Many are struggling with acne from teenagers to middle aged.

Also celebrities' like Kendall Jenner, Alicia keys and Rihanna have been there.

Acne is more common then we think, many times we feel hopeless and lonely, but that's not the case!

I want to share with you the best solutions and products that have been tested from people that had acne and that actually worked for them.

One quick note for people with oily skin: I would like to remind people with oily skin that they’re actually lucky.

“If you have more oils in your skin, you’re likely to ward off wrinkles and fine lines for a bit longer than someone with dry skin"

Causes

Foods:

Maybe you are eating something that your body can't handle, like sugar, gluten or lactose.

Stress:

Are you a person that stresses a lot? stress can increase your cortisol levels and that can lead to acne. Stress can also lower your immune system, therefore it's easier to get infections in your body.

Pubery: 

During puberty, hormones called androgens in craze the size of the skin's oil glands. These glands start making more oil, which can clog pores.

Bacterias and clogged pores:

Bacterias are living everywhere, it's so easy for bacterias to enter in the pores,therefore it's so important to keep your skin clean.

The pores can become clogged w¡th excess oil, dead skin and dirt.

Fungal Acne:

 Basically, fungal acne is just one form of folliculitis. So, despite its resemblance to bacterial acne, fungal acne occurs when yeast (yes, a fungus) inflames the hair follicles on your skin and causes pimple-like bumps.

Hormone imbalance: 

Did you tried everything? The I suggest you to do a hormonal test for check your hormonal levels in your body. There can be a hormonal imbalance like too high levels of testosterone, excessive androgen production from either the adrenal gland or the ovary.

This is something that not many people do know about, but this can be your hided cause of your acne

Must Have Skin Care For Acne And Breakouts

Facts: Acne affects at least 85% of teens; plus, 25% of all adult men and 50% of adult women get acne at some point in their grown-up lives.

The Best Skin Care Routine For You with acne prone skin

Here I explain how to build an easy and effective day and night skin care routine to combat acne.

First, we must be aware that acne treatments do not work on the first day and we must be patient. However, the results will come when you follow your routine daily. It also depends on the person and the type of acne one is dealing with, but after four to six weeks it is possible to appreciate a significant improvement.

1. Day And Night Cleansing

wash your face morning and night with a gentle facewash or cleanser, "avoid using abrasive exfoliant sponges or brushes to minimize traumatic inflammation of the skin." Dry always your skin carefully with a clean towel.

2. Use A Toner 

Some toners can be drying, if you have less oily skin, you may not need to use one.

Using toner is an additional step that helps remove extra oil and impurities from the skin as well as rebalance the pH of the skin,

Once your skin is clean and free from any makeup, dirt, and oil, I suggest to follow with an exfoliating toner that contains either:

• salicylic acid
• glycolic acid
• lactic acid

3. Treat Your Skin

This step will depend on your specific skin concerns. But in general, if you’re prone to acne, The best should be using benzoyl peroxide or sulfur in the daytime to help curb oil production and prevent breakouts.

In the evening, I recommends a retinol product to help keep pores clear and skin glowing.

While Retin-A is still only available by prescription, "retinoids work to prevent acne by regulating or normalizing the process of cell turnover, which prevents blocked pores and the formation breakouts." So, without a prescription, try an adapalene gel, like Differen Gel, a retinoid that is available in stores without a prescription.

Remember to only use retinoids at night.

Some popular over-the-counter retinol products include Roc Retinol Correxion Night Cream, CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum, and Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Booster.

Because not everyone needs or can tolerate acne medications applied to the whole face, how you medicate may look different from how another person with acne medicates. Product recommendations are typically individualized, but a gentler option that we recommends is azelaic acid, derived from grains.

"Azelaic acid helps to kill bacteria, exfoliate dead skin, and brighten skin complexion3". WE recommend The Ordinary's Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, the strongest concentration available without a prescription.

4. Moisturize Day ☼

Moisturizing your skin is an important final step in your AM routine. But why? "Llipids, or fats, in the top layers of the skin help retain moisture and function to create an impermeable barrier between your skin and the environment, Skipping this step could leave the skin dry, vulnerable to infection, and/or dull in appearance.

Apply Sunscreen Daily ☼

Proper UPF protection is a key step to maintaining healthy skin. We recommends using a sunscreen "with anti-inflammatory niacinamide in it, such as Elta MD UV Clear." Apply this as a base to be protected from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays.

I recommends that when selecting a product, "look for the words 'non-comedogenic,' which means the product is less likely to clog pores and contribute to the formation of acne papules."

