Hundreds of medications, treatments, cleansers and cosmetics are available for people with acne, but the most important elements of an acne-fighting program won't cost you a cent.
1. Nourish skin by eating a healthy and balanced diet.
Most health care specialists agree that a healthy diet will benefit skin. Cut down on caffeine, sugar and refined carbohydrates, all of which can activate the hormones that tell sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Add more fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, juices and other healthy treats to daily diet, and you'll see in improvement in skin.
2. Drink lots of water to maintain the skin's elasticity.
Plenty of water is essential to the health of skin. One of the main activities of the body's self-healing system is to filter the blood, a job performed mostly by the kidneys, with help from the skin in the form of perspiration. This self-healing system removes the toxic wastes of metabolizing food and of other harmful substances that get into our bodies one way or another.
This purification system operates efficiently only if the volume of water flowing through it is sufficient to carry away the wastes. 6 to 8 glasses (64 fluid ounces) of water a day is the recommendation. To reach quota, carry bottled water with you in car, purse, briefcase-wherever you go. Get the water habit, and skin will thank you for it.
3. Exercise regularly for good circulation.
Get into a regular routine of exercise. Do it for at least half an hour, five days a week. Exercise improves blood circulation, helping body clear toxins from your system, including skin. Better circulation also increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to skin. Exercise also relieves stress, which is a common cause of acne flare-ups. Last but not least, exercise releases endorphins, the "feel good" substance in brain that puts a smile on face-the best beauty secret of all.
4. Cleanse face-then tone, moisturize, and exfoliate.
At night * First remove makeup with an oil-free makeup remover and a cotton ball. * Then wash face with lukewarm water and an oil-free, non-comedogenic (doesn't block pores) cleanser. * Pat (don't rub) it dry with a soft towel. * And apply an oil-free moisturizer.
In the morning * Wash face as directed above, then use an alcohol-free toner. * Next apply moisturizer. * Then apply makeup-all oil-free and non-comedogenic.
Once or twice a week use an exfoliator with alpha hydroxy acid or glycolic acid. This will aid in the shedding of dead skin cells, the "food" for the bacteria that cause pimples.
If you exercise during the day, you'll need to wash face a third time, immediately afterward.
5. Protect skin from the sun and harsh weather.
One popular myth about acne is that tanning will clear it. It may seem so at first, but soon will notice that tanned skin becomes less pliable, making it less able to shed oil and dead skin cells, which clog your pores. acne will become worse, not better.
Always wear sun block with at least an SPF-15 UVA and UVB rating. If you'll be outside in the sun for long, wear a wide-brimmed hat.
6. Get plenty of good-quality rest.
immune system requires energy to do its work, including the work of protecting skin from acne. The deep sleep the brain needs for "recharging" comes several hours into the sleep cycle. That's why a few hours here and there won't do. Most people need at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night. Consider it beauty sleep.
If you make these 6 items part of daily routine, you'll look better, feel better, and have less need of expensive acne treatments and cosmetics.
1. Nourish skin by eating a healthy and balanced diet.
Most health care specialists agree that a healthy diet will benefit skin. Cut down on caffeine, sugar and refined carbohydrates, all of which can activate the hormones that tell sebaceous glands to produce more oil. Add more fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, juices and other healthy treats to daily diet, and you'll see in improvement in skin.
2. Drink lots of water to maintain the skin's elasticity.
Plenty of water is essential to the health of skin. One of the main activities of the body's self-healing system is to filter the blood, a job performed mostly by the kidneys, with help from the skin in the form of perspiration. This self-healing system removes the toxic wastes of metabolizing food and of other harmful substances that get into our bodies one way or another.
This purification system operates efficiently only if the volume of water flowing through it is sufficient to carry away the wastes. 6 to 8 glasses (64 fluid ounces) of water a day is the recommendation. To reach quota, carry bottled water with you in car, purse, briefcase-wherever you go. Get the water habit, and skin will thank you for it.
3. Exercise regularly for good circulation.
Get into a regular routine of exercise. Do it for at least half an hour, five days a week. Exercise improves blood circulation, helping body clear toxins from your system, including skin. Better circulation also increases the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to skin. Exercise also relieves stress, which is a common cause of acne flare-ups. Last but not least, exercise releases endorphins, the "feel good" substance in brain that puts a smile on face-the best beauty secret of all.
4. Cleanse face-then tone, moisturize, and exfoliate.
At night * First remove makeup with an oil-free makeup remover and a cotton ball. * Then wash face with lukewarm water and an oil-free, non-comedogenic (doesn't block pores) cleanser. * Pat (don't rub) it dry with a soft towel. * And apply an oil-free moisturizer.
In the morning * Wash face as directed above, then use an alcohol-free toner. * Next apply moisturizer. * Then apply makeup-all oil-free and non-comedogenic.
Once or twice a week use an exfoliator with alpha hydroxy acid or glycolic acid. This will aid in the shedding of dead skin cells, the "food" for the bacteria that cause pimples.
If you exercise during the day, you'll need to wash face a third time, immediately afterward.
5. Protect skin from the sun and harsh weather.
One popular myth about acne is that tanning will clear it. It may seem so at first, but soon will notice that tanned skin becomes less pliable, making it less able to shed oil and dead skin cells, which clog your pores. acne will become worse, not better.
Always wear sun block with at least an SPF-15 UVA and UVB rating. If you'll be outside in the sun for long, wear a wide-brimmed hat.
6. Get plenty of good-quality rest.
immune system requires energy to do its work, including the work of protecting skin from acne. The deep sleep the brain needs for "recharging" comes several hours into the sleep cycle. That's why a few hours here and there won't do. Most people need at least 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night. Consider it beauty sleep.
If you make these 6 items part of daily routine, you'll look better, feel better, and have less need of expensive acne treatments and cosmetics.
