Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, and chances are pretty good that you’ve suffered the occasional, or perhaps more frequent, breakout. But what do you do when a breakout strikes? It’s important to do your research on acne, as you could be inadvertently harming your skin more than helping it.

Lemon juice can aid in treating acne and and scarring. The juice contains citric acid which will dry out a pimple. Simply put a little on a cotton ball and place it directly on the pimple. If you have very sensitive skin, be sure to dilute the lemon juice. You can also use it to lighten any red marks caused by scarring.

Lots of people get acne when they are stressed. Stress causes the body to produce the hormone cortisol, which may trigger acne outbreaks. By engaging yourself in activities that you find relaxing (such as deep breathing or yoga), you can greatly decrease your chances of having an acne outbreak.

If you like natural cures, consider apple cider vinegar. Many acne sufferers swear by this technique. Make a toner out of the common kitchen ingredient, by mixing one half cider and one half water. Apply it to your face after your normal cleansing routine. As with any acid (which is what vinegar is) start with less and work your way up to more, so as not to dry out your skin.

To limit the formation of acne, try to reduce the amount of ketchup and tomato sauce that you consume. These foods have a lot of sugar and carbohydrates and can kick start the formation of acne. Try to stick to natural foods that are raw and organic to eliminate acne through your diet.

To keep from developing breakouts, you should regularly clean your makeup brushes. When you use a makeup brush, oil and dirt from your face are transferred to the brush. Over time, the brush can build up bacteria and clog your pores. Taking the time to clean your brushes will keep them from damaging your skin.

What you put on your hair is just as important as what you put on your face during a breakout. If you use fragances and harsh chemicals on your hair, they may drip onto your face which can cause your skin pores to be blocked. You should wash your hair often so that you don’t have oily hair touching your face and adding oil to it. If you are having an outbreak, try to keep your hair pulled back.

If you have acne, try to stay clear of loofahs, washcloths, and strong soaps. Instead, use a daily wash or bar soap specially made for acne. When applying any acne treatment to your face, make sure not to scrub the area too roughly. This will only further irritate your skin.

The sun is your enemy when you are fighting an acne problem. Stay in the shade, wear a hat and if you must get into the sunshine, wear a powerful sunscreen. Be on guard against reflected light that bounces off water and other shiny surfaces on the brightest days, too. Staying out of the light will help your acne heal.

Consider using tea tree oil to help minimize back acne. Tea tree oil has antiseptic properties. Some studies show that it can dramatically improve the condition of your skin and reduce acne outbreaks. Apply the oil once a day to your back, after a shower. There is no need to rinse.

Indigestion from eating red meat can cause acne, too. Just like dairy, the body has a hard time digesting red meat. The body works so hard to break down the meat that it can’t effectively eliminate other toxins, leaving them to be released through the skin and causing acne. You don’t have to go vegan, but stick to the easily digested white meats and fish to spare your skin further abuse.

If you are a smoker who is concerned about preventing or treating acne, it is time to give up those cigarettes. Recent studies have shown that excessive smoke is damaging to the skin and can actually worsen your acne condition. It is important to give up smoking, or at least reduce the amount of smoke your body is subjected to in order to prevent breakouts.

To help treat excessively oily areas of the skin, which can be prone to acne, try a potato facial. Cut a raw potato into thin slices and place the slices in oil-rich areas of the face, such as the forehead and chin. Gently rub the slices against the skin so that the potato juice saturates the skin. Leave the potato slices on face for at least twenty minutes, then gently rinse the face with water.

So, if you have acne, is there hope? Yes, absolutely! Most people, at some point in their life, have struggled with acne. The good news is that there is a solution – put some of our tips into practice, and the result will be a clearer complexion and a happier you!

Simple Strategies On How To Battle Acne was originally published on Spring