Moisturize/Apply Night Cream ☾

As opposed to in the morning, your evening moisturizer or night cream should not contain SPF. Instead, look for moisturizers containing a retinoid derivative of hyaluronic acid, a humectant that attracts water molecules to the skin. We recommends TriAcnéal Night Smoothing Lotion by Avene for a retinoid option and Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Gel-Cream for more oily skin.

For clarifying hydration, we also recommends U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Acne Treatment Face Oil by Sunday Riley, a facial oil that "helps complement natural skin oils by further hydrating and smoothing skin." It contains 1.5% salicylic acid and helps treat acne, too. 

Skin Food for acne 

Research has shown that low-glycemic, high-protein foods play a significant role in improving acne. So, start with a clean, wholesome foundation, like a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables!

2. Sweet potatoes

Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, is ideal for fighting acne and warding off wrinkles. There are hundreds of retinol creams and serums on the market that promise to make your acne disappear, but for those who are under age 30, this strong ingredient may be too harsh for the skin.

So, eat it instead! Or at least, the original form.

Beta-carotene, which gets converted into vitamin A, is one of the reasons sweet potatoes have their rich, beautiful orange color.

After eating sweet potatoes, your body will convert beta-carotene into vitamin A. This vitamin has properties that will act as a skin barrier against discoloration, inflammation, and clogged pores often brought on by free radicals.

To try: Sweet potato casserole is synonymous with holiday dinners, but serving them up as baked fries or a creamy bowl of soup is an easy way to get these benefits all year

3. Lemon

Fresh lemon juice works as a natural astringent, which is why it makes waves for tightening sagging skin and blurring blemishes.

However, using it as a topical treatment isn’t recommended. Straight lemon juice is too acidic and can damage your skin’s barrier, causing it to lighten or darken too much after exposure to sunlight.

But when lemon’s properties are packaged in a serum, squeezed into your water, over a salad, or part of your diet, it could work a bit of skin magic — as long as you include the peel. A 2014 study confirmed the protective and anticarcinogenic effects of citrus peel flavonoids.

Lemon helps with

To try: Squeeze fresh lemon into a cup of warm water and drink it on an empty stomach every morning for radiant skin.

4. Pumpkin 

There may be a season for pumpkin-infused everything, but there’s a lot more to this gourd than pie and lattes.

Loaded with fruit enzymes, zinc, and alpha hydroxy acids, pumpkin can soften skin and restore pH balance. It’s why you also find it in many masks and exfoliating products.

But internally, all that fiber and zinc will do you good too. Zinc helps to regulate the amount of oil production.

To try: Whisk pumpkin puree into pancake batter for a fall-themed breakfast or simply roast the seeds, adding a little oil and a dash of salt. 

5. Berries

Strawberries , cherries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries — don’t let their size fool you! These babies are bursting with vitamin C and antioxidants, which can also be found in bell peppers, kiwi, and broccoli.

Having vitamin C circulating in your blood is a powerful weapon against blotchy skin, while the antioxidants from the berries act like a combo attack against those pesky dark spots, stopping them from ever forming in the first place.

Berries health benefits may include

6. Legumes

What do chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, and peanuts all have in common? These legumes are low-glycemic, so they’re associated with more consistent blood sugar levels and fewer acne flare-ups.

High glycemic foods, including chocolate, breakfast cereals, bagels, and white rice, may cause a spike in blood sugar. Research shows this not only leads to type 2 diabetes, heart attack, and stroke, it may also take a toll on your skin.

To try: Add them to soups and stews or sprinkle some on top of your salads for a nutrient-dense meal. Just when you thought beans were boring, here are 13 ways to enjoy them, especially helpful for vegans and vegetarians.

7. Papaya

Papayas contain a digestive enzyme called papain. On your skin’s surface, papain is powerful enough to:

• exfoliate dead skin cells
• unclog pores
• fade acne scars
• hydrate skin
• prevent any future breakouts

For the inside, this exotic fruit does wonders too. Its vitamins and minerals improve skin elasticity and can help banish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

8. Quinoa 

A cup of cooked quinoa has 17 to 27 grams of fiber, so you’ll experience less constipation. Pooping regularly eliminates toxins from your body, resulting in clearer skin and fewer dark spots.

To try: Quinoa tastes fabulous in a salad or as a side dish, but it also makes a great substitute for wheat flour in cookies, muffins, and other baked goods. 

9. Salmon 

Salmon with the skin is the best source for omega-3 fatty acids, but sardines, mackerel, and anchovies are also excellent choices.

