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So you popped a zit, it starts to bleed, and then it turns into a wee scratch. To top it off, a few days later you have this little dry scab. Well, here are some ways to prevent the rupturing of Acne, and a bit of aid in the healing scars.
Steps
1. Stop popping! It's tempting, but honestly, it make things worse. If you absolutely must pop, make sure that the area (and your fingers) are clean and disinfected. After you pop, gently clean the area with warm water and a washcloth, then cover the popped pimple with ice for a minute or two. This will reduce the swelling. With a cleaner pop, and a smaller area to infect, you greatly reduce your chances of getting a scab or scar.
2. Keep with your regular acne routine. Continue your routine to make sure that no new acne appears. If you don't have a very regulated method of treating and preventing acne, then it's time to start one.
3. Allow to heal naturally. Sometimes, the best method of dealing with acne scars and cuts is just to let your body do the works. Keep the irritated area clean and use as little make-up on the area as possible.
4. Use a Scar Treatment. For post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation (brown or red marks on the skin) try something like Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel. Mederma is also a good "spot" treatment. For "ice picks" or "crater-like" scars, which are actual dents in the skin, often the most effective treatment is seeing a doctor.
5. Moisturize and protect. Always use an oil-free moisturizer that has SPF. Try Body Guard Exquisitely Light SPF 30 For Face & Body.
Tips
* Avoid touching your face. Your hands can transfer additional oil to an infected area.
* Scars tend to be more noticeable on pale skin. You can combat this with a safe self-tanner (not to be confused with tanning booths and/or sun-tanning, which are unhealthy for your skin). You could also buy a natural redness - countering concealer.
* Neosporin is ideal for speeding up healing time thus causing lesser scarring. There is also Neosporin Scar Solution.
* You can use plain yogurt to help fade scars. Apply it to your face twice daily. It will moisturize your face, purify it and your skin will heal much faster.
* Apply aloe vera or vitamin E; it will speed up the healing process.
* Cocoa butter is a rich moisturizer that is very effective. Try Palmer's Scar Serum. It contains Cocoa butter, Vitamin E, Shark Liver Oil,, Silicone and Allium CEPA and is around $15 available from most chemists.
* Use lemon on scars daily. But use moisturizer before going to bed as the lemon may cause dry skin.
* Honey Mixed with lemon & almond oil and milk = acne free
* Moisture helps scars heal, so be sure to moisturize. (but be careful of heavy moisturizers that can clog pores)
* Do TCA peels of 12% three weeks apart. Amazing, effective, and inexpensive.
Warnings
* Picking at the scabs and scars will only make things worse.
* If your acne ruptures even when you don't touch it, you need to see a dermatologist. Bleeding or excessive acne is not natural, and may be the result of an infection or allergies. Get treatment as soon as possible.
* Acne is caused by a bacterial infections - more times than not. So understand that popping zits only spreads the infection.
* Do not use Neosporin if you are allergic to it!
* Excessive sun exposure without using SPF can make scars darker and more permanent.
How to Get Rid of Scars and Cuts Left by Acne
Apply Face Make up to Cover Acne
Make-up isn't all that easy to apply, and apply correctly at the same time, especially if you are new to it. Follow this simple guide for applying makeup to cover your acne.
Steps
1. Wash your face thoroughly and gently using an acne-fighting face wash in the shower every morning.
2. Pat your face dry.
3. Apply a non-greasy moisturizer.
4. Apply a thin layer of acne ointment to your face and wait 5 minutes.
5. Use an antibacterial product, such as Neosporin, directly on blemishes.
6. Put a thin layer of make-up base all over your skin.
7. Do NOT apply non-medicated liquid foundation as this is one of the worst types of make-up for acne. If you cannot get medicated foundation simply use powder after using (preferably medicated) concealer.Oil-free foundation from the body shop is like tinted moisturiser but better as it contains no oil
8. Apply enough a slightly thicker layer of concealer all over your face.
9. Rub the concealer in well.
10. Apply loose powder and use the loose powder for touch-ups during the day.
11. Use acne-fighting cleansing pads at night to remove makeup and fight blemishes.
Tips
* Wait five minutes after the applications to allow the make-up time to dry and set.
* After a gym class or workout session, gently dab a tissue along your face to remove sweat and then follow the above steps.
* Use oil-free make-up.
* think of investing in the oil removing sheets. Clean and Clear sells them but so does CVS and Victoria's Secret. They remove the oil from your face without removing the makeup
Warnings
* Never use an applicator twice (this spreads bacteria)
* Do not use the manufacturer's applicator as it will put bacteria back in the make up container
Things You'll Need
* Daily face wash
* Moisturizer
* Acne ointment
* Antibacterial ointment, such as Neosporin
* Make-up base
* Concealer
* Loose powder
* Cleansing pads.
* cotton tips
How to Cope With Acne
If you are one of the three fourths of teens with acne and have tried using medicine to no avail, all you can do is accept the fact that you have it and wait it out.
