Most people will experience the occasional breakout during their life, but for some people, acne is a major problem that seems impossible to eliminate. There are several ways you can minimize or eliminate breakouts.

Be Cognizant

Many of your daily behaviors may contribute to acne or make breakouts worse. It is common for people with acne problems to inadvertently touch their face. Not only can touching your face introduce bacteria, but it will likely spread bacteria that is already causing a breakout. Washing and changing pillowcases regularly will prevent your face from touching unnecessary oils and bacteria as you sleep. If you wear makeup, not only should you be especially selective about your base products, but you need to thoroughly wash off makeup as soon as possible. Makeup products that are water-based and made with non-comedogenic ingredients can reduce breakouts. To wash off your makeup, sometimes oil-based products are necessary, but as long as you follow-up with a good facial cleanser, it should be fine. Wash your face with paper towels or white cleansing cloths so you can see if there is any makeup left behind.

Keep It Simple

Keeping your skin care products and routine simple is often a better strategy for reducing breakouts than investing money and effort into a ton of products. A simple facial cleanser, especially one designed for sensitive skin, can prevent additional irritation and breakouts. Generally, these cleansers do not have added colors or fragrances. Use a light-weight moisturizer that makes sense for your skin type. If you have oily skin, use a fragrance-free gel moisturizer, but if you have normal to dry skin, a thin cream may be fine. Try to spot-treat acne, since acne products can be drying or irritating to the skin that is unaffected by acne. Spot treatments containing peroxide or salicylic acid are ideal.

Ask For Professional Help

Sometimes acne problems, even severe ones, can be attributed to a product, skin care, or a problem you eventually outgrow. If you have tried everything and have ongoing problems, it is always best to speak with a dermatologist. A doctor can do a better job at identifying the underlying cause for acne, especially since each type of blemish is different. Larger and especially painful cystic acne is often caused by hormones, whereas blackheads can be more of an indication that you need better pore cleansing. Your dermatologist might schedule regular extractions which can help breakouts clear-up faster. They might also want you to try certain medications, such as antibiotics or topical ointments.

Acne can be an ongoing issue for some people, even after trying an endless number of treatments. When it comes to acne, aim for simple strategies, which are often more effective and less irritating. For more information, visit a site like http://www.greaterdesmoinesdermatology.com/.