If You Have Acne, Read These Four Tips!

Nothing beats beautiful, smooth, glowing skin! Unfortunately, beautiful skin doesn't come easy for many people (including me!). Conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis are just a few of the skin related problems that often destroy our beautiful skin dreams!

There are many reasons as to why some people develop skin conditions (such as acne) and others don't. Stress, the use of bad (or poor quality) cosmetics, certain medications, and hormones are just a few of the things that can cause skin related problems. If you suffer from any of the previously mentioned conditions (acne, eczema, & psoriasis), then you know that they can be embarrassing…not to mention painful (both mentally and physically!).

My mother used to always yell at me "Stop touching your face…your dirty fingers will cause your skin to break-out!" Though I hate to admit it, my mother's advice (or should I say yelling) was correct! Half the time, I don't even realize that I am touching my face….it's simply a bad habit. Some people just can't seem to leave their faces alone…they pick, and pick, and pick! Did you know that there is an actual medical condition (that usually affects young women) called acne excoriate des jeunes filles!? People who suffer from this condition actually CAN'T STOP picking at the blemishes on their face. They often "pick" until they scar themselves! If you have bad skin…and can't seem to leave it alone, make an appointment to see the doctor as soon as possible. After all, picking can lead to infections…even facial scarring…not good, my friends, not good. So if you have acne, tip number one is: Don't touch your face and definitely DO NOT pick at it!

Though you may absolutely LOVE facials (many people do!) do not get more than one facial every six to eight weeks. Many people think that facials help skin conditions…and they do. However, if you get a facial TOO OFTEN the reverse can actually happen. You see, a good facial will include extractions and a good massage (both of which ARE wonderful) however, if done too often, these procedures can actually irritate and inflame your skin which can complicate your skin issues. Sorry facial addicts…tip number two is: If you have acne…only get a facial every two months or so.

Darned if you do…darned if you don't! Welcome to tip number three! If you have acne it is very important that you use the proper face skin care products. NEVER use astringents that are loaded with alcohol as these products will over-dry and strip the skin. Products that contain alcohol will, most likely, make your acne worse as your oil glands will begin to overcompensate and make even more oil! Now more oil is good if you happen to own an oil well in Texas….but more oil on the face…not so good. Also, it is not a good idea to get caught up in the world of "over moisturizing." Moisturizing too often can also be bad for you skin.

Believe it or not, the hair care products that you use can also affect your skin! Geez, the world of skin care is quite complicated…wouldn't you agree!? First I tell you that you can't touch your face, then I tell you not to get too many facials and now I'm about to complicate things more and critique your hair care products! Sorry people…but if you want beautiful, glowing skin…you are going to have to work for it! Hair care products that contain alcohol, emollients and fragrance can, in fact, cause you to break out (or make your current skin situation worse). If you use a new hair care product and your skin suddenly starts to "act up" I suggest switching to a new product (especially if the new break-out is around your hair-line). If you really love the new product you are using, try wearing a thick terry cloth headband over your hair-line the next time you apply it.

So there you have it, four simple things that can actually improve your skin! As I mentioned before, the giant world of skin care can be quite complicated. If you are truly depressed about your skin and nothing seems to work or help your situation, do not hesitate to visit a doctor. A good dermatologist can work wonders and can give you good skin care advice and medication (if necessary). There are many acne and skin care products and treatments available (Obagi skin care, Cindy Crawford's Meaningful Beauty, and RoC…just to name a few). A doctor will be able to help you sort through the MANY products that are available and recommend what is best for your situation. Good luck, and here's to fresh, beautiful, blemish free skin!