Acne is a retched problem that almost everyone has had at some point of their lives. We have all had to deal with an embarrassing pimple, before a date, the morning of a job interview, or even the day of school pictures.

Acne is typically associated with teenagers and puberty. However, acne is a condition that can continue to plague some adults well into their 40’s and sometimes beyond. In order to maintain healthy and clear looking skin it is crucial follow some simple daily care steps.  Below you will find 10 steps that you can follow in order to keep your skin looking radiant and acne free.

1) Clean your face – keeping you skin clean and dirt free is very important. Washing your face two times a day will help remove dirt, impurities, excess oil, and dead skin cells which can lead to potential acne.

Use a quality facial cleanser. Avoid using harsh soaps as these can cause higher levels of irritation. Be sure to gently wash your skin with warn water. Also remember to fully rinse all the cleanser from your skin and to pat your face dry with a clean towel.

2) Over the Counter Acne Products – There are many products out there designed to get rid of tough acne. Over the counter acne treatments can help you get rid of acne and have clean and clear skin. There are many different types of acne products; several of them contain an ingredient called benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide is an antibacterial agent which kills bacteria and dries acne away. Other products contain compounds such as salicylic acid. This compound removes dead skin cells and also reduces the amount of bacteria. Using the correct amount of any particular product is also important. Over using acne products can result in peeling, dryness, and irritation.
Be cautious of how you use the products. Benzoyl peroxide can also cause scaling of the skin, redness, and irritation.  Begin with small dosages and incrementally increase the amount of product you apply. Using this technique will also let you know if you are allergic to a particular product. If you see that your condition worsens or if you feel that over the counter products are not showing any improvements, you can check with a doctor or dermatologist. They will be able to give you prescription acne medicine if necessary.

3) Moisturize your skin – Moisturizing can be very beneficial to your skin. Many acne curing products contain active ingredients that dry your skin. Therefore, minimizing dryness, skin peeling, and scaling is vital. There are several types of moisturizer and not all will help improve your acne condition. It is important to find a quality moisturizer that is not excessively oily as an excess of oil can contribute to clogging pores. It is typically best to moisturize your skin after showering or cleansing.

4) Your Hair – Be careful of what products you use on your hair. Try to avoid using heavy gels, oils, thick or harsh chemicals, or fragrances. When your hair rubs against your skin those chemicals can be transferred to your face and worsen acne. They can block pores and further irritate your skin. If possible try to use a gentle shampoo and conditioner.

5) Use make up in moderation – Many people attempt to cover severe acne with heavy make up. This however, can actually worsen your condition as make up can further contribute to clogging pores. Try to minimize the amount of powders, blush, or heavy foundation that you use during break outs. Try to find quality cosmetics without added dyes and chemicals. Also look for make up which is “oil free” or “non-comedogenic.”  Water based cosmetics are also a good choice.

6) Protection from UV rays – Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun can increase redness, inflammation and dry your skin. Both topical and oral acne medications contain strong active ingredients which can increase your skins sensitivity to the sun’s harmful UV rays. When out in the sun make sure you have washed your face clearing out any topical cream residues you may have left on your skin. It is also imperative to apply a good quality sunscreen about 15 minutes before sun exposure. The amount of SPF can range depending on your skin. We generally recommend using non-acnegenic/noncomedogenic sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher.

7) Avoid touching your skin – Excessively touching or playing with you skin can also worsen an acne condition. When ever you touch your skin you are passing on oil, dirt and spreading bacteria directly to your skin. You are also potentially irritating your acne causing further inflammation. Picking and popping pimples is also bad. This can result in further infection and can cause unwanted scarring.

Exercise – Exercising daily is very important in order to keep maintain good health and keep your body and mind in good shape. Working out reduces your bodies stress, anxieties, and boosts blood flow. This not only helps your body stay healthy, but it helps your skin as well. Always remember to shower or bath after exercise in order to remove dirt, sweat, and bacteria.

9) Your metabolism – The correlation between what you eat and acne is still controversial. Many experts agree that the type of food that you eat is not what triggers acne outbreaks. However, maintaining a healthy diet makes sense and can contribute positively to minimizing acne. Make sure to drink lots of water to cleanse and purify your body.

You should also try to incorporate vegetables, fresh fruit, and whole grains into your diet. Foods which contain high amounts of vitamin A and beta carotene can contribute to healthier skin, good health, and can help your body’s immunity. Carrots, cantaloupe, apricots, sweet potatoes, and spinach are all foods that contain high levels of beta carotene a type of vitamin A.

10) Reduce stress – Studies have revealed that in some cases stress is directly related to pimples and acne outbreaks. It is important to find effective outlets to release your stress, like exercising or an enjoyable hobby. Determine what it is that gets you stressed and try to find a helpful solution to the problem so you can relax.

Also remember that there are several products out there to help you in the war against acne. Their strength varies and you should try to begin your treatment with something softer to see how your skin reacts. Products range from topical prescription products, oral antibiotics, and hormonal therapies, to chemical peels and others.

