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Acne Cleansers –
Do They Work and How Do
I Maximize Benefits?
It has often been said that acne is caused by unclean skin and can
therefore be remedied by extensive cleansing. However, it has been proven
that poor hygiene is not the cause of acne and that overzealous scrubbing
with harsh cleansers may do your skin more harm than good. There are
numerous skin care products on the market today, each claiming to be
the one that will get rid of your acne and leave your skin clear and
bright. So which cleansers are the best for your skin? And how should
they be used to see that your skin is as healthy as it can be?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is caused by
several factors, usually occurring simultaneously. It may be the result
of overly productive sebaceous glands. These glands are attached to
the hair follicle and produce sebum, an oily substance which will produce
a blemish if trapped in the follicle. Acne may also emerge if naturally
occurring bacteria multiply at an abnormal rate and clog the follicle.
Another common cause of acne is severe irritation caused by dead skin
cells shedding too quickly, or by the release of toxic, inflammatory
substances through the skin.
Due to the range of potential causes linked to acne, typically it
takes a bit of trial and error to pinpoint the exact culprit in any
individual case. While you and your dermatologist are discovering
the cause of and cure for your acne, it is important that you treat
your skin with care. The best product for your skin is the one that
gently cleans away surface dirt and
oil without irritating or drying out the skin. Use a mild soap twice
daily to cleanse your skin and pat dry with a clean, soft towel. Not
only is excessive washing unnecessary, it can actually be harmful to
your skin, and harsh cleansers may worsen acne. Avoid cleansers with
alcohol which will dry your skin, making it more vulnerable to breakouts.
Ask your dermatologist what he or she recommends for a gentle cleanser.
Most importantly, pay attention to the effects certain products have
on your skin, keep those which promote a healthy complexion and throw
out those which dry out, chafe or otherwise irritate your skin.
If you haven't yet read about it on this site, three-step kits are
much more effective that other forms of treatment as they take the
necessary means to fighting acne, instead of simply placing products
on your skin and hoping for the best. Here's how they work:
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Step 1: Exfoliation - this removes the outer layer
to dead and dirty skin, exposing the bacteria that causes acne. Simply
placing acne products on your skin without exfoliating is like trying
to get inside a room without opening the door
Step 2: Toning - this cleans the exposed healthy
skin and pores that are prone to acne
Step 3: Restoring/Repairing/Preventing - this step
kills the bacteria and keeps it from coming back.
Many top dermatologists agree, when done daily, this approach is safe,
effective, and won't dry out your skin. Use of a microfiber cloth decreases
your chances of letting oil remain on your skin, leading to re-infection
of acne bacteria
Many dermatologists agree that if you continue this process, even
after it has completely cleared up your acne, that you can be acne
free for the reat of your life.
It is important to treat your skin gently and with care. Although
it may seem that fiercely scrubbing your skin will alleviate acne,
it is essential to remember that it is not caused by poor hygiene and
it will not be cured by vigorous washing. Mild daily cleansing combined
with a dermatologist approved acne treatment is the key to success
in treating acne.
We highly recommend our effective three-step kit, Tru-derma
References:
AcneNet. “Acne Treatment” American Academy of Dermatology,
2002. <http://www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet/acne.html>
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