How to Get Rid of Acne

Most people will face acne at some point in their lives, whether due to hormones or stress. Contrary to popular belief, acne isn’t necessarily caused by dirty or unclean skin — in fact, over-cleaning your skin can sometimes lead to irritation. While hormones are outside of your control, making some simple changes can help reduce acne outbreaks. You'll soon have bright, healthy, and clear skin.

Exercise regularly. Exercise can be highly beneficial in reducing acne. It releases endorphins that lower stress levels, which in turn reduces oil production in the skin. Additionally, exercising makes you sweat, helping to remove dead skin cells. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day to not only reduce facial acne but also breakouts on your chest, shoulders, and back.

Avoid touching your face. This is often challenging since people tend to touch their faces multiple times a day. Be cautious not to scratch or rest your hands on your face, and never pop pimples. Squeezing pimples or blackheads can lead to more infections and worsen your acne.

Shower regularly. While you might want to save on water costs, frequent showers help reduce oil production, kill bacteria, and remove dead skin cells. Use gentle cleansing products in the shower and shampoo to control oil buildup on your hair. Always shower after exercise to wash off sweat and dead skin cells.

Eat a healthy diet. Processed foods and greasy snacks can significantly increase acne outbreaks. Providing your body with essential nutrients by consuming whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins supports skin regeneration and reduces excess oil production. Whenever possible, avoid processed foods and sugary snacks.

Get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. Sleep benefits you in two ways: it relaxes your body and helps detoxify it. Without adequate sleep, your skin won't have enough time to regenerate its cells. Set a consistent bedtime and aim for a minimum of 8 hours of rest each night.

Drink plenty of water. While many people recommend drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day, there isn't a specific amount that everyone should consume. Water helps cleanse your body and purify your skin, so make sure you're drinking enough to stay hydrated.

Relax your body and mind. High stress levels can trigger increased oil production, so make time to unwind. Try soaking in a bath, reading a book, meditating, or practicing yoga and watch your skin transform.

Wash your fabric items regularly. Any fabric item that frequently touches your skin — such as clothes, towels, pillowcases, and bed sheets — should be washed at least once a week to remove accumulated oils and bacteria. Use a gentle detergent to help combat your acne.

Use oil-free cosmetics. If you wear makeup, it can create a vicious cycle of trying to conceal blemishes while potentially worsening acne. Look for makeup products containing minerals that prevent acne and are oil-free. You can use foundation, but try to avoid makeup when possible as it clogs pores.

• Regularly clean your makeup brushes to prevent bacterial growth.

Apply sunscreen daily and avoid tanning. UV radiation is the primary cause of premature skin aging and can lead to skin cancer with prolonged exposure. Treat sunlight like it's harmful. Not protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays can cause damage and extend post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) — red acne scars caused by sunlight stimulating melanin production.

• Sunlight not only prolongs PIE but also contributes to early skin aging, including dark spots and wrinkles. UV damage harms your DNA too. Sunscreen is essential for people of all ages to prevent skin cancer. Sunscreen is the fountain of youth in a bottle. Prevention is better than cure. Sunbathing is not a safe way to tan as it only harms your skin.
• So, use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day. Note, higher SPF values don’t offer significantly better UVB protection. Protection effectiveness remains stable at SPF 30 and above. SPF 40 and 50 provide little extra benefit. Some countries ban sunscreens with SPF 100.
• For UVA protection, use sunscreens with PA+++ or higher, especially if you're treating PIE. PPD is similar to SPF for UVA protection; opt for a sunscreen with a PPD rating of at least 20. PA+ ratings indicate the level of UVA protection, with more plus signs meaning greater protection. Different countries use different PA rating systems. Japan and Taiwan use PA with four plus signs, while South Korea uses three.
• When exposed to the sun for extended periods, stay under shade as much as possible, wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved clothes, and sunglasses. Consider carrying an umbrella to protect your skin. In many Asian countries, umbrellas are a popular fashion accessory.

