How to Take Care of Sensitive Acne Skin
If you have sensitive skin and a problem with acne, you may find it is difficult to find a good skincare regimen that helps reduce further outbreaks. Acne typically occurs on the back, shoulders, chest and neck, although it is the pimples on the face that most people find distressing. Hormonal differences make acne more of a problem for girls and women, although males do develop the condition, particularly during the adolescent years. Acne is best treated with a two-pronged approach that focuses on prevention and treatment of existing pimples. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Facial cleanser
- Facial scrub
- Benzoyl peroxide lotion
- Oil-free makeup and sunscreen
Instructions
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Wash your skin with a mild cleanser made especially for acne. You'll find a number of products, such as Cetaphil or Neutrogena Acne Wash that are gentle on skin while providing some acne protection. Be sure to wash your skin before you go to bed, particularly if you wear makeup. Wearing makeup while you sleep can clog the pores, resulting in more pimples.
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Exfoliate the skin on your face at least once per week. Exfoliation is a process used to remove the top layer of dead skin cells from your face using a special facial scrub product. Exfoliation reduces acne because it removes dead skin that can clog your pores.
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Use sunscreen, makeup and lotion that are oil-free. Oil can clog pores, contributing to acne. If you use hair products, such as gels, try to keep your hair from touching your face, as the gel can also clog your pores.
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Apply benzoyl peroxide lotion or cream to your skin every day. Benzoyl peroxide is the common ingredient in many acne preparations found at drug stores. It works by healing pimples, killing the bacteria that can contribute to acne and clearing your oil ducts. Begin using a product containing 5 percent benzoyl peroxide to prevent redness and irritation and only use the 10 percent formula when you are able to tolerate the 5 percent formula with no problems.
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Visit your doctor if over-the-counter medications aren't helping. Your doctor can prescribe Retin-A, which works by preventing acne outbreaks and unclogs oil glands. Antibiotics may also be prescribed if your acne is not responding to other medications. Antibiotics kill the bacteria that can cause acne. If your acne is particularly severe, your doctor may prescribe Accutane, a powerful acne drug that requires close medical supervision.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a fresh washcloth and towel every day to prevent reinfecting your face with bacteria. Wash your pillowcase and make up applicators often, as they can transfer bacteria to your skin. Stay out of the sun when taking acne medication as these medications make you more likely to be sunburned. When you are in the sun, use oil-free sunscreen to prevent burning.
Don't pop pimples. It's tempting, particularly when you have a particularly large pimple, but popping pimples can leave permanent scars on your face.
