From makeup to hairspray and everything in between, your cosmetics may contain ingredients that irritate your skin and cause inflammation. (Dirty makeup brushes can also add to the problem by spreading around bacteria.)
The fix: Beware of pore-clogging or inflammatory ingredients such as mineral oil, isopropyl isosterate and myristate, acetylated lanolin, artificial colors like D&C red #30 and PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone), and seek out "non-comedogenic" products instead. Also, take a cue from pro makeup artists: Mist your powders and shadows with alcohol after use and clean makeup brushes regularly with a gentle all-natural cleanser (try Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Dish Soap, $3.99), laying them flat to dry.
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Choose new products wisely
Before you add new anti-acne products to your regimen, make sure they contain ingredients that work on your specific condition -- what best treats teen acne is different from what works well on adults.
The fix: Look for ingredients like niacinamide, yeast extract, horse chestnut extract, zinc sulfate, caffeine, and biotins. They treat acne by inhibiting sebacious (oil gland) activity and shine while reducing the spread of bacteria. (Try OLAY Pro-X Clear Acne Protocol, $46.99.)
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Cleanse twice
If you only wash your face once, it could help to double up. The first pass will remove surface stuff like makeup, while the second will clean deeper and stop the spread of bacteria. Be careful not to over-cleanse, since this will dry out your skin and cause it to produce more oil. The key is to use the right product.
The fix: Avoid harsh, soapy cleansers when washing your face. Steer clear of sulfates and use a formula that contains alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic acid to dissolve oil. (Try OLAY Acne Control Face Wash, $5.99, for face and Therapy Systems Skin Perfecting Body Wash, $32, for body.) If using a benzoyl peroxide wash, wear a white t-shirt and/or sleep on white sheets to prevent bleaching your fabrics, says Shamban.
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Exfoliate regularly
Weekly exfoliation is key to getting rid of acne-causing dead skin cells and product/oil buildup. The trick is not to overdo it.
The fix: Use a gentle exfoliating product, such as a scrub that contains sea salt or jojoba beads instead of one that uses sharp seeds, granules, or husks. (Try OLAY Pro-X Exfoliating Renewal Cleanser, $20.) If you don't like the feel of a scrub, opt for products that contain alpha hydroxy acids, lactic acids, or salicylic acids, which also exfoliate. Follow your exfoliation with a sulphur or clay mask (such as OLAY Pro-X Intensive Refining Sulfur Mask, $29.97) to remove excess oil, or a gel- or oat-based mask to treat dehydration or calm further inflammation and redness. After rinsing, massage and moisturize your face with an oil-free product to hydrate and calm the skin.
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Avoid unnecessary friction
What you're wearing might be part of the problem. That's right, synthetic fabrics (polyester, acrylic, nylon, etc.), sweat-proof/sport clothing, and even friction from your phone can trigger or worsen acne.
The fix: Opt for natural, breathable fabrics (cotton, silk, etc.) and avoid rubbing your skin against rough materials. It's also a great idea to disinfect your phone with alcohol or a tea-tree-oil-and-water mix on a regular basis -- the bacteria that lingers there can cause nasty chin breakouts.
Wouldn't it be awesome if acne was like the chicken pox and once you had it, it would never rear its ugly red face again? Instead, acne is more like a weed -- you get it, think you've gotten rid of it, and then it comes back -- again and again -- even when you're supposed to have "outgrown" it.
It's one thing to suffer through life as a pimple-plagued teenager, but contending with zits and the beginnings of wrinkles at the same time is downright wrong -- although it's not uncommon. In fact, 54 percent of women over 25 have some adult acne, and it's most prevalent in women in their 30s.
According to dermatologist Ava Shamban, MD, author of "Heal Your Skin," and Annet King, Director of Training and Development for The International Dermal Institute, acne is a genetic disease that's best addressed by a dermatologist and a qualified skin technician -- but even if you can't afford costly doctor visits or prescription medications, there are plenty of things you can do to help banish acne for good.
