Do you cringe each time you look in the mirror? Have you tried cream after cream trying to rid yourself of the daily horror of living with a face you’re unhappy with – a face that’s filled with countless pimples? Even more so, does it hurt to sit or lay on your back because the acne has infested those areas, too?

If you’ve suffered the brutal reality of acne eruptions for any amount of time, you’ll benefit greatly by this information.

From preteens to baby boomers it seems the dreadful skin condition known as acne doesn’t target any certain age group. No matter how young or old you are, there are things you can do to improve the quality of your skin and decrease the number of times your acne flares up.

Following are several tips to help keep your acne under control so you can keep your mind on school, work, family, and/or recreational activities instead of worrying about how you look and how you’re perceived in the company of your peers with that oh-so-flawless, glowing skin.

For starters, keep your stress to a bare minimum. Stress has been known to aggravate acne and cause multiple outbreaks. If you can eliminate the root cause of most of the stress in your life, you will increase your chances of having fewer acne interruptions. Find a way to deal with any unavoidable stress by treating yourself to something you enjoy. Buy that book you’ve been wanting. Grab an afternoon nap. Try yoga, a sauna, exercise, or just carve out 15-30 minutes each day or several times a week. Not only will you reap the benefits and feel rejuvenated, your skin will, too.

Be aware of any side effects to your prescribed medications. Many medications list acne as a possible side effect. If you find your doctor has given you a prescription such as this, talk to him/her and see if you can come to an agreement on a similar drug that won’t cause acne. You can also seek alternative health care advice.

Get checked for food allergies. Often times sensitivity to a certain food can be the culprit to acne outbreaks, not only on your face but on your back and shoulders, too. Gradually add back any food you think might be causing your body distress and if you’ve added a certain food and notice a skin eruption, just eliminate that food from your diet permanently. You might crave it once and a while but your skin, and your social life, will thank you.

Be cautious about which skin care products you use. Today, our bath and body products, facial cleansers, moisturizers, and toners are loaded with harsh chemicals, which will undoubtedly cause ugly flare-ups. Try organic alternatives and natural home remedies instead. Make facial masks and potions from items you already have in your own kitchen cupboards.

If you wear makeup, you may have to switch brands. Your current brand may be too greasy, thus clogging your pores and oil ducts. Try switching to natural brands to eliminate this problem. You could also opt for living make up free.

Try using baking soda the next time you shower. Use a small amount in the palm of your hand and scrub gently. Many acne sufferers are having success with this inexpensive method. It never hurts to try something new, and considering you probably own a box you won’t even have to make a trip to the store. You should see results within a few days, if not after the first use.

Increase your antioxidant intake by drinking green tea. Research shows green tea to be a powerful antioxidant. One of the many benefits of consuming this medicinal leaf is that it flushes harmful toxins from your body. Wait! Before throwing your tea bag away, dab it on your face and any other acne affected areas. You’ll be amazed by the results!

By simply watching the foods you put into your body and being aware of the ingredients that are in the products you use in your daily skin care and beauty regimen, you can alleviate most of your acne troubles. By taking care of yourself and using natural components, your skin will shine radiantly. Enjoy the pimple free days ahead.

Michele L. Tune

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