How to get Rid of Acne

Understanding and managing the peculiarities of your skin is a struggle for many people. Especially as a teenager, I understand how aggravating it can be to cope with temperamental skin. However, after years of dealing with stubborn pimples and experimenting with various products, I have finally achieved the best skin of my teen years. Please keep in mind that for those who have acne-prone skin, the following tips must be persistently done in order to notice lasting results.


  1. Wash your face with the correct cleanser: As with anything, from clothing to makeup, one style does not suit everyone. Even if your friend has impeccable skin and claims that he or she solely uses water to cleanse their face, that approach may not be effective for you.If you have oily skin, I would recommend the Collins Sensiderm Cleansing Milk, because it is hydrating but also removes excess oil from the skin. If you are unsure of your type of skin, I advise that you take the free Sephora Skin IQ quiz.  Along with providing a description of the type of skin you have, this quiz will recommend what products you should consider purchasing based off your results.
  2. Use a toner: While many tend to roll their eyes when told to use a toner, I have found that toner balances the oil levels of my skin. A toner can also be viewed as a “second cleanser,” as it removes any remnants of grime that were not taken off by your cleanser. Just by spraying a few squirts of toner subsequent to washing your face will make your skin feel more refreshed.  Some of my favorite toners are the Fresh rose floral toner and  Mario Badescu facial spray with rose water, because scientific studies have shown that rose water has anti-inflammatory qualities that can lessen the redness of irritated skin and acne.
  3. Hydrate: Although this may sound counter-intuitive if you already have oily skin, moisturizing can prevent surplus oil from forming. In fact, applying moisturizer will "trick" your skin into thinking that it has already produced enough oil, hindering additional oil from being produced. Being a person with oily skin, I love using Dermalogica’s active moist, because it is oil free and lasts for a long time.  
  4. Limit makeup usage: As some makeup artists will say, “less is more.” In many cases, wearing heavy makeup is not a necessity on a regular basis.  Merely by reducing the amount of foundation you apply or by substituting it with a oil free Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer, your pores will not be as clogged up.
  5. Nourish yourself: External health begins from within. Processed and oily foods can cause your skin to produce excess oil, leading directly to acne. Foods with  antioxidants and fatty acids such as as salmon and avocado are exemplars of skin-replenishing foods. Taking vitamin supplements such as Collagen (in powder or pill form) can strengthen and balance the skin as well.  
  6. Seek medical assistance: Although visiting a Dermatologist can be expensive and difficult to schedule, even just one visit can make a difference. The Dermatologist will listen to all your concerns and prescribe you with treatment you would prefer to take, which can include anything from acne pills to creams. One of the most popular medically prescribed acne treatments is Epiduo, which I can attest is life-changing and painless.