14 Best Ways to Get Rid of Acne, Acne Scars, and Blackheads
Overview
Acne can affect teenagers as well as adults. Some people only get acne in their teen years, which disappears in adult life; others never had acne in their teens, but develop adult acne later; and then you have those people, who develop acne, acne scars, and blackheads in their teenage years, that follow them into adult life.
Dealing with acne and all its relations such as pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and blemishes not only creates physical but also emotional scars.
There are different types of acne, blackheads are considered to be one of the most popular of the pack. It is extremely important to be careful when you are treating acne and blackheads as extracting blackheads through squeezing, popping, and picking will leave your skin in a far worse condition.
It is also important to be aware of the chemicals you place on your skin as some may irritate and exacerbate the acne.
Regardless of your skin type, to successfully heal your skin to its original form, you have to consider doing all the following to your skin: cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing, spot treatment, and using sunscreen.
Take a moment to look at these useful ways to assist your skin in regaining its glow, smoothness, original texture, and flawlessness.
1. Use Products containing BENZOYL PEROXIDE
Benzoyl peroxide is anti-inflammatory, which means that it helps to reduce swelling. This product is able to remove whiteheads, dark spots, and help to control acne.
It is a very powerful chemical as it kills the bacteria that cause acne. It is most effective when used with antibiotics. Benzoyl peroxide comes in many forms such as soaps, creams, and lotions.
It is usually included in masks, cleansers, toners, and moisturizers. When using this product, ensure that you start with a pea-size amount and low concentration then you can work your way up to larger amount and higher concentration so that your skin becomes more tolerant to it.
Note carefully that it tends to bleach the skin a little, but it will remove acne and blemishes when use correctly. Benzoyl peroxide does not work well on blackheads as it is non-inflammatory.
Please see below the following products/substances which contain benzoyl peroxide:
2. SALICYLIC ACID for cleansing face
Our skin is slightly acidic with a pH of 5.5 and salicylic acid is a weak acid with a pH of between 3 and 4. This pH is a little stronger than the pH of the skin and as a result salicylic acid is very effective in treating the skin.
Salicylic acid is found in many skincare products from masks, soap, toners, scrubs, cleansers, and many others. It is also one of the most used acid in chemical peels. It works by cleansing the skin by unclogging the pores, exfoliating the skin of dead cells, and removing acne scars.
Ensure you limit the frequency of use of salicylic acid when starting off, as it can irritate or burn sensitive skin. Use it once every three days before then work your way up to once per day, when your skin can tolerate it. If irritation continues, discontinue use.
Please see below the following products/substances which contain salicylic acid:
3. SULPHUR
Sulfur products come in many forms from cleansers, shampoos, soaps, and many others.
Sulfur treatment for acne is one of the oldest effective ways to combat acne, and dandruff, as sulfur inhibits the acne-causing bacteria, P.acnes, which usually clog the pores.
Therefore, the sulfur works by unclogging the pores, removing oils, drying the top layers of the skin, and then removing the top dead layer of the skin.
Here is one of the best sulphur containing soaps to combat acne.
4. ASPIRIN TABLETS
Aspirin is acetylsalicylic acid which means salicylic acid is a component of aspirin.
Salicyclic acid peels are some of the most common chemical peels and as a result aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) acts as a mild chemical peel. As with normal chemical peels you have to be careful when applying it around the eyes.
- Wash face and pat dry.
- Crush around 2-3 aspirin tablets and add a few droplets of water to make a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to your face for 3 minutes or until you feel a tingling sensation.
- Use cold water to wash off the face and to neutralize the acid.
- Repeat this 1-2 times per week until you see results.
Please note, like most chemical peels, the use of aspirin will exacerbate (get worst) the acne first before it gets better. This is because most acne products work by bringing up the residue under the skin to the surface so that it can do its work to exfoliate the skin.
5. TOOTHPASTE
White toothpaste contains many ingredients including hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. These two ingredients (though not scientifically proven) are good on drying out acne.
- Wash face and apply white toothpaste or mint toothpaste on the pimples for 25 minutes.
- This will give you a mild burn to create a scab. After a couple of days the burn will go away leaving you with new skin underneath.
6. GLYCOLIC ACID Exfoliant
Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant, which has antibacterial, antioxidant, and collagen growth agents. It exists in many forms such as lotions, peels (common form), serums, spot treatment, and face washes.
The skin has three main layers, the top layer is the layer exposed to the environment and is made up of dead skin cells and oils produced by sebaceous glands.
Glycolic acid works by giving the skin a mild peel depending on the concentration, which helps to unclog the pores and moisturize the skin.
It is always best when working with any chemical on the skin, begin with low concentration before moving on to higher concentrations.
