Acne is a common condition that affects people of all ages. There are five main types of acne blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pimples, and cysts. The most severe form of acne is a cyst which is a large nodule filled with pus and other bacteria. Acne usually occurs on the face but it is also common to have it on the legs, buttocks, chest and back.

Most people’s first reaction when they have an acne breakout is to visit a hospital for a quick prescription to get rid of their pimples. Not only is this expensive but some of the antibiotics prescribed can produce unwanted side effects such as liver problems and worsened acne when the medication has stopped. Instead you should choose proven and natural acne remedies.

No acne case is exactly the same so varying methods will work for different people. What may heal one person’s acne may not have any effect on another person. You will have to try a number of different methods to see what works for you. Give each method at least a few months before you assess whether it is working or not. Your skin type will also play a big role in what remedies you should choose, if your skin is sensitive you should be careful with what you put on your face because irritation may cause your acne to worsen.

In many cases acne is reflection of your lifestyle, if you are eating healthy and getting enough water and sleep you will minimize your chances of having acne. Cleanliness is also very important because bacteria from dirt are what cause many acne infections. Living a balance life is one of the most important factors in eliminating acne.

Your skin may have allergies to some common acne remedy ingredients such as lemons, orange, garlic, eggs, or glycerin. If you find your skin starting to swell or become severely irritated you should stay away from that remedy. If you already know you have sensitive skin you can dilute some of the stronger acids like lemon or orange, usually these compounds are less strong when water or rosewater is added.

Vitamins are known to cure and prevent acne along with a host of other diseases. Vitamin A, B, and E can drastically improve your acne condition and prevent it from coming back in the future. The vitamins will help your body to fight pimple infections and make you overall healthier as well. Make sure that you don’t overdose on vitamins because too much of vitamin A or B can be dangerous to your health.

Zinc is well known as a popular remedy for acne. It can be found in a number of natural foods such as fish and is also provided in many multi-vitamin tablets. As with other vitamins an overdose of zinc can be dangerous and may even lead to heart problems. If consumed in a proper amount however it can do wonders to fight acne. After a few weeks of taking this regularly you should see results.

When the glands in the skin are overactive and dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria accumulate, the pores can become inflamed, and the result may be an outbreak of pimples. During puberty, hormones become active, the oil glands are stimulated, and many young people in their teens have to deal with it. But the cause can also be partly genetic, and if others in the family had it in the past or are treating it now, you have a greater chance of developing it as well, regardless of your age.

What You Can do to Prevent Pimples

Taking the following steps may help to prevent or reduce your problems with acne:

● Washing your skin will remove dead skin cells and surface oils that clog the pores, but over-drying the skin can irritate existing acne or cause other damage.

● Washing after you exercise or perform any strenuous activity is important because sweat can clog the pores.

● Look for lotion or makeup that is non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic, meaning that it won’t clog your pores.

● Since they may contain oils that irritate acne, try to keep styling gel or hair spray away from your face.

● If pimples develops on your back or chest, avoid tight-fitting clothes that can cause irritation.

Often, using an over-the-counter product may help to fight acne, but you might have to use the trial-and-error method before you find one that really works for you, and some are stronger than others. (Benzoyl peroxide is an effective ingredient and salicylic acid is used to remove pimples.) If you can’t resolve the problem, a doctor can prescribe one or more medications so that your skin will look its best. In this case, even if the condition improves, you should take the entire prescription, unless your dermatologist, tells you otherwise so that you won’t break out again.

Taking Care of Your Skin to Prevent Pimples

Sometimes learning how to prevent pimples is as simple as learning how to take care of your body. Eating nutritious foods is always a good idea, and your skin will also benefit from your intake of vitamins and minerals. Eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries, will also help improve the quality of your skin. You will also want to increase the amount of your water you drink each day to at least 8 glasses a day (64oz total). Being hydrated has many benefits, and healthy skin is just one of them.

To exfoliate the skin, find a gentle formula with small, smooth grains and avoid any product containing apricot or almond shell fragments. If you use a skin toner, choose one without a high concentration of isopropyl or rubbing alcohol, which cause the glands to produce additional oil. Note also that squeezing or picking at a blemish can result in increased infection and inflammation and may leave a permanent scar.