If after trying several over the counter acne products you see no change or feel that your condition worsens you may consider scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist or doctor who can help you better treat your acne condition.

With so may over the counter acne treatments and products spread out over pharmacy shelves it may be difficult to determine which one is best for you.

There are several acne products out there which will treat mild to heavy acne or even periodic breakouts. However, simply reaching out and grabbing the first acne product you encounter may not improve your condition. It is important to learn about how over the counter acne products work and about their ingredients.

How Acne Generally Develops

Sebaceous glands secrete an oily substance know as sebum through your hair follicles. The sebum’s primary function is to lubricate your hair and skin. It travels up the hair shaft and out through the opening of the hair follicle on to the surface of the skin.

Your body can produce and excess of sebum which can then accumulate in the hair follicle. This along with dead skin cells can then cause a soft plug. As this plug enlarges the hair follicle wall can rupture.  This can then allow more skin cells and oil to get trapped and gather. Bacteria can then cause an infection which in turn will cause inflammation and lead to acne.

How Acne Products Work

A number of over the counter acne products work by killing Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). This bacterium is what primarily causes infections to accumulated sebum and dead skin cells. Consequently, those infections are what cause acne inflammation.

Other products also expedite the growth of new skin cells and the removal of dead ones. Removing and lowering the levels of excess oil is also common amongst some products and minimizes the chances of infection.

Active Ingredients
Depending on a products active ingredient acne treatments will function in different ways. Below you will see a list of the most common active ingredients, how they function, and how they cure acne problems.

•    Salicylic Acid – This ingredient is one of the most effective in preventing acne. It prevents pores from clogging by slowing down the rate in which cells are shed inside the hair follicle. It can also break down clogged pores that have no opening (also known as whiteheads) and can help break down open pores which have a dark surface (also known as blackheads). The amount of Salicylic acid’s found within acne medication can range from 0.5 to 2 percent. It is important to follow recommended dosages and number of applications when using products containing this compound as it can cause skin irritation and mild stinging.

•    Benzoyl Peroxide – Another highly effective and strong ingredient in acne products. This compound kills the P. acnes bacteria, gets rid of dead skin cells, and helps to remove excess oils from the skin. Benzoyl Peroxide comes in strengths ranging from 2.5 to 10 percent. It is important to administer acne products which use this compound well as it can cause redness, scaling, excessive dryness, and minor swelling. This compound can also make your skin more sensitive to UV rays so you must be cautious with ultraviolet exposure.

•    Sulfur and Resorcinol – These two compounds are generally used together in acne products. The primary function of sulfur and resorcinol is to remove excess oil and dead skin cells which clog pores. It may also help to breakdown blackheads and whiteheads. However, these compounds cans cause irritation, redness, and skin peeling. These side effects can manifest themselves several days after using products with these composites.

•    Lactid Acid - This component gives your skin a deep exfoliating clean. It also provides crucial all-natural skin restorers to keep you skin healthy and clean.

•    Alcohol and Acetone – These are other compounds that are used to clean you skin by removing oil and dirt. Products which use these two ingredients can cause stinging sensations and mild burning.

•    Glycolic Acid – Moisturizing your skin is also crucial in the fight against acne. It helps your skin maintain balance, improve appearance, and helps fight the effects of aging. Lots of moisturizers will actually clog the pore and can make breakouts worse. Glycolic acid is a moisturizer and a powerful exfoliating agent. This therefore prevents pores from getting clogged and gives you smoother skin. As this compound also helps reduce unwanted oils on your skin it can help fight acne and is perfect for people with oily skin.

Even though acne products can greatly improve your skin, there are other steps that you can follow along with your skin care regimen:

1)    Due to the fat that oil can clog pores it is a big factor when it comes to acne. It is important to avoid oily creams, cosmetics, and hair products. Try to buy products which are labeled oil free or “noncomedogenic,” this implies that the product will not clog your pores.
2)    A good facial cleanser is also a must in order to reduce harmful substances and keep your skin looking healthy. However make sure not to over do it. If you scrub and wash your skin excessively you can increase redness, dryness and worsen your acne.
3)    Apply the recommended dosage of acne medication. Over medicating your skin can also worsen acne. Make sure to only apply the product to the part of your skin with the actual acne problem.
4)    Moisturizing is also crucial. Excessive dryness can severely worsen your acne. This will help alleviate dry healing skin and will also help reduce redness.
5)    Picking and squeezing at your blemishes can lead to infections and unwanted scaring. Let the blemish follow its cycle and cure it with the acne medication.

Finding a good skin care treatment is vital in the battle against acne. It is also important to follow and stick to your skin care regimen. Within time and following the mentioned steps above you should see considerable improvement to your acne problems. However, if after two months you do not see any improvement or feel that your acne is worsening you can consult with your doctor or dermatologist and try a stronger prescription acne medication.