11 Tips To Help With Acne

Acne is an inflammatory skin problem caused several different things:

• Plugging of hair follicles

• Hormonal fluctuations that cause the body to secret excess oil

• A bacterial infection that causes inflammation

All basic acne treatment aims to prevent inflammation and reduce breakouts before they happen.

Here are 11 tips to keep your skin healthy and acne-free

Keep your face clean.

Wash your face once or twice a day with a cleanser. This reduces inflammation and kills bacteria associated with acne formation. And make sure to remove all makeup and dirt, so it doesn't build up and clog your pores.

Don't scrub with a washcloth and avoid exfoliating brushes

Use your hands to clean your face, and pat your skin dry with a clean towel instead of rubbing it dry. Scrubbing can promote more acne. Avoid exfoliating brushes if you have acne. Studies suggest they can worsen acne because the exfoliation causes more inflammation, resulting in more acne bumps.

Use moisturizers and sunscreens made for the face

Moisturizers designed for the body are heavier and can clog your pores. Look for products with glycerine and hyaluronic acid, which hold moisture in the skin, and products labelled "non-comedogenic," — which means they don't cause acne. No matter what, however, always wear sunscreen.

I recommend the moisturizer (oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic) and sunscreen (oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic) listed below. They can be purchased in clinic or online for pickup.

Eat a healthy diet.

Several studies suggest that consuming fewer sugars and carbohydrates results in decreased breakouts. Keep a food diary to determine if a specific food triggers your breakouts. Eating an overall healthy diet is always good advice, and it may also help clear your skin.

Don't ignore your hair.

Keeping your hair clean — and off your face — will help prevent breakouts on the forehead and face. Some hair products, including pomades and gels, may worsen acne. If you have acne on your forehead and use many hair products, consider avoiding them. Headbands that cover your forehead can encourage acne, too, by keeping sweat in place.

Avoid touching your face.

Every time your fingers meet your face, they transfer dirt and oils. It's a hard habit to break, but an important one. Wash your hands with soap and warm water frequently — especially after eating — to keep them clean.

Shower and wash your face right after working out.

Sweat sticks to your face and may contain acne-causing bacteria. For back and chest acne, try using a benzoyl peroxide wash in the shower. Just remember — peroxide can bleach your linens, so stick with white towels and washcloths, and be sure you are dry before getting dressed. Dr Baldwin would recommend the Cerave Acne Treatment Foaming Cleanser.

Use water-based, oil-free makeup.

Makeup has long been the go-to for covering up blemishes but can also worsen your breakouts. Heavy, greasy products with cocoa butter, mineral oil or cold cream can aggravate acne. As with lotion and sunscreen, your makeup should be water-based, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and oil-free. Mineral-based products with silica, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide help absorb oil and minimize redness.

Take care removing hair.

Often it is best to use an electric razor, moving carefully downward to avoid nicking blemishes and pimples. Clean the blade regularly and shave in the direction of the hair growth. While effective for hair removal, waxing and threading can cause a breakout with acne and irritation. Use these hair removal methods with caution.

Don't pick or pop your pimples

This only increases your chances for inflammation and can lead to scarring.

Change your sheets at least weekly.

If there's dirt and oil on your sheets, it will rub off on your skin while you sleep. This is especially important for your pillowcase, which is in contact with your face all night long.