Self-Help Tips for Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point. It causes spots, oily skin, and sometimes skin that's hot or painful to touch.

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How many skincare routines have you tried, and intensely followed only to be disappointed? Fortunately, that stops now! Thanks to our simple self-help guide your acne will no longer define your confidence or hassle you. 

Acne Hot Spots

Acne most commonly develops on the:

• Face: This affects almost everyone with acne
• Back: This affects more than half of people with acne
• Chest: This affects about 15% of people with acne

Types of Acne Spots

There are 6 main types of spot caused by acne.

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1. Blackheads are small black or yellowish bumps that develop on the skin. They're not filled with dirt but are black because the inner lining of the hair follicle produces color.

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2. Whiteheads have a similar appearance to blackheads, but may be firmer and will not empty when squeezed.

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3. Papules are small red bumps that may feel tender or sore.

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4. Pustules are similar to papules, but have a white tip in the center, caused by a build-up of pus.

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5. Nodules are large hard lumps that build up beneath the surface of the skin and can be painful.

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6. Cysts are the most severe type of spot caused by acne; they're large pus-filled lumps that look similar to boils and carry the greatest risk of causing permanent scarring

Tips to Combat or Prevent Acne

These self-help techniques may be useful:

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• Do not wash affected areas of skin more than twice a day. Frequent washing can irritate the skin and make symptoms worse.

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• Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water. Very hot or cold water can make acne worse.

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• Do not try to "clean out" blackheads or squeeze spots. This can make them worse and cause permanent scarring.

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• Avoid using too much makeup and cosmetic products.

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• Avoid make-up, skincare, and suncare products that are oil-based (sometimes labeled “comedogenic”). Use water-based non-comedogenic products, as they’re less likely to block the pores in your skin.

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• Completely remove make-up before going to bed.

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• If dry skin is a problem, use a fragrance-free water-based emollient.

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• Regular exercise cannot improve your acne, but it can boost your mood and improve your self-esteem. Shower as soon as possible once you finish exercising as sweat can irritate your acne.

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• Wash your hair regularly and try to avoid letting your hair fall across your face.

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Head to your nearest Heal 360 clinic or book a call for a skincare consultation with us if you are having uncontrollable issues with your acne. Acne is famously treatable, even if may take a while, and you’ll have expert medical and dermatological advice to pull from at a Heal 360 clinic.