10 Ways To Minimize Acne
There’s been a rise in social media threads about people’s skin care routines and ‘how to get clear skin’. I’ve read so many of these and watched so many YouTube videos that talk about how people got rid of their acne. Keep in mind that everyone is different. Some people’s faces can handle certain products, while other’s need more gentle products. I compiled a list of different things that I have tested myself and read about to make a list of how to minimize acne.
1. Go To A Dermatologist
Only if you feel you need to. Everyone’s acne is different. Mine didn’t/doesn’t look too bad, but it was painful and it hurt to move my face at times. The medication I received actually made my acne worse and once I stopped, it got better. Everyone reacts to medicine differently and a dermatologist is a good place to start.
2. Develop A Skin Care Routine
This will be different for everyone. Some people are able to just wash their faces, put lotion on, and call it a day. Some people, like me, go through a few different steps. It will take time to make a routine that will work for you. My routine involves a face wash, a toner, spot treatment, then a moisturizer.
3. Drink Water
Hydration is key in over your over all body health. Drinking water also keeps your face (and lips especially) hydrated and soft. I notice a difference in my face when I don’t drink water during the day.
4. Moisturize!
Even if you have oily skin, you must moisturize. I noticed that at night when I would use my spot treatment, it worked more affectively with a moisturizer than without.
5. Treat Yourself
Once or twice a week, I treat my face with an exfoliating face wash and a face mask. The face wash gets rid of the dead skin and preps my face for the mask to do its job. I personally like the ELF Exfoliating Face Scrub and the Shea Moisture African Black Soap Clarifying Mud Mask. After I remove that mask, I go on with the rest of my skin routine.
6. Change Your Pillow Case And Towels Regularly
As a college student, I relate to not wanting to do this step, but it does make a difference. At least once a week when I do laundry, I switch out my pillow case and towels. It prevents bacteria from being transferred to your face and cause new breakouts.
7. Watch The Make Up
Face make up, primers, setting spray; all these things can cause breakouts, especially if not cleaned off your face. Don’t sleep in make up and give your face a break every once in a while. If you notice your face breaks out after using a new face product, stop using it and try something else.
8. Foods
Some foods can cause acne for some people. Eating as healthy as you can will help calm acne down on your face and your body.
9. Don’t Skip Washing Your Face
Never miss washing your face. Whether in the morning or at night, wash the dirt off your face to prevent build up and breakouts.
10. Toothpaste Method
As a mini spot treatment for an annoying zit, put a dab of toothpaste on the spot, enough to cover it but not too much to get it on your pillow case. Wash it off in the morning and you will see the pimple will look less irritated and smaller.
Do you have other ways you help to minimize acne!? Share in the comments below!
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Alexis Silverman is a sophomore at The College of New Jersey majoring in Music Education with a focus in Clarinet. She enjoys watching YouTube videos, hanging out with friends, and sleeping.