How can you get rid of Acne?

Don’t pick, squeeze or use one of those extractor things – they can damage the surrounding tissue!

Is what you eat the answer?

Eating greasy foods doesn't lead to greasy skin and acne, but what a person chooses to eat does influence whether they get acne or not and how severe the condition is.

Eating a lot of fat and sugar is not a good idea anyway for your general health but especially if you have acne or have had it in the past.

You should aim to eat a balanced diet that contains healthy fresh food such as fruits and vegetables. Read our take on Foods That Feed Your Skin

Thinking of what you eat and what you put inside your body takes some doing as we are used to reaching for fast foods. Then we wonder why we breakout and have issues.

If you lay a great foundation for the body to function effectively your diet can help you fight infections and help with healing from within. If you have acne that is inflamed read our tips on good diet content, Anti Inflammatory Food Pyramid.

Keep it clean

Keeping the area clean is the first priority. Avoid harsh products and do not use exfoliants over the inflamed area. Use simple, gentle products and finish with a light water based gel moisturiser. Products containing Tea Tree will certainly help. Keep all face cloths, sponges and make-up brushes etc scrupulously clean better still use disposables.

Professional Treatment Options for Acne
Severe acne should always be treated by a dermatologist.

One option for dealing with pustules is for the doctor to inject that portion of the skin with cortisone. This medication will help to shrink the pimple without causing scarring.

When acne is caused by an infection, antibiotics may be given to treat the condition. They may be taken by mouth or applied to the affected area directly as a cream. Some doctors will try a topical solution first. If that doesn't prove effective, then they may prescribe oral antibiotics.

Some dietary supplements may help to heal adult acne. A medical study that was published in the medical journal Acta Dermato Venereolica found that taking 30 mg of zinc gluconate helped to improve acne symptoms. This substance acted as an anti-inflammatory.

Supplements – self help beauty from within

Taking Vitamin A may help to clear up skin affected by acne. (But be careful not to overdose on Vitamin A) Read our take on RDA? RDA - what does that mean?

Vitamin E helps to strengthen the body's immune system and may help to clear up the skin. If you seek treatment for acne from a dermatologist you should always tell him/her about other substances you are taking, including multiple vitamins and any herbal supplements.

Acupuncture or cupping has been reported to have success with this skin condition. You may wish to check this out with a registered practioner.