subject: Proactive Acne Treatment: What Is It? [print this page] When we hear the word "proactive", we usually picture someone who goes out and gets what they want. They are not the kind of people to sit around and wait. Well, when proactive is applied to skin care, it basically means the same thing: searching for a solution to your problems before those problems become critical.
This approach is an excellent way to deal with one of the most common skin ailments around - acne. Acne affects about 85% of the population. It is not just an adolescent problem as it can affect adults as well.
Keep in mind that some forms of acne, namely hormonal acne, require medical intervention and/or some kind of acne medication. However, these forms of acne can benefit from a proactive approach. Here are a few tips that you can incorporate into your acne skin care routine.
Proactive Acne Diet
If you want to maintain your body and skin healthy it's crucial that you follow a proper diet. It can regulate the rate of healing and boost your skin's resistance to external factors. Also, some foods can produce allergies and provoke acne outbreaks.
First, identify which foods cause your skin problems so that you can moderate their intake or avoid them completely. Every person is different, so don't rely on other people's experiences. If necessary, keep a log of your reactions to different foods.
A healthy balanced diet includes plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These foods provide a wide range of antioxidants and a lot of fiber. For protein, eat lean meats, fish and legumes.
Proactive Skin Care
By choosing natural skin care products, you can help alleviate your acne problems. There are many products on the market today that contain natural ingredients that are ideal for taking care of your skin.
Which ever product you choose, make sure it contains Vitamin C, Vitamin A (retinol or retinoic acid) and salicylic acid. Vitamin A is a great ingredient for treating acne problems.
Proactive Habits
Getting rid of some of your bad habits can also be considered a proactive acne solution. For example, smoking is extremely noxious to your skin. It has been proven that it thins the skin and makes it more prone to damage.
Another bad habit to avoid is the over-exposure to sun due to sun bathing. Sun exposure is cumulative, which means it becomes worse with time. Always use sunscreen when you have to go out.
Also, use protective garments such as hats, long sleeves when going out for extended periods of time. However, if you still want to strut around in your tan summer skin but don't want to pay the consequences, remember that you can use a myriad of self tanning products and bronzers you can rely on.
