What is Best for Acne Prone Skin Care?

A healthy skin care regimen for acne prone skin starts with basic good skin care that promotes healthy skin. While the underlying cause of acne is a hormonal imbalance, if you develop good skin care habits you may find that is enough to heal your acne. The "secret" is gentle cleaning, moisturizing and a healthy diet.

Cleaning:

When practicing acne prone skin care, the first step is to thoroughly but gently clean the skin. Wash your face with a soft, clean washcloth and mild cleanser consistently, but not excessively.  Excessive or aggressive washing can irritate your skin and strip it of the natural oils it needs and can actually contribute to your acne problem.  Try a few gentle skin cleansers before choosing the one that works best for you.

Cleanliness should not be restricted to washing your body.  Be sure that everything your skin comes in contact with on a daily basis is also clean.  This includes your bedding, your clothing and your hair. If you use any hair products, do your best to keep them off your face as some the ingredients may interfere with healing your skin.

Moisturizing:

The next step in caring for acne prone skin is moisture.  After you've cleaned your skin, apply a light, oil-free moisturizer. There are many types of moisturizers and some may cause irritation so test a new one on a small patch of  concealed skin. A good moisturizer will help balance the skin. Excessive drying can exacerbate your acne.

Healthy Diet:

A healthy diet can contribute considerably to healthy skin and should be part of your acne prone skin care regimen. And a diet that is good for your skin will be good for your whole body. Drink plenty of water and choose foods high in fiber. You don't need to eliminate fats from your diet but you need to consider the types of fat you eat. Omega 3 fats are especially beneficial for your complexion and overall health. Fish such as Salmon and whole grains are a good source. Or you can take a fish oil supplement. You may find a zinc supplement is also helpful.

If good cleaning, moisturizing and a healthy diet don't address the problem within a few months, you will need to take the next step in acne prone skin care.

Medical Treatment:

There are a many over-the-counter acne medications, most of which include the active ingredients benzyl peroxide, salicylic acid, zinc, or sulfur.  As you did with your moisturizer, try each new treatment on a small patch of acne-infected skin before making a final decision.

If you have tried a number of over-the-counter treatments for periods of six to eight weeks without improvement, you should see a doctor or dermatologist.  Many people don't realize that acne can be treated with prescription drugs, usually steroids. 

Proper care of acne prone skin can be an ongoing process, but with perseverance you can have the healthy skin you dream of.