subject: 7 Ways To Get Rid Of Acne [print this page] Did you (or DO you) have acne as a teenager, or even as an adult? It's a common problem! Other than seeing a dermatologist or buying expensive medications, here are some helpful hints to get rid of acne.
1) Keep your hands away from your face. Many people touch their hands to their face dozens of times every day without realizing it - and they transfer bacteria to their skin every time they do. If you keep your hands away from your face, you limit the amount of extra, unnecessary bacteria that is on your skin.
2) Drink lots of water. Your body needs water for proper functioning, and drinking lots of water (that's clear water - NOT soda, coffee, or tea) can help your skin flush itself out and look better.
3) Wash several times a day with dermatologist-recommended soaps. Washing can help reduce extra oil on your skin, but beware: regular soaps can be harsh and dry out your face, causing other skin problems. Look for products that are approved by dermatologists and that aren't harsh on your face.
4) Don't rub your skin too hard. When you wash or dry your skin, do it gently. Rough scrubbing can cause over-stimulation of your oil glands, which can have the opposite effect you want, and can also hurt your skin. Wash with your hands and gently pat your skin dry.
5) Try altering your diet. Scientists claim that diet largely doesn't affect acne, with a few exceptions; for instance, they think dairy products might worsen acne for some people. However, what scientists claim to know changes every six months. I know a lot of vegetarians, and most of them have excellent skin. Going vegetarian may be too extreme for you, but try switching to more fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, and eat as little processed foods, greasy foods, and meat and dairy as you can. It can't hurt.
6) Don't pick or squeeze. Tempting as it may be, picking and squeezing causes scarring and often turns little bumps into sore, infected pimples. If you absolutely must get rid of that white head, sterilize a needle with alcohol, wipe alcohol over the whitehead, nick the skin with the needle, and use a minimal amount of pressure. Then use an antibacterial, anti-acne ointment afterwards.
