Be Acne Free – Tips to Help Prevent Acne

There are many myths regarding the cause of acne, but until a few years ago, there was little positive understanding of the causes and treatment of the disease. For instance, most people believed that a fat and sugar rich diet caused acne. This belief grew up because those individuals eating a non-Western diet tended to have a much lower incidence of acne. Scientific research has been unable to verify this type of cause effect relationship. However, if you want to be acne free, it certainly will not hurt to provide healthy foods in your diet and be assured of better overall skin health.

What can make acne worse?

If you want to be acne free, you should, as much as possible, avoid the following contributory agents:

Hair pomades and hair straightening agents. - blackheads often occur at the hairline following use of such products.
Humidity and heavy perspiration - When you perspire, the formation of sebaceous oil in the hair follicles may block the pores leading to pockets of bacteria in and around the hair follicle. In addition, constantly wiping the perspiration from the face can be irritating and can introduce new levels of bacteria on the surface of the skin.
Mineral or cutting oils - The handling of such substances--perhaps in the course of the work you do can increase skin irritation.
Suntan or sun block products - Some people find that certain sun screen products will worsen the acne lesions on the skin. If you habitually wear tight clothing such as a headband or too-tight bra straps, the skin will perspire under the garment and pimples may form.
Cosmetics - Look for products specifically designed to be used with acne challenged skin.
Some kinds of prescription medications - Some anti-epilepsy drugs and corticosteroids cause an increase of acne symptoms.
Pregnancy - Some women see a reduction of acne symptoms; other experienced a worsening of the condition.
Strong negative emotion - Oil production in the sebaceous glands is boosted when hormone levels climb.

What can help acne?

In order to be acne free, you can take advantage of the many treatments out on the market. You will have a better chance of success in the treatment if you consult with and follow the guidance of a qualified dermatologist. Sometimes a combination of treatments seems to have better results than a single treatment.

Home Treatments

If you are using home treatment in order to be acne free, it is most effective when cases are mild and acne lesions are few.

Use medicated concealer sticks for individual zits.
Use oil-free make-up
Always wash your hands prior to application of make-up
Remove all make-up at night
Avoid excessive washing that dries and irritates the skin. Twice daily with a mild soap is sufficient.
Use a non-oily moisturizer for dry skin

A Positive Attitude

Try to avoid letting a few spots ruin your underlying positive attitude. Freedom from a false perception of the importance of acne in the overall scheme of things will help to prevent stress related acne flare-ups.