subject: Keeping Acne and other Skin Problems Away [print this page] You've probably spent your whole life hearing about how good washing your face is for you. If you're like most of us, however, washing your face feels more like a chore that you have to do than something you should make the time to do. Most of us spent our teenage years stressing out over breakouts and acne and, even so, as adults we still grumble about washing our faces, especially in the evening. Here's the skinny: to keep your skin clear and your pores unclogged, you need to keep your face clean. Do you still want to be prone to breakouts in your thirties and onward? Here is how you keep your face clean and keep acne away.
Gently washing your face is the way to go. Don't wash too hard! Putting too much pressure on your face when you wash can take off layers of the skin and leave it vulnerable to oil and breakouts. Putting too much pressure on your skin when you wash your face can injure the sensitive skin you are trying to keep clean and can leave it more damaged than anything else. Nobody wants to have scars from scrubbing. You need to have a firm but gentle touch when you wash your face. Don't fret--you can do it! Here is a hint: if you have a bright red face after you finish your skin care routine, your routine is too harsh. A flushed face is okay as long as it is not bright red. A healthy sheen is a good goal, but don't' make yourself look like a shiny beet. Choose makeup that is easier on your skin, wear less of it or skip it altogether. Many bases/foundations are now enhanced with sunscreen which means that you do not need to apply both products. There is even healthy makeup now that has been infused with different vitamins and minerals that are good for your skin. Do not run for the cheapest makeup available. Do not cake the makeup on. The goal is to wear as little makeup as you can. It is still possible to look great even though you aren't wearing dozens of layers of product! Another important tip: make sure your makeup gets removed completely before you go to bed at night. If you go to bed with your makeup still on you are pretty much guaranteed to have a breakout in the morning.
Lower your stress level! Did you know that your acne and breakouts can be caused by a stress level that is too high? It is important to take some time for yourself every day to lower your stress. Have someone teach you some techniques for relaxation that you can use to keep your stress in check. A change in lifestyle might be worth exploring if your daily life is filled to the brim with extremely stressful situations. Not only will cutting back be good for your spiritual health, it can help clear up your acne!
There are lots of ways to keep your skin clean and free of oil and acne. A twice a day face washing might be all you need. Others use heavy handed oil and acne zappers. There are also people who choose to fight acne with diet and exercise. It might take some time for you to figure out the method that works best for you. Be patient and give something time to work.
Nothing will work overnight so give all of your trials at least a week or two to start working before moving on to something new.
