10 Ways to Get Rid of Acne

Over 90 percent of teenage boys and 80 percent of teenage girls will suffer from acne. It's a miserable effect caused mainly by hormone levels. While there are many different causes that affect hormone levels, fortunately over the last 20 years there have been many improvements in treatments for at least controlling acne. Following are ten ways to get rid of those annoying pimples and maintain clearer skin.

1. No Picking

Never pick at the pimples. Popping, squeezing, rubbing, etc. can open the pimple and allow any excess sebum or bacteria to leak into surrounding tissues causing the acne to spread.

2. Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide is now in many over-the-counter products. It is suggested that you begin with the lowest concentration of benzoyl peroxide because too much can be irritating. Start low and move up to what works for you. If the benzoyl peroxide dries out your skin too much but works for your acne, you might consider adding a mild, oil-free moisturizer.

3. Wash Properly and Go Easy

Use a mild soap and rub lightly with fingertips not a washcloth. Remember, acne has nothing to do with how clean your face is. Being too harsh when cleaning your face will only irritate it further.

4. Do Not Exfoliate

Similar to #3, exfoliating is using a type of 'scrubbing' to remove the dead skin cells from the top layer, but that is not what is causing the acne. Acne is already an affected area that goes deeper than the first layer and exfoliating will only further irritate.

5. Sunscreen

When looking for a sunscreen to protect your skin from the dangers of sun exposure, look for products that are oil-free.

6. Make-Up and Other Products

When purchasing make-up opt for water-based products instead of oil-based. You can spot water-based products by the fact that when they are sitting on the counter the product separates into water and powder (layers). Also watch out for hair products that may contain oils and oil-based cleansers and moisturizers, all definite no-no's when controlling acne.

7. Limit Contact with Your Face

Resting your chin in your hands, wearing sweatbands and even straps from helmets all have a negative effect of irritating that area of the face and increase the chance of clogging the ducts in that area with bacteria and causing disruption.

8. Foods

Contrary to popular belief, foods such as chocolate, fried foods and other greasy foods have not been proven to cause acne. However, there may be a correlation between eating certain foods and having breakouts at the same time when hormone levels are affected. If you do find that you break out when eating certain foods, it is best to avoid them.

9. Iodine

Some doctors believe that high levels of iodine may increase acne symptoms. Iodine is found in iodized salt and some multivitamins. Though not proven, it can't hurt to keep this in mind and limit iodine intake.

10. Maintain Prevention

Don't stop using your benzoyl peroxide products just because is has reduced your acne symptoms. Be sure to maintain your prevention techniques once your face is cleared up. You may opt for a lower level benzoyl peroxide containing product, but keep it on all acne-prone areas and remember all the previous nine steps above.