Steps
1. Accept that you have it. You are not the only person in the world to have acne. Most people have had acne at some point of their life.
2. Keep in mind that you will not have it all your life. Simply wait for it to go away. Avoid popping pimples, which often leads to scarring.
3. Don't give up hopes for a cure. There may be a medicine invented that is effective on you. Make sure you see a dermatologist regularly.
Tips
* Perhaps the problem is that you are only trying over-the-counter medicine. See a dermatologist.
* Get a lot of sleep, keep your face clean and dry and don't touch your face to prevent it from becoming worse.
* Remember the quote: "Try to change something you don't like, and if you really can't change it, change your attitude towards it."
Hide Your Pimples
Acne sucks! It can leave scars and lower your self esteem. But if you know how to, it can be disguised.
Steps
1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Don't scrub, wash. Scrubbing will do no good. Use skin toner if you have oily skin, and after you've done that, apply some moisturizer. If you still have some pimples, sanitize them with alchohol and then apply some tea tree oil to help heal the acne.
2. Create a nice base. Apply some tinted moisturizer in a color that matches your skintone. Blend into neck and hairline and make sure it matches your neck and face color. This is really sheer and gives a nice base, and you can't go wrong or have your face look cakey like foundation or concealer can. No dried in concealer for you! MAC and Clinique make some really nice ones, and they last a long time.
3. Conceal, Set and Forget Using either loose powder or pressed powder, use a large powder brush and swirl in some powder. This will set your tinted moisturizer and will work as a very nice concealing powder. Physicians Formula Loose Mineral Powder and MAC Studio Fix are great options. The Physicians Formula one also comes with a brush that works like a concealer brush.
Tips
* Make sure that all your cosmetics are oil-free.
* Popping zits can make them worse, and gives them a better chance of scarring, so your best bet is not to touch them.
* If you have dry skin, using moisturizer will actually help acne.
* If you feel you have to pop a pimple, make sure you hands are extremely clean as well as the area you are touching. clean the broken skin immediately, and if you have it, apply spot treatment.
* A green tinted concealer/foundation will neutralise the reddish colour of a pimple and the affected area (similar to how tomato juice can neutralise the green that sometimes comes up on blonde hair).
Warnings
* This may vary with skin colors.
* Cover up can rub off throughout the day, so carry powder with you.
* Don't touch your face too much, or bacteria will get in.
* Do not use the powder which is lighter color to your skin tone. Use a darker one to blend with red pimples to the color of your skin.
Things You'll Need
* Tinted moisturizer
* Loose/ Pressed Powder
* Large fluffy powder brush
* Cleanser, toner, and face moisturizer.
* Alchohol swabs
How to Remove Blackheads and Whiteheads with a Comedo Extractor
Finally be free of unsightly, annoying blackheads and whiteheads without scarring or bleeding!
Steps
1. Purchase a comedo extractor (about $2) and magnifying mirror (about $5) from any drugstore such as Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreens, etc.
2. Boil water in a pot (just enough water to cause steam!)
3. Put your face over the steam with a towel over your head for 4-8 minutes. Any length of time is up to you. Generally, four minutes is enough to open up all of your pores.
4. Sterilize the blackhead remover by soaking it in 91% isopropyl alcohol for 1 minute before using.
5. Use the comedo extractor loop on any side you choose, place it over your blackhead or whitehead and press down gently while looking into the magnifying mirror (this will help you see particularly small blackheads with ease). The blackhead will pop out of the loop!
6. For whiteheads, gently press down, then roll the loop over the whitehead, this helps to remove the whitehead completely.
7. After you successfully removed any/all blackheads or whiteheads, apply a small amount of alcohol or Benzoyl Peroxide to the affected areas to keep your pores free of bacteria.
Tips
* This tool is an excellent way to prevent touching your face directly and prevents scarring and bleeding.
* This will have to be repeated on a weekly to monthly basis depending on your skin type. Getting rid of blackheads is particularly a never-ending job, so be patient. Your pores will temporarily appear larger when you remove blackheads from around your nose, but that's because the pores are empty, which makes them look darker and larger.
* A good tip to help sanitize your face before using the comedo extractor is to put laxative leaves in your pot while boiling. This can be bought at any vitamin store (they look like parsley leaves) and is fairly inexpensive.
* Before and after using the extractor tool, soak it in rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of bacteria on your face.
* Redness is normal during the "steam phase" of removing your blackheads/whiteheads.
Warnings
* Be sure never to press too hard with the tool. It can leave unsightly "loop" marks on your face that take a while to go away.
* Many people are very sensitive to alcohol and Benzoyl Peroxide. Apply sparingly until your skin gets used to the formula. Redness will occur at first if you have never used either formula on your face before.
* Be careful when holding your face over the steam. Breathe slowly and don't get too close so as to burn yourself!
