Having stubborn acne can really wreak havoc on our self-esteem, especially when we’ve seemingly tried everything to treat it to no avail. The problem with frequent pimple breakouts is that they may look similar to everyone, but their causes are different, and so their treatments vary. That said, acne is not merely inconvenient, as it can lead to severe psychological issues that can quickly escalate if left untreated. If you’re wondering how you can have clear skin quickly and efficiently, here’s what you can do. 

Salicylic Acid Cleansers

While many beauty gurus may swear by acne soap bars, you’ll want to stay away from any products that are overly drying to your skin, seeing as they can exacerbate your condition by causing further inflammation of your already inflamed pimples. You need to wash your face every day, once in the morning, and once before bed. Use a mild cleanser, and stay away from facial scrubs. For exfoliation, it’s best to use cleansers with salicylic acid, which gently cleanses and soothes the skin.

Try Acne Kits

Using just one product for your acne is rarely effective, especially if you tend to have severe breakouts. The problem with handpicking a medication is that it may treat just one cause of your pimples, while you may suffer from more than one.

Eliminate Bad Habits

Drinking sugar-packed soda, energy drinks, and generally consuming junk food regularly can cause a significant imbalance in your hormones and thus cause severe acne breakouts. It’s best to consume more leafy greens and to reduce your sugar and fat intakes while you’re on acne medication, even if your diet has previously never affected your skin. As we grow older, our skin reacts differently to what we consume and can become more sensitive to meat and dairy products. Opt for organic food, and avoid fast food altogether, if you can.

Wash Your Pillowcases

Not everyone is aware that they need to change their pillowcases every day, and this goes especially to individuals with acne-prone skin. When we sleep, sweat and dirt can stick to the fabric of our pillowcases, and our skin is exposed to piled-up debris and dirt every time we rest our head on our pillows. This can also counter all your acne treatments, seeing as you’ll just be transferring the same bacteria to your skin once or twice a day. Make sure that you use cotton pillowcases, and that you have freshly cleaned ones ready before bed.

Sleep

The most efficient way to clear your acne-prone skin is to determine the causes and eliminate or treat these causes. You might want to try your current acne plan a few weeks before you decide to switch up medications. You’ll also want to eliminate sugars and fatty foods from your diet. If nothing seems to work for you, it’s best to consult a dermatologist.