Girls, what can I use to help my acne?

[RaquelleFire]

It isn't really bad, but it is just starting out, and I want to stop it before it gets really bad, It has just started around my cheeks and my nose. I have been washing my face everynight before bed but nothing else really. I don't have all of those lotion or stuff like that. But please give me some advice...

[Reddr]

First of all prevention is key.
What kind of water do you have? If you have hard water (typically well water) it is known to interact with soap, causing it to not work correctly. It makes a waxy film that clogs your skin, irritates it and causes acne. I'm 26 years old and only recently figured this out. I switched to using micellar water by Simple (it is a cleanser all on its own, you don't add water to it or rinse it off) and my skin has never looked or felt better.

Google acne mapping, where you break out tells you what the issue is such as a certain food or stress.

Pay attention to what you eat/products you use and if they cause breakouts to worsen then avoid anything that causes an issue.

Be careful about the make up you use, a lot of people have sensitivities to certain kinds. I for one made my face hideous for years by using Revlon. Turns out I was very allergic to it and it caused a lot of very large and painful acne.

Drink plenty of water and then drink some more. When your skin isn't properly hydrated it cracks which allows bacteria to get in there and cause you guessed it acne.

Don't touch your face. That exposes the skin to bacteria. Bacteria causes acne. Also keep your pillow cases, phone screen, make up applicators, and every thing else that comes in contact with your face as clean as possible. I clean my make up brushes with 99% isopropyl alcohol to kill germs. Hydrogen peroxide works well too.

I also use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on my face when I begin to break out. A little bit on a cotton ball, wipe it or hold it on a spot for a few minutes a few times a day. They are antiseptics and thus kill the bacteria. The alcohol also dries up any liquid. You have to be careful with it though because over use can dry out your skin. Keep a good moisturizer on hand. Witch hazel is also good to do this with.
You can even put some honey on the area for a while (like half hour) then wash it off. It is antibacterial and good for your skin.

[Anonymous]

Don't let your face dry! Mousturize it.

I used to have really bad acne, not so long ago. It was everywhere and like an illness... on my chest, back and all over my face... I looked awful. Really terrible.

Then, I went to the skin-doc and after trying many ways (lotions, creams, anti-acne-clinical stuff) and nothing, not even the natural things helped, he gave me some medication with a LOT of vitamine A and other ingredients... I had to let them check my blood monthly, because it was a very strict medication, which should prevent new bacteries, infections and clear my skin, bit by bit. Afyer that, they said, it should stop and not ever come back like that anymore.

After a half year I had to stop and he told me to moisturize every day and treat my skin with care. So, I did. The WORST you can do, is let them/your skin dry out. And it worked like a miracle... now, my skin has barely even BIMPLES and it's a truly amazing feeling.

ALWAYS MOISTURIZE IT. Every single time tou wash your face, take a good cleanser, then apply some good moisturizing cream on it. Sounds stupid but it worked for me.

[lilac_flowers]

My biggest mistake was thinking I need to dry my face out to get rid of them. That caused my skin to grow even more oily and then to break out again. Moisturize. I would recommend almond oil. Works wonderful for me.

There are acne cremes out there and not all suit everyone's skin, but the best thing you can get is a good soap and a cleanser.

[XRabbitHeartX]

Tea tree oil + jojoba oil.

Both should be 100% natural. Use them in combination and apply it at night on the area where you are getting the acne.

Other than that be sure to drink enough water, exercise and eat healthy. I'd also invest in a good moisturizer. Clean and clear's dual action moisturizer is good in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

I think Burt's Bees acne lotion is really helpful. Also, I've read that potato slices can do wonders for acne, but you have to use it consistently (I personally have no patience for that!). If you have a few places where you get really really bad pimples, spot treatments can also help. They've helped me a ton!

[BellePepper]

You can try adding a toner or astringent to your regime. It will help tighten pores and balance the PH of your skin.

You really just have to experiment and see what works best for you.

[Eileithyia]

Gently wash your face twice a day.