To get rid of acne, you have to understand what causes it in the first place. All in all, the formation of acne pimples a pretty complicated process that even scientists and dermatologists don't fully understand. What is known though, can be summed up in a fairly simple manner - Acne bacteria (p. acnes) get trapped inside a pore (hair follicle). The bacteria then feed upon the sebum (oil) trapped inside the pore, and multiply, causing an infection. The body spots this infection, and tries to protect itself from it, leading to inflammation, which makes for a huge, red, inflamed "spot".
Using this basic information, we can come up with three to-the-point ways to combat acne.
1.) Kill the bacteria. If there's no bacteria to cause an infection, then there will be no acne.
2.) Reduce the oil on the surface of the skin. Since oil can clog pores, and gives "fuel" for the bacteria to thrive off of, less oil means less acne.
3.) Stop the pore from getting clogged in the first place. If you can keep dead skin cells from clogging up a pore, you'll reduce the number of spots.
With that said, we'll move on to the basic regimen.
Step 1 - Washing your Face
In this step, we will be trying to accomplish two goals - Removing excess oil from the surface of the skin, and killing the bacteria on the skin.
To do this, we will need a gentle, non-comedogenic, non-irritating antibacterial cleanser. These are few and far between, and I have only found one cleanser that can do the job: Noxzema "Triple Clean" Cleanser. This is a gentle cleanser that contains an antibacterial ingredient called "triclosan".
First of all, splash your face once or twice with warm water. Then, squeeze about a dime sized amount of the cleanser into your hands. Work into a rich lather, and then apply to the face, being extra careful to be gentle. There is no need to scrub or rub it hard, as this will NOT help with acne, it will only make it worse. With that said, very gently, using no pressure at all, and only the tips of your fingers, rub it onto your skin for one minute straight. This is to make sure that all of the bacteria are killed off. Then rinse the cleanser from your face, and gently pat the skin dry with a clean towel.
Step 2 - Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl Peroxide is a very common over-the-counter acne treatment product. BP works by creating an oxygen rich environment within the skin, interrupting the metabolic process of the p. acnes bacteria, causing it to die off. It is also antiinflammatory, helping to reduce redness.
Avoid anything that is 10% BP, unless it won't be staying on your skin for long. Go for 5%, or better yet, 2.5%. The two products I recommend are Neutrogena's "on-the-spot" acne treatment cream, and Stridex's BP pads. Both contain 2.5% benzoyl peroxide.
No matter which product you choose, apply it gently to your skin after cleansing.
Step 3 - Salicylic Acid
Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid - meaning it is an exfoliant, and will help your skin to shed dead skin cells faster. This prevents the dead skin cells from forming a clog inside pores, trapping bacteria and leading to a pimple.
The salicylic acid product I recommend is Clean & Clear's "advantage" acne spot treatment. It is a sort of gel, that contains 2% salicylic acid. It goes on smooth, is invisible once it has dried, and stays on all day to provide protection against acne.
After the benzoyl peroxide has dried, gently apply the salicylic acid. I use about a quarter sized amount for my face, but if your skin isn't "used to it" yet, start with less.
And that's it! You're now protecting your skin from three major causes of acne, and hopefully your skin will begin to clear up!
This regimen is meant to be done twice per day - once in the morning, and again at night. Since both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are irritating to the skin at first, don't jump right in. Your skin has to get used to the products before you can use them to their fullest extent. Be patient, and at first, only apply benzoyl peroxide, and only apply it once per day. Then work up to twice per day. Once your skin is used to that, add in the salicylic acid slowly. Eventually, you should be using quite a bit of both products. Definitely remember to wear a sunscreen if you'll be venturing out into the sun.
http://www.thespare.net/Category/acne/How_to_Get_Rid_of_Acne_A_StepbyStep_T.html
2006-12-22 05:44:17
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answer #1
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answered by jt66250 7
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2016-05-27 10:59:22
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answer #2
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answered by ? 3
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Don't rush into anything harsh! If you have only tried alcohol pads, you might consider first trying a benzoyl peroxide product. You could probably start with a 5% mix. I would recommend a "water-based" gel to start. As for the alcohol pads, I wouldn't use them too much unless your face is very oily.. even still I usually recommend trying just plain (pure) soap and warm water, as long as you are using the benzoyl peroxide! Try it for 4-6 weeks (once at bedtime) and if there is not enough improvement, you can add a morning dose. Try for another 4-6 weeks, if still not enough improvement add a stronger skin "cleanser" like a Salicylic Acid 0.5 to 2% to use before the benzoyl peroxide. If after 4-6 weeks there is not enough improvement, go to an MD to get a prescription cream like tretinoin or clindamycin or combinations. you don't want scarring from the acne, but don't hurt your face too!