This is because glycolic acid like many other chemicals can irritate the skin depending on your skin type. It is also important that you use a sunscreen with a high SPF when you have used glycolic acid.
Final note, when using glycolic acid or any other exfoliant it is crucial to not overuse it as you may be doing more harm to your skin than good.
Here are some glycolic acid products to consider:
- Toner– use at nights only, you may apply other products after it. The Ordinary Glycolic acid toning solution, which is very good at providing mild exfoliation ( noticeable results will be seen after two months of use).
- Serum – use to even skin tone.
- Spot treatment product– use to get rid of stubborn blemishes.
7. CHEMICAL PEELS
Chemical peel is usually done to improve the overall appearance of one’s skin. It improves hyperpigmentation, acne scars, minimizes and unclog pores, reduces the number of acne, and improves the youthfulness of the skin.
There are many different types of chemical peels (salicylic acid, Jessner’s, TCA, glycolic, and phenol peels) therefore, you have to go to a dermatologist or a cosmetic surgeon to know which one is right for your skin type and color.
Some dermatologists have their special blends of their peels, which they think are effective for your skin type. When done professionally, chemical peels are very effective in removing severe acne and mild acne scars.
The side effects of chemical peels are minimal and temporary, such as tightness, dryness, sloughing of the skin, redness, and skin lightening.
If you decide to do chemical peel, please ensure that you take at least 7 days off from work and follow your doctor’s instruction as you will experience some amount of peeling and shedding of skin.
The most effective peels are done at a dermatologist’s or aesthetician’s office.
8. MICRODERMABRASION
Microdermabrasion is a method whereby the top layer of the skin is removed by a non-invasive technique leaving a new, smoother layer of skin below.
It regenerates the skin by reducing large pores, erases wrinkles, removes acne blemishes, and reduces pimples. It also makes the skin bright and healthy-looking. It is an expensive method to get rid of acne and acne scars but it is also a guaranteed and very effective method.
This can be done by professionals such as dermatologists in a favorable environment (doctor’s office) or it can be done at home using a microdermabrasion home kit. This method should be used in cases of minor acne scarring.
- If you want to purchase Microdermabrasion Home Kit, you may click here. Please follow ALL INSTRUCTIONS given in the instructional manual clearly as directed.
9. COCOA BUTTER
100% pure cocoa butter is helpful in fading acne spots. It will help to get rid of hyperpigmentation leaving you with an even skin tone.
This can be used all over your body. Some people may be skeptical about using cocoa butter, because results may take a while to achieve.
- Purchase it online here.
10. SHEA BUTTER
Pure 100% crushed African Shea butter works very well as a rejuvenator, skin protector, moisturizer, and skin soother.
It is anti-inflammatory and it nourishes the skin as it is rich in vitamins A, E, and F all of which make the skin healthier, brighter, and more attractive. It is good for dry, rough, and damaged skin.
It does not clog the pores but helps to reduce wrinkles, acnes, and acne scars.
- Purchase shea butter online here.
11. ANTIBIOTICS
Acne antibiotics are usually prescribed by a doctor. These antibiotics work effectively in reducing acne as they fight the acne-causing bacteria directly and they decrease the level of the hormones that cause inflammation.
The time it takes to reduce acne will depend on how severe your acne is. While antibiotics improve skin condition and complexion; it does not unclog pores as its main responsibility is to fight against the acne-causing bacteria to prevent new outbreaks.
12. CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS
Before using this method, it is wise to consult your dermatologist and gynecologist to know which contraceptive pill is best for you to use in combating acne, as some contraceptive pills may reduce acne while others may proliferate acne.
The use of birth control for acne control should be prescribed by a doctor as not everyone can take birth control as there are usually some health risks and physical changes that may be associated when taking some contraceptive pills.
The effects may range from giving you larger breasts to wider hips among others.
They are anti-inflammatory and can improve the skin complexion as well as reducing acne.
13. LASER TREATMENT
There are many different types of laser treatment for acne and acne scarring therefore, it is best to consult a skin specialist to know which one works for your skin.
You have to be very careful when opting to do laser treatment on your face only as it may result in a temporary change in skin tone regardless of your skin shade.
Laser treatment is very good in removing acne scars permanently. It usually works by burning off the top layer of the skin with a laser while warming the new skin underneath. It may be used to remove acne, acne scars, and wrinkles as well as many other types of scarring.
14. ROACCUTANE
Roaccutane contains isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is a substance that contains vitamin A and Retinoids. It should ONLY be used under the supervision of a dermatologist.
It is used to treat severe acne and your medical history should be taken into consideration before you are placed on Roaccutane, because your mood may be affected.
Pregnant women MUST not take Roaccutane.
For further information of Roaccutane and how it is used to treat severe acne, click this link.
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