Acne Solution

Like many of you out there, I am an acne sufferer. I have struggled with zits, pimples, blackheads and nodules since I was 11.  It's so annoying - waking up to a beautiful day with a pimple in the middle of your face. It also makes you embarrased. Personally, I could not look people in the eye when I had pimples! Fortunately, you too can clear up your skin this summer with a few simple tips. I will also include my skin care ritual.
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MORNING AND EVENING

1) Wash with a gentle cleanser. Always use lukewarm water, rinse well and pat dry. I personally reccomend SpectroJel because it helped me, but Cetaphil works just as well. Anything non-comedogenic and without parabens or fragrance work.
2) Toner or moisturizer. If you have oily skin, like me, a toner is genius since if gets rid of all the unwanted oils on your face. What I used to clear up my skin was aveda's  all sensitive toner, and it comes in a spray bottle so you can mist it on your face. If you have oily skin, I would stay away from moisturizer. I know, people reccomend it, but I didn't use it and my skin got clear fast. If you have dry skin, however, a little bit of moisturizer is good. For those of you with combo skin, stick with toner because it gives oil in places of need and zaps oil in others,
3) After consulting with a doctor, I got an antibiotic with Clindamycin 1% that I put on at nighttime before I go to bed. That helped a lot. Moral of the story: Always always ALWAYS talk to a doctor. They will help so much.

A FEW TIPS

- NEVER pick at your face. If you really need to (like you can SEE the gunk), pop a pimple, but very RARELY because it can cause further inflammation. My recommendation is get a pro to do it for you.
- Basic hygiene. One shower a day, and always wash your hair, cuz if your hair is greasy so is your face,
- If you wear makeup, don't do an all-over foundation. As tempting as it seems, this could only worsen acne. So just on the spots where you need it, and make sure it is non-comedogenic.
- Get loads of exercise, and a tan never hurts :)

So have fun with your clear skin!