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Skin Care for Those With Acne

Acne may have started in your teen years, that time when age and hormones meet to cause those awful breakouts. Or, you may have begun experiencing acne breakouts in your adult years.

Either way, many people find acne bothersome or embarrassing. To reduce acne and its damage to your skin, follow these tips.

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Skin Conditions and Acne

Most people develop acne-- the most common skin condition -- to some degree, but it primarily affects teenagers undergoing hormonal changes. Acne may be mild (few, occasional pimples), moderate (inflammatory papules), or severe (nodules and cysts). Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Adult Skin Problems: See Pictures of Blackheads and Whiteheads

Read the Skin Conditions and Acne article > >

  • Choose a cleanser specially formulated for acne. These products often contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which help to clear acne sores.
  • Clean your face gently, as trauma to the acne breakouts may worsen the acne or cause scarring. When washing your face, use your hands, as any terrycloth or other scrubbing material may cause acne sores to rupture.
  • If you need to use a moisturizer, use only light, non-comedogenic moisturizers, which do not aggravate acne. There are oil-free moisturizers on the market that contain anti-bacterial agents for acne-prone skin. This type of product may be your best option.
  • If you wear makeup, use an oil-free foundation. Heavy makeup or other cosmetic products that block pores may cause a flare-up of acne.

 

 

WebMD Medical Reference

Reviewed by Kimball Johnson, MD on July 20, 2012

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