Are you tired of hiding those face spots and blackheads under layers of makeup? Has acne become your BFF, never letting you go?
Well, we all have been through that phase and maybe some of us are still struggling through it. It may take time but acne can be cured in various ways.
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Clean up!
It is very important to follow the basic rules first. So, start by properly cleaning your face and body with lukewarm water and mild soap or acne face wash. Use a cleansing product that contains ingredients helpful in fighting acne. Do not scrub your skin harshly instead wash gently with soft touches. Avoid over-washing as that does more harm than good. Refrain from touching the face all the time and even wash your spectacles and sunglasses properly.
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Moisturize!
Moisturization helps to avoid dry skin and skin peeling. Using of non-comedogenic moisturizer helps in preventing blocked pores, thus reducing acne significantly. It is also advisable to go for skin exfoliation to clear clogged pores on face.
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Choose products carefully
If you are suffering from acne, do not apply make up on your face that clog pores. Again, look for non-comedogenic products and use skincare products that are suited for acne-prone skin. If you are using any hair gel or hair serum, do not get it on the face as that can accelerate acne. Wash your hair often with a mild shampoo and conditioner as it helps to keep oil out of hair as well as face.
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Eat healthy!
Do not indulge in a high carbohydrate diet and avoid consuming too much milk, chocolate, and sugary foods. Follow a low-glycemic diet rich in fruits, vegetables, nuts and wholly or minimally processed grains.
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Manage your stress!
Being stress can also cause acne. When you are stressed, the body releases cortisol to deal with stress. In this process, a tiny bit of testosterone in leaked that triggers sebaceous glands to secrete extra oil. These excess oil production leads to clogging of pores, forming pimples, blackheads or whiteheads. So, try to tone down your anxiety levels by getting proper sleep, meditating and exercising.
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Home remedies
Many DIY scrubs and mask are also helpful in reducing acne. Some of these products are: -
Tea tree oil
It fights bacteria and reduces skin inflammation. It is also known to be less harmful than benzoyl peroxide. But it takes time to heal acne and it should be applied on acne-prone skin in its dilute form with water in the ratio of 1:9.
Honey and cinnamon
They both with there antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help to treat acne-prone skin.
Green tea
Instead of drinking green tea, applying it directly on the skin works really well for acne. It fights bacteria and reduces sebum production and inflammation.
Aloe Vera
Moisturizing the skin with Aloe Vera promotes healing and reduces scarring.
Apple cider vinegar
Mix equal amounts of apple cider vinegar with water and apply it on the skin with the help of a cotton ball. Apple cider vinegar has malic and lactic acid that exfoliates the skin reduces red marks and treats acne.
There are also other acne curing ingredients that help a lot to prevent and heal breakouts.
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Over-the-counter products
These products are popular for treating acne. They contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, glycolic acid or lactic acid. They are helpful for treating mild acne and come in various forms like gel, soap, lotion, serum, and cream. These products should be used in light amounts as they can cause dryness, itchiness and skin irritation.
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Others
Apart from following the above-mentioned steps, try to not go out directly in the sun. even if you do use a proper sunscreen. Do not try to squeeze pimples as that increases swelling and redness. There are many other acne myths that you should not follow. Avoid wearing tight clothes and headbands, caps or scarfs. Try to stay in a cool environment to avoid sweat.
So, these are some tips that may help you to wash off acne from your skin and allow you to live peacefully without worrying about that pimple.
Author
Jigyasha Jain
