Acne is a skin condition that causes blemishes, such as zits, cysts, pimples, blackheads and whiteheads. Teenagers, pregnant women, women who are close to menstruating and people who are taking certain medicines are most likely to have an acne breakout, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, even people who don’t fall into any of those groups may have acne. Caring for acne-prone skin involves treating the blemishes that are present and trying to prevent further blemishes.
Limit Washings
Frequent washing of acne-prone areas can cause irritation and make acne worse. Instead, the affected areas should only be washed one to two times per day, states the American Academy of Dermatology. Use a gentle cleanser when washing. To avoid irritating the area, use your fingertips or a soft cloth to wash instead of using a rough towel.
Wash Your Hair
The National Library of Medicine recommends that people with acne-prone skin keep their hair clean. Natural oils and oil from styling products can transfer to the skin and worsen acne. In addition to washing hair, you should also limit the use of pomade and other styling products that are oil-based. If you have long hair and are prone to facial acne or shoulder acne, wear your hair in a style that minimizes the contact with the acne-prone area.
Leave It Alone
Touching acne-prone areas of skin with your fingers or objects like phones, even when there aren’t any blemishes present, can introduce bacteria. The bacteria may get into pores and contribute to a breakout. If anything must touch acne-prone skin, sanitize the object using alcohol or antibacterial wipes prior to letting it touch your skin.
Choose Products Carefully
Use non-comedogenic or non-acnegenic products on your skin if you are prone to breakouts. These products have been tested to ensure that they don’t clog pores or contain ingredients that will worsen acne. Sunscreen, moisturizers and cosmetics are all products that have non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic formulas available.
