Choose Skin Care Products Wisely

There is no one universal cure for acne. Different complexions react very differently to the same product. So before you head out to the drugstore, take a moment to analyze your skin type. Pay close attention to ingredients listed on a product-some have healing properties, while others will further irritate inflamed skin. Look for products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid-both of these ingredients exfoliate, nudging fresher, clearer skin to the surface. Ask your doctor or dermatologist to recommend the right concentration for you.

Toners, which clear out clogged pores, are an integral part of any acne-prevention system. A toner with 3% hydrogen peroxide is a good choice for oily skin. Witch Hazel is a time-honored natural astringent and is gentle enough for drier skin types. Avoid alcohol based toners-- these will irritate the skin, prompting it to pump out more oil and worsening acne.

-Guard Your Complexion Against the Sun-

After using your acne skin care products in the a.m, the next important step in your skin care regimen is to apply an oil-free sunscreen. There is a widespread misconception that sunburn is a cure for acne, since sunburn causes the face to peel, revealing newer, unblemished skin. This is only a temporary fix, however, and can lead to a host of other problems like dryness, wrinkles, and cancer.

The Sun does provide a healthy dose of Vitamin D, but 10-15 minutes of exposure while protected with an oil-free sunscreen is more than sufficient. Fruits and Vitamin D enriched dairy products are good sources of the vitamin as well.

-Get you 8 Glasses a Day-

Drinking plenty of water helps all the organs of the body to function properly, and the skin is no exception. Strive for 8 glasses a day to flush out acne-causing toxins and keep skin looking fresh and bright. Many people with acne believe that using a moisturizer will increase breakouts. Nothing could be further from the truth-when your skin starts to feel dry, it compensates by producing more pore clogging oil. There are plenty of moisturizers available that are formulated specifically for acne-prone complexions. Those labeled "oil-free" or "non-comedogenic" won't block pores, and lotions with antibacterial ingredients calm acne flare- ups.

-Treat Your Skin Gently-

Harsh scrubs damage the fragile subsurface layers of the skin. Rubbing the sin with too much pressure will tear open blemishes, leading to inflammation and permanent scars. Be gentle to your skin-use a pouf or soft washcloth to apply a cleanser made especially for your skin type.

-Patience and Consistency Are Key-

You can't be a commitment-phobe when it comes to your skincare system. Once you've chosen the right product for your complexion, you'll need to consistently follow your regimen in order to see full results.

Remember that whatever regimen you follow, or what products you may choose to use, effective acne skin care involves consistency and patience for the best results. Most people make the mistake of not allowing a product or medication to work completely, getting discouraged before enough time has passed for a noticeable difference to be seen. Repeated use is almost always necessary for the ingredients to have a positive effect on acne and its causes.

Brent Crouch is the owner of BrentCrouch.com an internet marketing blog, and AcnePreventionEtc.com. He has dedicated this site to researching the most effective acne treatments available on the market today.