Pro-Active is pretty good, but it is an expensive way to do what I have just mentioned
2006-12-18 13:36:41
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answer #3
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answered by Take Your Medicine 2
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what i use is Neutrogena's oil free acne wash twice a day. Its orange, u can get it at any store. Important, wet your face first with VERY HOT water first. this opens up the pores so you can clean the **** out of them. do this 2-3 times a day, no more or your face will look like the sahara desert.
ADVICE: don't be discouraged if you wash regularly and a pimple comes back once in a while. keep washing!!! but not to much or too hard.
I put it in the shower, so its on the "to-do list" (haha) right after shampoo. Then I do it before I head out in the mornin.
I also put a cream from my dermatologist that smells like friggin the worst alcoholic **** ever.
Don't pop the stuff like the other people tell you, it leaves scars that will ruin your nightclub nights when youre older! people will notice!!!
2006-12-18 13:24:57
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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Save your money on creams and cleansers that can damage your skin. I can guarantee results by doing the following. I Noticed a few years back that I started to build up whatever it is builds up under your pores especially on your nose area. Out of coincidence I solved this problem. Let me elaborate how I got to it. I am a person that works out a lot so I am constantly exposed to certain elements that can make your skin a bit dirtier than others. In addition my diet is made up of a high percentage of protein which over time can clog your pores.on the long run) Don't get me wrong protein is good.
In a process on training for a triathlon I considered using a steam room to toughen up my training. So guess what after only two 20 minute sessions inside the steam. Waalaa it was as if I had a nose job for real. During the 20 minutes inside the sauna I softly rubbed my nose a few times to scrub off the build up. Make sure you breath through your nose to open up your pores from the inside of your nose. If you are human you will see results. Not only will you loose weight but you will feel energized.
If you can't get to a steam room buy yourself a facial steam machine and breath through your nose. But I do recommend the steam room. Use a moisturizer afterwards
2006-12-18 14:25:11
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answer #5
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answered by IQ140 2
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Instead of going for neutrogena or the proactive one, there is one effective treatment. But you have to be patient, the best part is it doesnt have any side effects and not only that it removes acne problems permanantly. Try homeopathic treatment. I have tried and it was succesful for me. Now im using another homeopathic ointment for my burns on my leg. ITs really good and i recommend it. If you want to know more about it or read some reviews or something before buying it , go to this blog :http://nomoreacnes.blogspot.com This will help you. Bye and all the best.
2006-12-20 05:12:45
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answer #6
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answered by jesi j 2
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Go to health food store & buy Evening Primrose Oil.
Also, buy vitamin A & the mineral zinc 100 mg.
Take the primrose twice daily, & the vitamin A in the AM & the zinc in the PM.
Also, Neutrogena sells On The Spot Acne Treatment. It is less harsh than the 10 % belzoil peroxide stuff.
Use your hands to wash your face, & not a washcloth.
Also, drink more water & less pop. Eat more fruits & veggies & less red meats.
2006-12-18 13:11:33
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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Pro Active
2006-12-18 13:15:32
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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Just get some dial antibacterial liquid soap, wash face good, rinse with hot and then cold water, put aloe vera gel on face acne is history now.
2006-12-18 13:10:01
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answer #9
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answered by sunflare63 7
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I know exactly what you mean, but then I found something that works and it doesnt smell like achol. Its at Wlamart and it is called Acne Free and it gets rid of blackheads and blimishes.
2006-12-18 13:09:20
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answer #10
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answered by vw chick 4
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truthfully talking, there is not any everlasting answer to pimples for some human beings. multiple components play a large place in the form of pimples. a million. Do you place on your hair up or down? some human beings dont understand that the airborne dirt and mud of their hair must be the reason of pimples 2. Do you place on make up? end for 2 weeks and upload one splendor product each and every week to work out which of them exacerbate the pimples. 3. Use benzoyl peroxide to % out handle the pimples. 4. placed on sunblock even whilst your indoors. as for the spots, locate licorice creams or hydroquinone creams for the marks, use contractubex
2016-10-15 05:10:37
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answer #11
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answered by dudik 4
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