Monday, January 15, 2007

How to Prevent Acne With Proper Face Care

Not many grade school children dream of growing up to invent a cure for blemishes but by the time they reach High School few things seem more important than finding a way to prevent acne.

It may not be an earth shattering problem but improper management of an acne condition can lead to scarring that will take expensive and time consuming procedures to remove. Often the damage is permanent. It's not easy but the best thing to do is to prevent acne. That calls for a treatment plan to which one fully adheres.

In the case of severe acne that is very widespread or includes the presence of cysts and nodules a dermatologist should be consulted.

With acne vulgaris or common acne, a twice a day skin care ritual should prevent acne. The face care procedure needs to be followed as regularly as brushing and flossing one's teeth. It is just another part of good hygiene.

To begin with, washing the face with a salicylic acid containing cleanser helps to unclog pores. It does this gradually over time because of its mild exfoliating affect. Apply an astringent. Use of a product containing benzoyl peroxide will fight the bacteria that cause acne by drying the excess skin oils and providing a mild antibiotic action. Follow with a tinted acne concealing product that contains sulfur.

Every week or so a more involved treatment can be used. Start this by using a facial mask to unclog pores. A steam facial would work well too. Gently remove blackheads if they are easily removed. Wash with an acne wash. Massage with a circular motion. Rinse and pat dry. Apply astringent.

Once this beauty regime becomes habit it starts to improve the skin's general appearance. Good skin care needs to be a very long term project. Some of the products recommended for use over the years may change but the need for regular daily care will be lifelong. But so will the pleasant results.

Martin Hansen is the founder of MATR, a website dedicated to helping acne sufferers control their acne. Head over to Myacnetreatmentreview.com for more helpful skin care tips as well as our reviews of Acnezine and Exposed acne treatment products.