Things You'll Need
* A comedo extractor
* A magnifying mirror or vanity mirror (optional)
* Some rubbing alcohol, Benzoyl Peroxide, or any good astringent
* A pot
* Some laxative leaves (optional)
How to Naturally Remove Blackheads
Remove blackheads with all-natural ingredients you can find in your cupboard! Here are the steps. Follow carefully.
Ingredients
* 2 tbsp. (30 ml) of unflavored yolk
* 2 tbsp. (30 ml) of milk
* 2-3 drops of favorite essential oil
Steps
# Mix the yolk and the milk.
# Microwave the mixture for 10 seconds.
# Put it on the infected area.
# Leave it on for 30 minutes.
# Rinse with warm water.
# Rinse with cold water (to close pores).
# Pat dry with a towel
Tips
* Always pat dry with a towel... Rubbing can spread bacteria, causing pimples as well as increases the chance of more wrinkles.
* To help with aroma... you can add 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil. This will eliminate the smell as well as leave your skin smelling great!
Warning
Make sure the essential oil is safe to use on your skin. Certain essential oils can cause irritation or sun sensitivity.
Cause of Oily Face
An oily face or oily skin in general is a skin care problem for many individuals from any age, race, or gender. The face usually experiences this skin problem in the forehead region, along the nose, and along the chin. In these areas of the face, the oil glands are bigger and more active. The neck, chest, and back areas also have many active sebaceous glands and oily skin can be a problem in these areas as well.
To properly care for oily skin, it is important to understand the reasons why oily skin occurs in the first place. In some cases, it is possible to avoid the causes of oily skin, whereas in others the individual may be stuck with this skin care problem for life.
An oily face or oily skin occurs when there is an overproduction of sebum. Sebum is an oily compound produced naturally by oil glands, known as sebaceous glands, in the skin. In the right amounts, this oil functions effectively to moisturize and protect the skin from the harsh environment we live in. However, in excess amounts, sebum will cause skin care problems. Most notable of the skin care problems are acne and acne related blemishes.
Let us take a closer look at why many people have an oily face or oily skin problem.
Genetics
Our genetic make-up determines how much oil our sebaceous glands will produce. As a result, the skin of some individuals will naturally produce more oil than others. If oily skin is a common problem in the family, then the odds are that you will also have the same skin care problem. There is not much that can be done because this condition is pre-programmed into our bodies. Fortunately, as a person ages, the sebaceous glands produce less oil and an oily face or oily skin becomes less of a problem.
Hormones and Hormone Imbalances
Certain hormones act on the sebaceous glands and stimulate them to produce more than the normal amount of sebum. Every person is different and every person’s oil glands are likely to respond differently to hormones.
During adolescence, there is a rise in the amount of sex hormones called androgens. These hormones, in addition to being responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics, also stimulate and enlarge the sebaceous glands. Therefore, the skin produces more sebum or oil and teenagers often have an oily face or oily skin. If the face or skin is not properly cleansed, then the excess oil will lead to acne, which of course is common in adolescents.
Pregnancy, menopause, and the use of birth control pills also create hormonal imbalances or changes in the levels of hormones in the body. Once again, this creates a situation where the oil glands get stimulated and produce more oil. The end result is an oily face or oily skin.
Cosmetics
If a person has an oily face, then oil-based cosmetics should be avoided. Oil based cosmetic products will simply aggravate the oily skin problem. Choose cosmetics and skin care products that are specifically formulated for oily skin. In addition, avoid greasy cold creams and lotions, which will also increase the oiliness of the skin.
Soaps and Skin Cleaning
Soaps and especially harsh soaps or high alcohol containing skin care products are not recommended for individuals with an oily skin problem. These products will disturb the skin’s natural protective layer and aggravate the sebaceous glands. These oil glands will then be stimulated to produce more skin oil, resulting in the oily skin problem becoming worse.
Washing the face too frequently also removes the skin’s essential oils and stimulates the oil glands to overproduce oil.
Diet
Some believe that certain foods lead directly to oily skin. Examples are chocolate, soft drinks, and greasy fried foods. However, there are no valid studies that connect these foods specifically to oily skin.
Nevertheless, diet still does play a role in whether you have an oily face or not. The important factor to consider is that if you have a good diet your body will function better. If your body is functioning properly as a whole, then there is a greater chance that the oil glands will also function as they should and not overproduce oil.
There is also a possible link between a deficiency in vitamin B2 and vitamin B5 and oily skin. A deficiency in these vitamins could promote the formation of an oily skin problem. Whole grains, beans, and nuts are good sources of these vitamins.
Other Factors
In addition to the factors mentioned above, an oily face or oily skin may be caused by:
* some medications can lead to an increase in production of skin oil
* heat and humidity can also stimulate oil production from the glands and lead to an oily face
* the working conditions that an individual is exposed to on a daily basis can influence the amount of oil on the face
* smoking promotes the enlargement of skin pores and therefore the skin is able to excrete more oil to the surface of the skin