5 Essential Tips for Acne Skin Care

Skin care is your first line of defense against acne and the effect it has on your skin. A myriad of medications, both over-the-counter and prescribed, can help with the blemishes and pimples associated with acne. However, a solid foundation of good skin care practices can be the difference between frequent blemish outbreaks and a more controlled and even skin appearance. Which do you prefer?

You may ask, "How can I take better care of my skin when I have all of these blemishes to deal with?" This is a commonly asked question and the reason why we developed these 5 easy skin care tips. They are intended to be an easy to follow routine, which will compliment any acne treatment regimen.

Following these 5 easy skin care tips will only take a few extra minutes each day and can make a dramatic difference in your skin appearance. And this is really what it's all about – improving your appearance and feeling better about yourself. Follow these tips and see if you don't notice the difference.

Gently Clean Your Face

Gentle is the key word here, as scrubbing the skin will only further irritate the acne. You should only use a gentle soap or skin cleaner made specifically for acne prone skin. Use a soft cloth to moisten the face and then apply the soap or cleaner gently to your skin, starting at the hairline and working your way down to your neck. Using your fingers, rather than a wash cloth, to work the soap around your face assures that you will not further irritate the acne.

Rinse your skin with plenty of water and pat dry with a soft towel. Again, do not scrub your face using the towel.

If you are prone to having oily skin, it may be necessary to apply an astringent to your skin. This should be done with care, as some astringents may irritate your acne. If you elect to use an astringent, it should only be applied to those areas of your face that are most oily. If you have concerns regarding the use of astringents, it's best to consult with your dermatologist.

Avoid Touching Your Blemishes

It can be very tempting, but don't give in to the urge to squeeze or pop pimples. What can seem like immediate gratification, can turn into something far worse. Breaking open a pustule or pimple invites bacterium to spread, causing even more pimples and blemishes. It can even result in permanent scarring.

A better solution is to just avoid touching your face altogether. Your hands tend to be dirty, oily and carry germs, which can all lead to the further spread of the acne. Just don't do it!

Apply Makeup Sparingly

Makeup has become a part of everyday grooming, but must be used carefully in combination with an acne skin condition. Of course, the best solution is to not wear makeup at all. But if you decide it is a "necessity", make sure that the product you use is noncomedogenic, or will not clog your pores. And lastly, never use a makeup that has an oil base, it can severely exacerbate your acne.

Shave with Care

Shaving is a normal part of male grooming, but can be a painful experience for those suffering from acne. Deciding which shaving method - safety razor versus electric shaver - is right for you is more of a trial and error process. Try both and see which is more comfortable for you.

Regardless of which you choose, there are a few recommendations that will make the shaving experience more pleasant. Try to moisten the beard as much as possible before shaving. If using a safety razor, try using a sensitive skin shaving cream. Never use dull razor blades; it will just irritate your acne. And don't forget to change the blades on a regular basis.

Try to avoid shaving over blemishes; this can cause problems with spreading the bacteria that causes the acne. If you are experiencing a bad breakout, don't be afraid to miss a day or two of shaving. There is no sense in aggravating the situation even more.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

And as most dermatologists warn, direct sunlight will also dry out your skin, making it more vulnerable to aging and skin cancer. It just isn't worth it! Be safe and apply a generous amount of sensitive-skin sunscreen to your face before heading out for a day in the sun.