An Introduction to Acne Skin Care
Good acne skin care can help prevent or minimize acne flare-ups and acne scars. Taking good care of your skin includes:
- Cleaning the skin gently
- Avoiding frequent handling of the skin
- Shaving carefully
- Avoiding a sunburn or suntan
- Choosing cosmetics carefully.
Cleaning Gently When Caring for Skin With Acne
For proper acne skin care, most doctors recommend that people gently wash their skin with a mild cleanser, once in the morning and once in the evening, and also after heavy exercise.
Some people with acne may try to stop outbreaks and oil production by scrubbing their skin and using strong detergent soaps and rough scrub pads. However, scrubbing will not improve acne; in fact, it can make the problem worse.
Patients should ask their doctor or another health professional for advice on the best type of cleanser to use when caring for skin with acne. As part of your skin-care program, you should wash your face from under the jaw up to the hairline. It is important to thoroughly rinse your skin after washing it.
Astringents are not recommended unless the skin is very oily, and then they should only be used on oily spots. Doctors also recommend that patients regularly shampoo their hair. Those with oily hair may want to shampoo it every day.
