Avoid facial scrubs or cleansers labeled “astringent,” since these can be harsh and drying on your skin. [2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Dermatologists recommend gentle, foaming face washes, such as Cetaphil DermaControl Foam Wash, especially if you’re also treating your acne with drying topical medications such as benzoyl peroxide. [3] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Look for face washes that are non-soap based. True soaps can raise the pH of your skin, leading to dryness and creating a better environment for bacteria and other microbes. Salicylic acid, clindamycin, and tretinoin are also good options and is usually sold at pharmacies or prescribed by your doctor. [4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
While it might seem like drying out your skin is a good idea if it’s oily and acne prone, you’ll ultimately end up making the problem worse! Your skin will try to heal itself by producing even more oil. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Don’t scrub your skin while washing your face, no matter how tempting it may be. This will irritate your skin and could make your acne worse. Avoid using washcloths, sponges, or brushes to wash the skin on your face, since these can cause irritation.
You may have heard that rinsing your face with cold water after washing it will help close up the pores. In reality, cold temperatures will temporarily tighten your pores and reduce the production of oil from your skin, but will not actually cause your pores to close. [11] X Research source It’s okay to use cool or warm water to rinse your skin, but don’t use hot water, since this will cause drying and irritation.
Damp towels can make a happy home for all sorts of gross things, like viruses, bacteria, and mold—which can then get into your skin and cause irritation or infections! Switch to a fresh towel at least once a week, and spread your towel out on a bar so it can dry fully between each use. [13] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Look for a moisturizer that’s free of dyes and perfumes, since these can irritate your skin. Since sun exposure can make acne worse for some people, look for a moisturizer that’s also a sunscreen. [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Dermatologists recommend sun protection moisturizers that are also designed for acne-prone skin, such as Cetaphil DermaControl Moisturizer SPF 30. [16] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Moisturizers containing anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as zinc or aloe vera, may be especially helpful. [17] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If you wear makeup, make sure to remove it before you go to bed. Sleeping in your makeup can clog up your pores. Wipe it away with a gentle makeup-removing wipe that’s labeled “non-comedogenic” (won’t clog your pores).
Always wash off your makeup before you go to bed, including any eye makeup. When you’re applying makeup, use a gentle brush to avoid irritating your skin.
Tea tree oil can calm inflammation and fight the bacteria that cause acne, and it has fewer side effects than many over-the-counter or prescription acne medications. Some people may be allergic to tea tree oil. Before using it on your face, test a drop of tea tree oil elsewhere, like your arm or leg. Wait several hours. If a rash develops, you may be allergic or sensitive to the oil, and should avoid putting it on your face. Tea tree oil is toxic when consumed. Never eat or drink tea tree oil!
Alternatively, you could mix 2-3 drops of cinnamon essential oil with 5 teaspoons (25 mL) of a carrier oil, such as jojoba or olive oil, and mix that with the honey to create the mask. [24] X Research source Before applying the honey and cinnamon mixture to your acne, dab a small amount around your jawline. Wait about 30 minutes to see if you have an adverse reaction. If so, do not apply this mixture to your acne.
Green tea lotions can cause mild irritation in some people, such as temporary stinging or itching. However, these symptoms usually get better as your skin gets used to the lotion. If your symptoms don’t go away within 2-3 days after starting your treatment routine, stop using the lotion and talk to your doctor.
Onion gel can cause irritation in some people, so test a small amount of it on another part of your body (such as your arm or a spot behind your ear) before applying it to your face. [27] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
A good rule of thumb to use is looking at the color of your urine. If it’s mostly clear, you’ve had enough water; if it’s yellowish, aim to drink more water throughout the day. [31] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Good sources of healthy fats include fatty fish (such as salmon, mackerel, and tuna), nuts and seeds, and plant-based oils (such as olive or flax-seed oil).
While milk and other dairy products contain plenty of protein, they may cause breakouts in some people. Try cutting back on milk for a few weeks and see if your acne improves. [34] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Low levels of vitamins A and E, as well as zinc, can cause acne breakouts. [36] X Research source Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that are rich in these nutrients, such as dark leafy greens, carrots, squash, berries, mangos, avocados, mushrooms, and garlic.
Sugary baked goods Candy Sweet sodas and sugary coffee drinks Greasy fast food and fried foods Fatty, salty snacks, such as potato chips
Yoga Meditation Going for walks outside Listening to peaceful music Working on hobbies or creative projects Spending time with family, friends, or pets
If you’re a teen, try to get 8-10 hours of sleep each night. Commit to going to bed and waking up at the same time each night so that you get into a healthy sleep routine. If you have trouble sleeping, try establishing a relaxing bedtime ritual, like meditating, reading, or taking a warm shower before bed. Turn off any bright screens at least an hour before bedtime, since the light can make it harder for your brain to get into sleep mode.
While you’re exercising, gently pat away sweat with a clean, dry towel. Don’t rub away sweat, since this could irritate your skin. Even if you can’t shower right away, change into clean, dry workout clothes immediately after your workout. This will help prevent breakouts on your body. Put on clean clothes before your workout, too, since dirty clothes can trap bacteria and other skin irritants. If you’re using a gym, wipe down any shared equipment before you use it with a disinfectant wipe. This will help get rid of oils and bacteria left behind by other people that could aggravate your skin and cause breakouts.
Although you may see some improvements after a few days to a week of treatment, severe acne may take 4-8 weeks to clear. [43] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source Write down all of the treatments you try so that you can tell your doctor what hasn’t worked for you. You might even bring in the bottles or packaging.
Acne may be caused by hormones, inflammation, or bacteria that’s deep under your skin. While home treatments can’t address these causes, your dermatologist can prescribe a treatment that can.
Prescription topical creams. These typically contain a retinoid, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotic, or possibly salicylic acid. Antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to kill bacteria that cause acne and to reduce inflammation. Hormonal birth control pills. If you’re a female, your doctor may recommend birth control pills to help control outbreaks caused by hormones. Isotretinoin. This is an oral treatment you may be able to take if nothing else works and your acne is seriously interfering with your life.
Laser or light therapy targets the acne’s bacteria, which might help clear your breakout. This doesn’t work on fungal acne. Chemical peels help remove the outer layers of your skin to reveal fresh, possibly clearer skin. Acne removal is a procedure where your doctor drains or injects medicine into a large acne cyst that doesn’t respond to medicine.
Difficulty breathing Swelling of your face, eyes, lips, or tongue Tightness in your throat Feeling faint
