Acne is not just for adolescents. Blemishes and acne are just as unpleasant for adults as they are for teens. Get clearer skin with these 10 tips from the experts.
Wash and exfoliate
Cleanse twice a day with an effective cleanser, recommends medical aesthetician Susan Perry. Make sure the cleanser is appropriate for your skin type—normal, oily, dry, combination, sensitive. And, since excess skin cells may clog follicles and cause acne, your cleansing regimen should include exfoliation. Tina, facialist to celebs like Kirsten Dunst and Macy Gray, offers this simple tip: Mix sugar grains and cleanser in the palms of your hands and apply to your face in circular motions. Rinse with water or a wet washcloth and pat dry.
Don’t pick
Picking your skin can introduce bacteria, spread infection, and lead to scarring. “Instead,” says Keshishian, “apply cream Neosporin as a spot treatment on breakouts to prevent infection and scarring.”
“If you pick,” warns Perry, “you will never have good skin.”
Get some sun
“One of the best things you can do for blemish control is to consistently get some direct sun exposure on your face,” says the Down-to-Earth Doctor Tom Potisk. About 10 to 15 minutes, three times a week, allows natural sunlight to kill bacteria, promote natural oil products, and stimulate production of vitamin D, which has many health benefits.
Switch detergents
Wash your pillows and pillowcases often using a fragrance-free detergent, and skip the scented softeners and dryer sheets, suggests Alexis Colantonio, chef and founder of Pure Natural Kitchen in New York City. If it’s important to you have sweet-smelling laundry, opt for a detergent with a natural oil added for fragrance.
Try mineral makeup
Mineral makeup is gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types, advises certified dermatologist Brooke Jackson, M.D., founder of the Skin Wellness Center of Chicago. Mineral makeup hides blemishes and imperfections, offers sun protection, and is safe enough to sleep in.
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