Do you have an event coming up soon, like your high school prom or a big job interview? But as you look in the mirror, you see that your face is covered with painful pimples. What do you do? We’re here to help with some quick tips on how to get rid of acne fast and prevent the breakouts from happening again. Our dermatologist offers these tips to get rid of acne quickly and prevent future breakouts so that you can feel confident about your appearance during important events like these.
1. Change your pillowcase regularly
If you’re prone to acne and haven’t changed your pillowcase in a while, you may want to consider it. Your face is right next to your pillow—and your pillow may be loaded with acne-causing bacteria. Keeping your face clean and dry by changing your pillowcase every week or so can help keep breakouts at bay.
2. Use a gentle cleanser
The first step in your skincare routine should be a gentle, non-drying cleanser. The goal here is to balance the skin’s pH and remove dirt and makeup without stripping natural oils. Look for a formula that contains little-to-no SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) or parabens, which can irritate skin and make acne worse over time.
3. Eat healthily
Your diet plays a huge role in how well your skin looks. According to experts, eating too much junk food and not getting enough fiber in your system can cause acne. Stay away from processed foods and consume lots of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins—all healthy for your body.
4. Avoid stress
Stress causes your body to overproduce sebum, which can lead to acne breakouts. If you are constantly stressed. Stress is different for everyone but there are a few tried and true ways that work best for all ages.
5. Use medicated creams/oils
Medicated lotions and creams are a great way to fight acne. These products contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur (among other chemicals) that rid your skin of dirt and excess oil. The effectiveness varies from person to person but can be as effective as certain antibiotics when used correctly. Treatments usually have a drying effect on your skin, so be sure to use plenty of moisturizer after using any medicated products.
6. Sleep on your back
If you sleep on your back, you’re more likely to wake up with an acne breakout than if you slept on your side or stomach. This is because when we sleep on our backs, gravity causes blood vessels and tissue in our faces to stretch, which leads to blocked pores and pimples. If you do tend to sleep flat on your back, place a pillow underneath your knees for added support. And remember: Don’t touch!
7. Take supplements
Take a vitamin supplement every day, particularly if you’re stressed or on a restrictive diet. When your body is short on vitamins, it borrows them from stored fat—causing breakouts. In addition, certain vitamins can affect skin health. For example, vitamin A and its derivatives are known to reduce acne. Try eating more oranges or taking a B-complex supplement daily for clearer skin in just a few weeks!
Summing Up
After several days or weeks of hard work and dedication, you should start seeing great results. While using these tips and methods, make sure you don’t forget that one important factor: patience. If you’re committed to get rid of your acne, though, there is no need for concern—acne will be a thing of your past soon enough!