- 1). Gently scrub your face with a mild cleanser. Oils on the surface of your skin clog pores, allowing acne to form. A cleanser specifically designed for acne is your best choice. Take care not to scrub too hard. Vigorous rubbing may irritate whiteheads and actually work to spread the infection, causing more pimples.
- 2). Exfoliate your skin after cleansing. This removes the layer of old skin cells, allowing healthy new skin cells to take their place. An exfoliating scrub is typically a special cleanser made with a mild abrasive, which works to remove dead skin. Exfoliate once or twice a week for the best results.
- 3). Moisturize your face. Most acne sufferers avoid moisturizers for fear of exacerbating their condition, but frequent and overzealous cleaning can dry the skin. To keep your skin healthy, apply a daily oil-free moisturizer after cleansing.
- 1). You can also decrease acne with over-the-counter medication. The active ingredient in most of these treatments is benzoyl peroxide, which kills bacteria that causes acne and helps to unclog pores and heal existing lesions. Begin with a mild treatment, such as once per day. If you see no improvement after a week, increase treatment to twice a day.
- 2). See your doctor for severe or persistent acne. He may prescribe a stronger medication. Antibiotics also work to kill acne-causing bacteria and are typically prescribed for acne that is red and swollen or not responding to over-the-counter treatments.
- 3). Ask your physician about Accutane if your acne is so severe you are experiencing scarring. Accutane is an extremely powerful medication, so be sure to get information about the side effects.
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