It can take years — and dozens of dermatologist visits — to figure out how to get rid of acne, and regardless of how much effort you've put into your skincare routine, most will still experience the occasional breakout. (courtesy hormones!)

Acne is very common. In fact, research estimates that 9.4 percent of people in the world deal with it. But the only commonality is the problem itself. How to cope with acne will differ from person to person. Everyone has different skin types, skin tones, lifestyles, and genetic histories. Thus, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all counsel when it comes to treating acne.

Understanding The Problem

In order to combat the issue, we must first get acquainted with our nemesis. Pores are microscopic holes in your skin that can become clogged by oil, germs, dead skin cells, and dirt. When this happens, you may get a pimple, also known as a zit or blemish. This is the root cause of acne. 

Symptoms

Acne symptoms vary according on the severity of your condition:

• Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
• Blackheads (open plugged pores)
• Small red lumps that are tender (papules)
• Pimples (pustules) are papules that have pus at their tips.
• Under the skin, there are large, firm, painful lumps (nodules)
• Under the skin, painful, pus-filled lumps (cystic lesions)

Acne is most commonly found on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders.

What Causes Acne?

Acne develops when your skin's pores become clogged with oil, dead skin, or germs. Every pore in your skin leads to a follicle. The follicle is composed of a hair and an oil gland. The oil gland secretes sebum (oil), which travels up the hair shaft, out the pore, and onto the skin. Sebum keeps your skin smooth and moisturized. Acne can be exacerbated by one or more errors in the lubrication process. Reasons that can cause acne are - 

• your follicles generate too much oil
• dead skin cells gather in your pores
•  germs accumulate in your pores

Any of these issues can result in pimples, which form when bacteria grow in a plugged pore and the oil is unable to exit.

Well! Now that we know what we are dealing with, are you ready for your skin to look and feel its best? 

Though all skin types are different, at least one of the tips suggested below is bound to help you reduce inflammation and clear up acne! 

Tips to Clear Acne

1. Wash Your Face Daily

The most basic and crucial guideline is nothing new: remember to wash your face! Sweat, oil, sebum, dead skin cells, cosmetics, sunscreen, and environmental contaminants accumulate on the skin during the day. It's critical to cleanse away these layers of dirt and grime to keep pores from becoming blocked and congested, which can contribute to outbreaks. The easiest strategy to get rid of pimples and prevent future outbreaks is to cleanse and treat your skin twice a day. Keep a supply of face wipes in your nightstand drawer for those times when you're too weary of washing your face. If you get home late and don't want to go all the way to the sink, you can still head to bed with clean skin!

2. Don't Over-Exfoliate Your Skin

Scrubbing your face with gritty cleansers and exfoliating solutions on a daily basis can cause more harm than good. It might cause redness, inflammation, and discomfort if done too frequently. Exfoliating a pimple can remove healthy skin cells, resulting in an open wound and an increased risk of scarring. Exfoliation should be done sparingly, no more than two to three times per week.

3. Moisturize

Concerned that moisturizer will aggravate your breakouts? Think again: it can genuinely assist with acne and improve your skin. When the skin's layer is dried and parched, the sebaceous glands tend to overproduce oil, which can aggravate acne. Hydrating the skin's surface can assist to rebalance oil glands, manage acne, and enhance healing. It is recommended that while purchasing a moisturizer, you opt for a lightweight, oil-based lotion that will not clog your pores.

Use Sunscreen that Doesn't Clog Pores

While SPF is essential, some sunscreens might cause acne. Look for oil-free, non-comedogenic products that won't clog your pores. You can talk to a dermatologist to find a sunscreen that works for your skin. Don’t cut corners when it comes to sun protection! 

4. Ice Your Acne to Bring the Swelling Down

If you must do something other than wash your face and spot treat your pimple, chilling it can reduce swelling in inflammatory acne, such as cysts and nodules. Wrap an ice cube or a cold compress in a soft tissue or cloth and place it on your zit for 20-30 seconds at a time, several times per day. In an emergency (like as prom), you can also visit a dermatologist for a cortisone injection, which can help decrease the cyst in a day or two.

Looking at the Bigger Picture

Preventing and managing acne is a full-time job. But don’t get overwhelmed. A simple lifestyle makeover can solve 90% of your problems (including but not limited to acne)! Eating a balanced diet, decreasing stress, and avoiding popping pimples, for example, may help reduce the amount of time they last.