Say Goodbye to Acne

Don’t pick, squeeze, pop, push, press or otherwise manipulate your pimples in any way. Doing this can not only increase the risk of spreading bacteria, but it can also cause you to have permanent scarring. There are a number of healthy things you can do to fight acne and pimples instead.

1. Try over the counter acne products that contain benzoyl peroxide up to twice a day. This will help decrease the amount of bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide comes in different concentrations. You should start out with lower concentrations to reduce drying of the skin. If necessary, you can move to higher concentrations later. Use a moisturizer for acne to keep skin hydrated.

2. Wash your face once or twice per day, using a mild soap. For oily skin you should use a cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide.

3. Have you noticed a concentration of acne on the side of your face or cheek? Change your pillow case frequently. A clean pillow case will decrease the chance of spreading bacteria.

4. Don’t use any hard brushes, sponges or cleansers on your face. It can damage your skin.

5. Avoid oil based facial products. Opt for make-up that is water based. Certain make-ups even have oil absorbing qualities. The ones with sunscreen will also help protect your skin.

6. If you use a concealer, buy one that contains acne fighting ingredients.

7. Try not to touch your face with your hands. This can encourage the spread of bacteria.

8. Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy balanced diet. Pay attention to see if certain foods cause breakouts.

9. Vitamins A, C and E as well as Iron work well in fighting acne and can be purchased at your local drug store. Vitamin E can also help repair scarring, either by taking it orally or applying it directly to the affected area.

10. If you take birth control, ask your doctor to prescribe one that helps deter acne.

11. Honey has a natural antimicrobial action and has been used to fight acne for a long time. Try a honey mask!

12. Moderate exercise will help blood flow and the elimination of toxins.

13. Spend some time outside. Vitamin D from the sun helps reduce acne. Just don’t over do it. You don’t want to get sun burn.

14. Reduce stress that can cause acne flair ups. Spend time with friends, exercise, take a walk in the park, listen to music or take a yoga class.

There are no magic solutions to get rid of acne, but eating right, drinking plenty of water, reducing stress and using proper skin care will help a lot.

By: Eileen Childs

It doesn’t matter whether you call them pimples, zits or acne. End of the day, we all just can’t stand their sight and can’t wait to burst them. Often, common advice is to let your body heal them the natural way. However if you just have to get rid of your pimples, follow the exact 5 important steps below to avoid skin damage and permanent scarring. This is applicable to pimples or acne on every body parts.

Just a word of caution, reserve this technique for that occasional pimple that just pops up on you (all the way at the surface and white). Should you have a situation that is more severe, seek help from professionals or you can refer to my website here for more information.

The 5 Ultimate Steps that you must follow are:

Step 1: Get your pores open

The best time is after a hot shower. When I say hot, I don’t mean scorching hot. Body temperature water heat will do just fine. The skin tends to be more supple and it is easier to squeeze your pimples with clogged pores wide open.

If your pimple is on your face, you may opt to steam your face instead. It is for the same purpose as above to loosen debris that may be imbedded into your skin. Take a bowl of hot water and place your face just above it. Let the steam rise to your skin for about 10-15 minutes and then wipe off excessive sweat from the heat.

Alternate way is to hold a warm washcloth on to your face for 5-10 minutes. This is more effective only if you have to get rid of pimple that is just one or two.

Step 2: Use gauze pads

Ensure hands are well-cleaned. Take the gauze pads and wrap around your index fingers of both hands and prepare for the next step.

Some of you are probably being told to squeeze or pop pimples with needle. It is only advisable if you strictly know how to disinfect the needle. Or else you will risk causing the pimple zone to be worse.

Step 3: Squeezing time

Squeeze the pimple only if it is ready. Determine by seeing if there is a pus-filled center. If your skin feels hurt after squeezing and yet nothing comes out, please leave it be for a few more days. You don’t want to have permanently scarring.

Holding the gauze pads on both index fingers (Step 2), gently but confidently squeeze the pimple from the sides. Use a downward and inward motion. Repeat until the pus is completely gone.

Never to use your fingernails at all times to prevent an open hole and scar to form on your skin.

Step 4: Wash your face

Since the pores are still open, washing your face thoroughly with an antibacterial cleanser helps to clear bacteria around it. It is advisable to do a facial mask after the squeeze. It will cleanse and remove the excessive oil plus helping to shrink enlarged pores.

Any kind of mask is good. But clay or mug masks work best for the tightening of pores.

Step 5: Healing process

For a speedy healing on the after-squeeze pimple zone, apply products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide (like Clearasil). These products will help dry pimples faster and prevent the formation of red spots.

An alternate method is to opt for natural way such as applying ice cubes on pimples for a few minutes. The coolness helps decrease swelling and redness too.

Now that you know the 5 ultimate steps, you can master the right skill of squeezing your pimples (remember, only the ready ones!).