos
Astringents, rubbing alcohol, and tanning do not help clear acne nor keep acne-prone skin free from blemishes. Dermatologists recommend that their patients with acne and acne-prone skin avoid the following:

Astringents, exfoliators, masks, and toners. These products do not help clear acne. In fact, these can aggravate the skin and make acne worse. These products also may make it more difficult to tolerate prescription acne medications, so it is best not to use these when treating acne.

Greasy hair-care products. Oily hair-care products, such as oil-containing gels and pomades, can drip onto the skin and clog pores. This can cause acne.

Picking, popping, and squeezing pimples. People pick and pop pimples to get rid of them quickly. The truth is this prolongs healing time and increases the risk of scarring.

Rubbing alcohol. Some people apply rubbing alcohol in order to dry out the oily skin. This will not help clear acne nor prevent breakouts. It can irritate the skin and cause breakouts.

Tanning. Some people claim that their acne clears with sun exposure. The truth is that tanning does not clear acne. Tanning, however, does increase one’s risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers.

Touching the skin throughout the day. Dermatologists advise their patients with acne and acne-prone skin not touch their skin frequently. This can cause flare-ups.

Select “Noncomedogenic” Cosmetics and Skin Care Products
Many acne patients are surprised to learn that makeup, moisturizers, and sunscreen are okay to use while treating acne. The key is to select products labeled “noncomedogenic.” This means the product does not clog pores. Just because a product says “noncomedogenic” does not mean that it works for everyone. You may have to experiment with different noncomedogenic products before you find one that works for you.

Makeup. The truth is makeup can be worn when treating acne — even when using topical medications. Just be sure to follow these guidelines:
Choose oil-free cosmetics that are labeled “noncomedogenic” (won’t clog pores).

Apply makeup after applying acne medication.

If you have trouble finding makeup that can be used with acne medication, consult a dermatologist.
Moisturizer. Did you know that moisturizer can help calm irritated acne-prone skin? If your skin feels dry and you want to moisturize, follow these guidelines:

Use a moisturizer that is oil-free and says “noncomedogenic” (won’t clog pores).

If you use a topical acne medication, apply the moisturizer after applying the acne medication. If your skin still feels dry or stings, try applying the moisturizer before applying the acne medication.Click Here!