How To Stop Breakouts
Photo Credit: Dan Lecca/Dan Lecca
Q: I cannot get my skin to stop breaking out! Please help me!
A:
Acne is caused by many things, including genetic factors and hormones. Stress has also been determined to play a big part in breakouts, says dermatologist David Sire, M.D., from Fullerton, CA. While you cannot control whether you have skin that is genetically prone to acne, you can take steps to help clear it up and prevent it.
1. Keep your hands off your face. Try not to pick or squeeze pimples, which can make them more inflamed or cause scars.
2. Don't scrub. Most people with acne and/or clogged pores tend to scrub their face harder, which irritates the skin. Instead, use a gentle cleanser in the a.m. and p.m.
3. Easy on the foundation. Makeup used to cover up pimples tends to clog pores and cause more blemishes. Try using a concealer with a zit-zapping ingredient like salicylic acid.
4. Identify blemish patterns on your face. Look at the way you hold the telephone, whether you sleep more on one side of your face or if you hold your head up with one hand when sitting. Try to avoid doing these things.
5. Start a treatment skincare routine. Cleansers, toners and moisturizers containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide kill the bacteria causing inflammation.
6. Get serious about it. If you're taking care of your skin and it still doesn't clear up, it may be a good idea to consult a dermatologist, who can prescribe a stronger product, like Retin-A.
