Prevention and Remedies for Acne

  Acne prevention is a bit of a misnomer if it implies there's a cure. There isn't. Acne prevention actually means preventing outbreaks,  and there's plenty you can do to avoid the recurring pimple. Outbreak prevention covers a wide range: from the day-to-day preventive  measures you can take to the acne products and remedies on the market.

  Follow a gentle approach. Wash gently, and dab your skin clean. You're trying to remove excess oil produced by your skin pores;  scrubbing hard will actually force the oil and dead skin cells back into the pores. You can use the assorted acne products that clean the  skin, but avoid those products that claim to dry out your skin. Your skin needs moisture and, without it, your pores just produce even  more oil.

  Avoid Hand-to-Hand Combat

   It's so tempting to roll up your sleeves and take the battle to the pimple, squeezing it into submission. Trouble is, picking and  squeezing zits often leads to more problems: you spread the infection over the surrounding area when the zit bursts, and you can even  wind up with scarring. Best to avoid mixing it up with your little pustular foes (even if they are asking for it).



 Getting Rid of Blackheads

 Step 1 - Cleanse the face thoroughly with a good cleanser meant for oily skin. Preferrably use a salicylic acid cleanser such as this  one, Joey NY Pure Pores Cleansing Gel to get rid of blackheads

  Step 2 - Apply an astringent. It helps reduce oiliness. If its a bit harsh mix a bit of rose water in it. You can find some good  astringents at Greatskin.com ( Just type "astringent" in the search product box).

  Step 3 - Apply a good quality medicated cream or gel containing resorcinol, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. This helps is soaking  the oil and helps in peeling away the blackheads. You can get creams or gels of Benzoyl Peroxide treating blackheads If benzoyl  peroxide leaves your skin dry, apply an oil-free moisturizer after 10 mins of applying benzoyl peroxide.

  A drug named " adapalene " does wonder in reducing the blackhead formation by stimulation of skin growth through modulation of  cellular differentiation and keratinization of follicular epithelial cells, i.e. it encourages skin peeling. (However, adapalene is mainly used  to treat acne vulgaris by assisting in keeping skin pores clear.)

  Apply a thin film of adapalene gel once daily before bedtime. Its mainly available in the form of "Differin". You can get differin here  Its highly recommended! A word of caution though, adapalene can increase the sensitivity of skin to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight,  so prolonged exposure should be avoided by judicious use of sunscreens and protective clothing.

 Removing Whiteheads

 1. Exfoliate the whitehead prone area 3-4 times a week using facial exfoliators and scrubs. Here is a good SCRUB for you to help you  to get rid of whiteheads

 2. Use creams containing AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Fruit acids) like glyco-creams that will clear away any dead skin cells, and helps in  unclogging the pores to remove whiteheads.

 Dealing with Whiteheads - A word of caution : Never remove a whitehead forcibly; because in case of whiteheads the pore is not  open. Forcibly removing a whitehead can damage the skin tissue and spread infection.

  More tips on whiteheads

  Drink lots of water and fresh juices.

  Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.

  First thing in the morning - Have a glass of warm water with the juice of lemon. It helps in detoxifying the body.