Banishing blemishes without sacrificing your skin takes patience. While you could use your fingers to hastily zap every unwelcome zit, it's not a wise choice. A much better option is to get rid of acne with a special skin-care routine that keeps your skin supple in the process. Choose products that include acne-fighting agents, perform proper extractions and put the right amount of moisture back into your skin on a daily basis. With this routine in place, you'll soon be destroying your pimples while restoring your skin.
Wash Your Worries Away
Establish a face-washing routine using products that contain acne-fighting agents like benzoyl peroxide, which rids the skin of bacteria, and salicylic acid or alpha-hydroxy acid, which help to unclog pores. Use your fingertips to gently massage cleanser into your skin using small circles. Pay particular attention to your forehead, nose and jawline where pimples tend to pop up most. Always rinse well with warm water and pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
Take to Toner
According to Los Angeles-based dermatologist Howard Murad, using a toner is a crucial step in the cleansing process. It restores the skin's natural Ph balance after acne-fighting ingredients are used to strip away dirt and oil. Choose a toner with anti-inflammatory ingredients, such as aloe and lavender, to calm redness, soothe dryness and flakes, and deposit hydration back into the skin. Use a cotton pad to swipe the toner around your entire face and make sure to include your neckline.
Include Ice
Ice works to bring down inflammation of all kinds. It's no different when it comes to your acne. Wrap an ice cube in a towel and wait a few minutes for it to penetrate. Either place the towel directly onto the pimple or slowly move the towel around your face to the infected areas. Keep the ice on for as long as you can stand the cold, preferably one minute in a concentrated area. This method helps reduce swelling and redness from pimples, eases pain associated with cyst-like acne and shortens the duration of the pimple.
Extract Easily
The only time it's acceptable to extract a pimple is when it naturally comes to a head. Otherwise, you'll end up with a hole, more inflammation and possibly more acne. Use a stainless steel blemish extractor and carefully yet firmly press down on the problem pimple; then roll the tool over the pimple to take out the puss. Wipe clean with a pad and toner. If the pimple does not pop easily, refrain from pressing harder. Anything forced will destroy your skin with pitting or an unsightly scar.
Make Moisturizer Mandatory
The ingredients used to fight acne can be extremely drying, especially to those with sensitive or already-dry skin. Because of this, it's important to use a mild, noncomedogenic moisturizer on your face twice a day when using acne medications with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Face moisturizer helps conceal peeling, softens unsightly flakes and keeps the skin appearing clean and radiant while you manage your acne.
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