Avoid applying toothpaste, lemon, and baking soda to pimples. If used improperly, these can irritate your skin or even cause chemical burns.

• Toothpaste, lemon, baking soda, and salt are often suggested for acne treatment or skin brightening, but they typically damage the skin. Avoid these methods.

Avoid using apricot scrub products containing tiny plastic beads (microbeads) as they can cause microscopic tears in the skin and contribute to environmental pollution, leading to bioaccumulation in the food chain.

• While apricot scrubs are popular, the walnut shell particles in these products are too sharp for exfoliating and can create tiny tears on the skin, accelerating premature aging.
• Microbeads are under consideration for a ban in various regions due to their role in water pollution and their potential to be ingested by fish.

Wash your face twice a day with a pH-balanced cleanser. The first step towards clear skin is establishing a strict cleansing routine to restore the skin’s natural acid mantle, which helps prevent acne. Make sure to cleanse with a pH 5.5 product in the morning upon waking and again at night before bed. No matter how busy or tired you are, spending a few minutes to clean your face will significantly reduce acne.

• If acne appears on other areas of your body like your shoulders, back, or chest, exfoliate these spots twice a day as well.
• If you wear makeup, never go to bed without removing it. Sleeping with makeup on can worsen acne and make it harder to treat. Use an oil-free makeup remover before cleansing your face with your regular facial wash to completely remove all makeup traces.

Use oil to cleanse your face. This is the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM), a gentle yet effective cleansing technique popular in many Asian countries and gaining international beauty trends. OCM is a mild cleansing process ideal for sensitive skin.

• Opt for oils like olive oil, castor oil, grapeseed oil, and jojoba oil for cleansing.

Exfoliate your face. Exfoliation products help remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause acne. You can choose between chemical or natural exfoliation methods.

• For a gentle exfoliation, choose chemical exfoliants, such as those containing AHA or BHA, with a pH of 3 to 4. These products dissolve dead skin cells effectively.
• BHA products, often containing salicylic acid, also have a pH around 3 to 4 for optimal results. BHA exfoliates dead skin cells and stimulates new skin growth. You might experience dryness or flaking around acne-prone areas, but this will subside as your skin regenerates more rapidly. Apply BHA-based cleansers or acne treatments directly to affected areas every day.
• Aspirin pills, which contain salicylic acid, can be crushed, mixed with water, and applied to acne spots to reduce swelling and redness.
• Apply a thin layer of honey to your skin and leave it on for 30 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Honey has a pH range from 3 to 6, and when it falls between 3 and 4, it contains AHA, which can also serve as a natural exfoliant.
• For natural exfoliation, consider using a konjac sponge, which is gentle on the face.
• Another natural option is oatmeal. Mix oatmeal with honey, gently scrub it on your face for 2-3 minutes, and rinse with warm water to remove residue.

Apply essential oils to newly appearing pimples. Neem oil and tea tree oil are known for their antibacterial properties, which may help eradicate the bacteria that cause acne. Gently apply a drop of diluted tea tree oil or neem oil to the pimple, or soak a cotton pad and use it to treat the acne-prone area.

• Tea tree oil has antibacterial effects that can help cleanse the bacteria clogging your pores. Avoid using undiluted tea tree oil as it may burn your skin and worsen your acne. Always check the warnings on the product label.

Use products that contain benzoyl peroxide. You can use benzoyl peroxide-based products, available in soap or lotion forms, on the affected areas of your skin. This ingredient helps to clear away dead skin cells and speed up the skin's natural regeneration process. Look for products with 3% or less benzoyl peroxide to avoid skin irritation.

Try a sulfur-infused clay mask. While the exact reason sulfur works so well against acne is unclear, we do know it is effective. Look for products containing sulfur to help treat acne. Sulfur's acne-fighting power might come from its ability to reduce oil production on the skin.

Always apply toner after cleansing your skin. After washing, exfoliating, or using a face mask, apply toner across your entire face. Toner helps tighten pores, preventing dirt and oil from sticking to your skin. You can purchase toner at a local beauty store, or you can make your own by applying witch hazel or apple cider vinegar to a cotton pad. No need to rinse after applying toner—just leave it on.

