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What Is the Best Way to Treat Acne?
by Lisa Parris
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Overview
The inflammation of the sebaceous glands leading to visible pimples (acne) can be caused by a number of factors: irritation, environment, hormone fluctuations, heredity, bacteria and dirt. There are some steps to try to combat acne outbreaks. Keep in mind that they do not have instant results and they may not work for all cases.
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Cleanse
Dirt, dust, oil and dead skin builds up on the surface of your skin. These contaminants can contribute to the development of acne and regular removal can help to lessen the severity of an outbreak. Avoid harsh or abrasive cleansers; vigorous scrubbing or chemically drying your skin will only further aggravate the situation. Wash twice a day with a mild soap. Use a soft cloth to gently remove unwanted elements and rinse with warm water. Pat with a clean towel to dry. Be sure to use a clean cloth and towel every time you wash your face as this prevents the transfer of bacteria back to your skin once it has been removed.
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Topical Treatments
If your acne problem is severe, you may want to consult a dermatologist about the possibility of prescription medications. If your case is mild to moderate, the following treatments may help your skin clear up. Mix 1 tsp. of tea tree oil into ¼ cup of water. Soak a cotton swab with the mixture and then dab any visible pimples with the wet cotton. Allow the treatment to dry on the skin; do not rinse off. Transfer any unused portion of the solution to a small bottle with a lid. It can be safely stored for up to six months at room temperature. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties and can help to kill the bacteria that cause acne. Alternatively, you can coat visible outbreaks with plain yogurt and allow it to dry for at least 30 minutes. Rinse the yogurt away with warm water and pat the skin dry. Yogurt contains lactic acid which can help destroy bacteria and restore the balance of the skin's pH.
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Prevent
Once you have your outbreak under control, you'll want to take steps to help reduce the odds of your acne returning. Learn to keep your hands away from your face. Touching your skin with unwashed hands is one of the simplest ways to transfer oil, germs and bacteria. Change your pillowcases every other day and on odd days flip the pillow over to give your head a clean surface to rest on. Oils accumulate on the fabric as you sleep, rubbing against your skin for hours. In addition to these changes, you should treat your skin to a steam bath at least once a week by filling a basin with boiling water and standing over it with a towel draped around your head. The towel will trap the vapors inside the cloth, opening the pores and releasing trapped oil and flushing clogged sebaceous glands. Hold your head over the steam for at least five minutes to gain the greatest benefits.
