Pimple Prevention,the cure you have been waiting for!!

How to Deal with Acne

A reader wants to know how she can achieve a clearer complexion.

by Jane Shin Park

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Backstage at DKNY's spring 2012 show.

Stacey asks: I have acne on my face and can't help but be self-conscious about it. I don't even like to wear my hair up in a ponytail anymore. I want to get rid of it fast. Can you please help me?
Stacey, you're not alone! The truth is, 86% of young women struggle with acne at some point. According to Mona Gohara, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, "Hormones, trapped dead skin cells, oil (which clog pores), and bacteria are the axis of evil when it comes to breakouts. Recent studies also show that stress and diets high in dairy or simple carbs containing refined sugars (i.e., chips, pastries, and candy bars) can cause acne by raising blood cortisol/insulin levels," she notes. So first off, make sure you de-stress regularly and eat a well-balanced, healthy diet. The next step is to keep your pores clean and kill zit-causing skin bacteria by following Dr. Gohara's complexion-clearing advice!
In the morning:

• When rinsing out shampoo and conditioner, tilt your head back so that no products run onto your face and clog your pores. Same goes for leave-in styling products; protect the skin by creating a shield with your hand when applying.
• With lukewarm water, gently wash the face with a cleanser containing salicylic acid. Don't scrub or use harsh abrasive soaps. Acne is not caused by dirt, and over-scrubbing can dry out the skin, which signals your oil glands to produce more oil than your pores can handle. Salicylic acid is a fabulous warrior against whiteheads because it liberates trapped dead skin cells by gently exfoliating. For oily skin, wash with a salicylic acid-based cleanser five mornings a week; for dry skin, use three mornings a week. I like Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash or Kiehl's Blue Herbal Cleanser.
• Again, to avoid over-drying the skin, moisturization is essential. If you have oily skin, stick with a light lotion; for dry skin, creams work best. Try Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer or CeraVe AM Facial Lotion (both have the benefit of added SPF).
• It's OK to use makeup for covering up pimples, but avoid using thick, oil- or liquid-based foundations because they can actually cause pimples—a condition called acne cosmetica. Stick to mineral makeup, which is light and less likely to contribute to the issue, and steer clear of mica; the jagged, flaky shape of mica particles can cause irritation and/or clogging in your follicles. I recommend CoverGirl TRUBlend.

At night:

• Hit the sack with a clean slate—wash off all the extra germs that latch on to your makeup throughout the day. Ideally, use a mild non-soap cleanser with a neutral PH, like Cetaphil Antibacterial Cleansing Bar, to get the job done. This product works for all skin types.
• Apply a benzoyl peroxide product to help fight acne-causing bacteria. This is an essential step! Use a pea-size amount of product to avoid irritation and redness. My favorite products: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo and Clinique Acne Solutions Emergency Lotion—both are great for their anti-bacterial and exfoliating properties.

Pimple Prevention:

• Avoid picking and popping at all cost! As tempting as it may seem, the damage to the skin can be severe, leaving you with long-lasting marks or scars.
• To avoid transferring bacteria and oil, try not to touch your face throughout the day. Keep your hands on your lap—not against your chin—during class.
• Change your bedding at least once a week. Pillowcases can act as a perfect reservoir for pore-clogging facial oils and bacteria.
• If possible, sneak away to the bathroom between classes for a midday facial wipe down. I like Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleansing Pads.
• Or for the au naturel gal: A tablespoon of baking soda mixed with a teaspoon of water makes a great exfoliator. Need to step it up? Add one or two drops of tea tree oil to natural green clay powder and a little water, making a thick paste. Apply to your face for ten minutes, one to two times a month.

Skin 911: When time is not on your side and you have an unsightly zit, don't fret—the solution may be closer than you think. Crush aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) and add a little bit water to form a paste. Place it directly on the pimple and watch it fade away. For more stubborn spots, apply a dab of over-the-counter cortisone.
When To See A Dermatologist:For painful pustules and deep cystic pimples, you may want to seek the advice of a dermatologist before scars set in. This type of acne oftentimes requires prescription retinol products, oral medications, or in-office treatments, such as cortisone injections or strong chemical peels.
Check out the slideshow to see what products Dr. Gohara recommends for fighting breakouts!
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