Never forget to use a moisturizer. Oily skin can lead to acne, and if your skin becomes too dry, your body will compensate by producing excess oil. To prevent this, use a mild moisturizer every morning and night after washing your face. Apply the moisturizer after using toner.

Use retinoids. Retinoids are prescription medications, so make sure to research the potential side effects thoroughly before using them. Retinoid-based skin cleansers are rich in vitamin A and help to unclog pores and remove dirt. You can ask your doctor to prescribe the medication for you. Over-the-counter products claiming to contain retinoids are often not as effective.

Look for products that contain azelaic acid. Azelaic acid is an antibacterial agent known to reduce redness and inflammation, and it is often found in wheat and barley. If acne has left dark spots on your skin, try using a product with azelaic acid to help clear pores and reduce the appearance of post-acne scars.

Use face masks. Face masks often contain ingredients that soothe your skin and help fight bacteria. Apply a mask 2-3 times a week for 15-20 minutes to dry out the skin and cleanse your pores. You can buy face masks from beauty stores or pharmacies, or you can make your own at home.

• Create a mixture of cucumber and oatmeal. Cucumber helps reduce redness and treat dark spots, while oatmeal softens the skin and calms irritated areas. Use a food processor to blend cucumber and oatmeal until it forms a paste, then apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 15-20 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

Consider a facial treatment. Most spas offer this service, which typically involves the use of various skin cleansing solutions, face masks, and specialized pimple extraction tools to help reduce acne on your face. If you're uncomfortable with an esthetician performing these procedures on your skin, consider visiting a dermatology clinic for a more specialized approach.

Facial Peeling Treatment. This facial peeling process uses a specialized gel containing acids to remove dead skin cells and bacteria. With your regular skincare routine, incorporating this treatment can help reduce acne breakouts on your skin.

Microdermabrasion Therapy. This treatment involves smoothing your skin to stimulate the growth of new skin layers. Using this method weekly for a few months is the most effective approach, as each session only affects the outermost skin layers.

Laser Treatment. Yes, laser treatment can be used to treat acne. Many dermatologists now offer this new treatment, where a laser device emits powerful light rays to destroy overactive oil-producing glands beneath your skin. While it can be painful, studies show it can reduce acne by up to 50%.

Light Therapy Treatment. Unlike the painful laser, light therapy uses softer light pulses emitted from a special device to kill bacteria on your skin. Specific light colors such as red, green, and blue have been shown to be effective in acne treatment. Consult your dermatologist to see if light therapy is the right option for you.

Prescription Medications. Dermatologists may prescribe medications to treat severe acne, but you should be cautious when using them. Like any medication, some people may experience unwanted side effects.

• Oral contraceptives (for women) can regulate hormone levels that may trigger acne. Consult with your dermatologist to see if this is a suitable acne treatment for you.
• In severe cases of acne, a dermatologist might prescribe a potent medication known as Accutane. This retinoid-based treatment has been proven to nearly eliminate acne. However, it is associated with some of the most serious side effects, so you must proceed with caution.

• Avoid using too many acne treatments at the same time; if one of them works, you won't be able to determine which one it is. Instead, use one treatment at a time and experiment with different options until you find the one that works best for you.
• Be patient. While acne may seem to appear overnight, the effects of the treatments you use will take some time to show. With persistence, you can achieve clear, acne-free skin.
• Do thorough research on products that claim to be made from natural ingredients before using them: You don’t want to apply mercury or poison ivy on your skin. Be cautious when using products marketed as “natural” or homemade remedies. Just because a treatment is labeled “natural” doesn’t mean it's safe for your skin. However, choose ingredients that have been scientifically proven to be effective and safe for your skin.

• Apply sunscreen if you're using topical acne treatments like salicylic acid. While it helps treat acne, this chemical also makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
• If you're pregnant (and many pregnant women experience acne), consult your doctor before using any over-the-counter products.