Dealing with acne is something that we would all rather not do. But despite our wishes, acne is something that most everyone will encounter during some point of their life. The most common time to suffer from acne is during the adolescent years of puberty. Overactive glands and changing hormonal balances can cause acne to appear on one’s face, back, chest…virtually everywhere. While acne often seems to have a mind of its own, there are several things one can do to keep acne under control.

- Know your Skin -

It is very important to know your skin. There are basically four different skin types. Normal, Oily, Dry, and Combination skin. It is important to know what type of skin you have, so you can care for it accordingly. It is very important to wash your face regardless of your type of skin. Commonly, people with oily skin will think it is necessary to over-wash their skin. Over washing oily skin can cause skin to dry up and crack. Glands then overreact to the dryness, and what do you know? There’s more acne to deal with. It is just important to keep oily skin moisturized, as it is to keep dry skin moisturized. There are different types of moisturizers and cleaning products available, and it is important to read the labels, in order to choose a product that will fit best with your skin type.

Another important reason to know your skin type, is for when you are buying make-up. Since make-up is something many women apply everyday, it is important that the type of make-up you choose to wear, works well with your skin type, and does not agitate or promote acne. Those with oily skin should use oil free make-up products. Many different lines of make-up have products that contain oil and are oil free. It may be a good idea to consult someone at the make-up counter when buying your make-up. Usually these people have the experience to direct you in the make-up that is right for your skin. Also, if you are uncertain to what type of skin you have, the make-up consultants should be able to help you determine what type of skin you have.

- Don’t touch and Don’t pick -

Touching and picking your face is the worst thing you can do. Many people do not realize the oils and germs that live on your hands. Think about everything you touch during the day. The phone, the door, the rail on the stairs, etc., etc. All of these things are contaminated with germs. When you put your hand on your face or even rest your chin in the palm of your hand, you are essentially transmitting all of the bacteria you have accumulated on your hands, onto your face. No wonder you have acne. Stop doing this. Touching your face will only make acne worse!

Also, don’t pick. I know picking can seem necessary, but it is very damaging. By picking or squeezing your acne, you are causing it to become irritated and more inflamed. The best way to make a zit go away is to pretend it isn’t there, or apply a mild over the counter acne medication. If you suffer from severe acne you may want to go the Dermatologist, a skin doctor, and see if they can prescribe you a medication to help you with your acne. Whatever you do, always remember, DO NOT PICK! Cut your nails down, but do not touch or pick your acne. This can eventually lead to severe scaring, that is irreversible.

- Relax -

Relax. Stress is a huge cause of acne. If you relax, then you will be less likely to have those breakouts that you dread. And should a break out occur, don’t stress out about that, it will make matters worse. Always remember that you aren’t alone. Most everyone is affected by acne at one point in their life.

- Exercise -

Get out and exercise. Not only is exercising good for you, and a good stress reliever, but it also allows your body to sweat out all those toxins and impurities that are building up in your pores. Remember when you’re exercising to remove make so as to not clog pores, and wear clothes that allow your body to breathe. You may also want to shower after working out so that your skin is not left with the oils that could promote acne.