Acne: Treating The Skin With Extra Precautions

Almost no teenager – and many an adult on drugs like lithium – is spared a prolonged period of acne problems. Pubescent girls need to pay greater attention to acne prevention because of the hormonal upsurges associated with the onset of menstruation. More often than not, acne is a result of fluctuating hormones, but can also signal deeper problems. This three-step recipe should help most acne sufferers avoid harsh skin creams and drugs such as antibiotics and hormone pills as methods to treating acne.

1. Cosmetics are not a valid line of acne control, but they can camouflage an acute acne outbreak. One must remember, however, that any kind of topically applied oil-based compound will aggravate acne. This especially applies to foundation creams, the longest lasting of which are generally oil-based (or oleaginous). Specifically, the ingredients to avoid include isopropyl myristate, isopropyl esters, oleic acid, stearic acid, petrolatum and lanolin. Lower quality cosmetic brands will not mention the presence or absence of such compounds on the label. It is not wise to use these. Alcohol-based cosmetics are preferable to oil-based ones.

2. A toner is a must for skin care. The skin has an acid mantel on it. This acid mantel protects the skin from harmful bacteria, which can invade pores. An inexpensive toner can be made at home using one part raw apple cider vinegar to nine parts purified water or a special herbal tincture-tea liquid. In a pinch, a few drops of fresh squeezed lemon or lime juice can be substituted for the vinegar. As a rule, the vinegar will keep longer than one use and the mixture can be kept in a bathroom.

3. Take the vitamin niacin 3 times per day in 100 mg doses. In fact, use these 2 acne cures together. The zinc and the niacin can be taken together to make things easier.

4. Apply the tincture with a fresh 100 percent cotton ball or pad right out of the package. Do not use the cotton ball or pad if it has been exposed to any other surface besides freshly washed fingertips. This will prevent any unwanted bacteria from finding their way onto the skin and causing bigger problems.

5. Take 50 mg of zinc 3 times per day. While some acne cures happen overnight, this one takes several weeks to show any results, but once they do appear, it is astonishing how clear the skin becomes.

By: zechong cai

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Author is an online medical researcher on acne treatment and skin care. Click read more on acne treatment, overnight acne remedies.