A Daily Acne Routine For A Clear Complexion

It’s pretty devastating when you wake up in the morning, look in the mirror and notice a pimple has sprouted on your face overnight. Acne is the number one skin problem that people are faced with ion a day-to-day basis. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) about 40 million Americans experience acne at some point throughout their life. Acne isn’t fickle; it doesn’t discriminate between gender, race or age of the people that it affects. Even though it affects many different people, the best treatment for acne is the same for all. Due to the frequent occurrence of acne dermatologists have been able to develop an acne protocol, which eliminates blemishes, and restores beautiful, glowing skin. Acne treatment requires patience and persistence to restore your clear complexion. It takes six to eight weeks to start to see improvement in your skin when using acne treatment and six months to see a clear complexion. Follow this dermatologist recommended routine for blemish free skin.

In the Morning- When you wake up in the morning the first thing to do for your skin is wash your face. This removes excess oil and dirt from the surface of your skin. Choose a facial cleanser that contains an alpha hydroxy acid such as glycolic acid. In addition to cleaning the skin, it exfoliates dead skin cells, which can block pores, which cause pimples and acne.

Next, Toner- After initially washing the face with a cleanser, use a toner to exfoliate and clear out your pores. A toner with salicylic acid can penetrate the pores to remove dead skin cells and build up of sebum. Apply toner to a cotton ball and swipe all over the face.

Spot Treatment- Even after completely cleaning your face there will always be one red spot or pimple that you feel sticks out on your face. By using targeted acne spot treatment on these areas you can reduce and eliminate these pronounced pimples. Over the counter acne treatments contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to clean out the pores and remove bacteria, dead skin cells and sebum. With moderate or severe acne over the counter acne treatment may not do the trick. Your dermatologist can prescribe prescription acne treatments. Topical retinoids should be applied all over the face at night after you wash your face and before you go to bed.

Moisturizing- For people with oily skin using a moisturizer is not necessary. However, acne treatments can dry out the skin making it flaky and red. Applying a thin layer of moisturizer on the face after cleaning the skin can hydrate and leave the skin smooth. Always use a non-comedogenic moisturizer to avoid clogging your pores, which can result in more acne.