Having a nasty zit flare-up can be quite annoying. In fact, it is a great factor on suffering low self-esteem particularly on young people whose main focus at puberty is the physical attribute. Preventing acne breakouts is not a piece of cake - that is why even if you know everything about acne control, the acne still shows up every now and then. The lack of time to maintain acne free regimen daily contributes to the breakout. So how do you maintain your acne free skin? Here’s how:
1. Do not prick the acne affected area. Touching it with bare hands can cause further irritation. Unclean hands carry undesirable microorganisms that can cause acne. So it is safest to keep your hands or any other object from your face to impede the inflammation of the acne and scarring of the skin as well.
2. Avoid using oil-based products on your hair. Guys and girls wear hair products to improve their appearance. Dermatologists might agree that the products are safe on the scalp, however, this chemical-laden beauty product slides down to your face as you sweat. The fluids make their way down the face to the already affected area of the skin.
3. Minimize the use of cosmetics over the pimple. It is alarming to know that although beauty products can conceal your pimple break out, it increases the risk of infection. The combination of the harsh compounds on your makeup and bacteria that come with the sponge and brushes you use to apply (if the foundation you are using is not newly opened) exacerbate the acne. If your job requires you to wear make up, you should avoid using cheap brand make up. Some generic brands of make up do not mention the harsh chemicals that are present in the product.
4. If you are using alcohol-based and oil-based facial wash or toner, taking a break can help minimize the inflammation of the skin.
5. Avoid anything that might contain microorganisms from touching your face. These include your unmanaged hair, dirty handkerchief, towels and even pillow. The only way to control the transfer of organisms to your face from the material of origin is to always keep your hair in a bun or use a hair band that will keep it in place away from your face, a fresh pillowcase for your cushion, and clean towel and handkerchief to wipe your face.
6. An over-the-counter ointment can be bought from your local drugstore. A topical cream or ointment containing benzoyl peroxide is your best bet to vanish that undesired acne. Some dermatologists recommend tretinoin-based products over the benzoyl peroxide because of irritant threat on the peroxide content. Depending on how sensitive the skin is, you can choose from the two.
7. If the acne is severe, a visit to your dermatologist is needed. The dermatologist will prescribe oral antibiotics to take for a certain period of time. If applicable, an adapalene gel will be prescribed by the dermatologist for you to use for a duration of time. Close monitoring of the medication is needed since like other prescription-required medicines, it might trigger unknown allergies.