Acne Treatments: Don't Settle For Dry Skin

Acne is a common skin condition that often flares up during puberty. Hormonal changes, Vitamin A deficiencies, bacteria and other factors can cause this irritating problem.

Two of the biggest issues with acne are the overproduction of sebum (the oily substance that blocks the pores and leaves the skin feeling greasy) and the bacteria known as Propionibacterium acnes. This bacterium causes inflammation and produces enzymes that break down the sebum into an irritating substance. The result is red, swollen skin and ugly pimples.

By targeting the main components of acne breakouts you can drastically improve the look and feel of your skin. However, while there are a number of treatments aimed at disinfecting and clearing your skin, many of them also leave your skin feeling dry and flaky. That is why it is important to choose your acne treatment carefully.

The Problem With Acne Treatments

Many acne treatments are designed to dry up the excess oil (sebum) on your face and kill the bacteria that cause the inflammation. While this sounds good, the treatments often only target the top layer of skin, leaving it feeling dry and uncomfortable. On an already irritated face this has the potential to cause other problems. A better choice is to treat the issues using products that will leave the skin feeling moisturized without clogging the pores or adding excess oil.

Skin Care Routine

The best thing you can do for your skin if you suffer from acne is to develop an ongoing skin care routine. Two products that will help with this are: Tea Tree Oil and Aloe Vera Gel.
- Wash your face with a 5% Tea Tree Oil solution (5ml Tea Tree Oil in 95 ml of water) to kill those nasty bacteria and to dry up any excess sebum (oil).
Gently pat your skin dry and then apply an Aloe Vera Gel designed for use on the face. The Aloe Vera will sooth and moisturize the skin without clogging pores. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and will aid in healing acne scars.
Do this twice daily. Once in the morning and once before bed.
- Invest in regular acne facials. Proper acne facials will help clear clogged pores and add much needed moisture back to your face. They also have the added side effect of reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

What Is An Acne Facial?

Acne facials are a step-by-step procedure that can be done at home or by an experienced esthetician in a spa or treatment facility. You can buy acne facial kits through health stores and online.

Acne facials usually involve a three-stage process:
- First: The skin is thoroughly cleansed.
- Second: A steam massage loosens the blackheads and whiteheads and softens the skin to prepare for the removal of toxins.
- Third: A soothing facial mask is applied to draw out any remaining dead skin and pore clogging materials. This step also moisturizes leaving your skin feeling clean and fresh.

In a spa environment the esthetician will work on your skin during the process and may perform extractions (manually unblocking pores and clearing impactions) and use a fingertip facial massage to relax and release stress. Stress is known to be a major contributor to acne outbreaks and so reducing your stress level can reduce your acne.

By using these natural remedies in an ongoing skin care routine, you can effectively treat the two main causes of acne without settling for dry, flaky skin. If you suffer from moderate to severe acne always talk to your dermatologist before starting new skin care regiments.