Omega-3s protect your skin against sun damage, reducing your risk for developing skin cancer and brown spots brought on by prolonged periods of sun exposure.

10. Coliflor 

Vibrant fruits and vegetables are associated with greater health benefits, but don’t underestimate cauliflower.

This cruciferous veggie is packed with a powerful amino acid called histidine. Too much sunlight can make existing dark spots worse, but histidine prevents those harmful UV rays from wreaking havoc on your skin.

Top Hormonal Acne-Fighting Supplements

• Vitamin D  is very important for the immune system.
• Zinc has been found to decrease oil production in the skin.
• Fish Oil. A diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce total body inflammation.
• Vitamin C
• Probiotics
• B Vitamins

Does and Dont's

DON’T 

squeeze your zits. Ever! This will only increase your risk of infection and scarring and take longer to heal.

DO 

keep your hands away from your face. Just think about all of the things you touch throughout the day. Even if you wash your hands, there are still plenty of bacteria on there that can irritate your skin. 

DON’T

 wash your face too much. While it may seem counterintuitive, washing too much can further irritate or dry out your skin. Washing your face twice a day is a good amount to aim for.

DO 

moisturize every day. Keeping your skin from drying out will help keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. The healthier your skin is, the less likely you will be susceptible to breakouts.

DON’T 

cover or conceal your acne if you don't really have to, Many individuals with problematic acne use cosmetics to try and conceal acne, but more makeup can block pores leading to more acne—creating. If you prefer to wear makeup, consider a mineral makeup, preferably a powder, and remember to wash your makeup brushes and sponges regularly to prevent oil and bacteria from building up.

DO 

watch what you eat and drink, make sure you are staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day and stick to a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, fruits and vegetables. Avoid consuming sweetened or artificially sweetened beverages and limit sugars and carbohydrates in your diet. Increased milk consumption especially skim milk can worsen acne, so limiting your dairy intake may help as well.

DONT 

get sun exposure, exposing acne to UV rays without any protection leads to an increased risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation.

DO 

change your pillow case regularly, everyone's sheets, no matter a person's cleanliness, will still get dirty. Make sure to change your pillowcase every 4th day if you struggle with acne.

When should I contact a doctor or dermatologist?

You've Never Been Diagnosed With Acne Before?

If you suddenly begin to break out in red bumps on the face, upper chest, back, or elsewhere, and you have never before been diagnosed with acne, you should see your healthcare provider.

Some other conditions, such as rosacea and folliculitis, look very similar to acne.

So, if you aren't sure what you have is positively acne vulgaris, it's a good idea to be evaluated by a professional.

Your Acne Is Getting Worse Despite Using Over-The-Counter Products

Mild cases of acne can often be successfully cleared with over-the-counter acne products. But many cases just don't respond well to OTC treatments. In this case, it's best to see your healthcare provider about prescription acne treatments.

So, how long should you try OTC acne treatments before moving on to stronger, prescription medications? Give products about 10 to 12 weeks, or about 3 months. After this amount of time, you should see some improvement.

If you've been treating your acne consistently and your breakouts aren't getting better, or if your acne seems to be worsening, you should contact your healthcare provider.

Your dermatologist can prescribe an acne medication that will give you better results and will have helpful advice regarding proper acne skincare and home treatment.

You Have Moderate to Severe Inflammatory Acne, Nodules, or Cystic Breakouts

If your acne is moderate to severe, or very inflamed, skip the over-the-counter products altogether. They just aren't strong enough to improve acne at this level, and you'll waste precious time and money on products that won't work for you.

Nodules and cysts are very severe forms of breakouts and should always be evaluated by a dermatologist. These deep blemishes can easily cause scarring, so they should be treated promptly.

You Think Your Acne May Be Caused by a Medication

Certain medications, such as steroids and birth control pills, may cause acne. If you are taking any medications and your skin begins breaking out, let your healthcare provider know.

You Are Extremely Upset or Depressed About Your Skin

Let's face it—acne can affect more than just your skin. It can affect your life.

Do you avoid social situations because of your skin? Do you feel depressed? If you feel like your acne is adversely affecting your life or self-esteem, please talk with your healthcare provider right away.2

Your dermatologist has treatment options available that can not only improve your skin but also help you deal with the feelings of frustration and despair that can come along with acne.

Don't wait! There's no reason to just accept acne breakouts. With the right treatment, you can see your skin start to improve in just a few short weeks. So, give your dermatologist a call.

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