Acne Skincare How to Get Rid of Acne Fast

Acne Skincare How to Get Rid of Acne Fast

Do you want to know how to get rid of acne fast? Believe it or not, something as simple as making a few easy changes to your daily skincare routine might be the answer.

As strange as it sounds, many people wash their faces incorrectly. But your skincare regime should be specific to both your particular skin type, and any skin problems you have, like acne. If you suffer from acne breakouts, following this simple, daily routine is the first step to having clearer skin.

1. Use a Cleanser with Benzoyl Peroxide

One of the major causes of acne is bacteria. So your first step is to gently wash with a cleanser that contains benzoyl peroxide, an ingredient that kills bacteria.

Benzoyl peroxide can cause irritation, especially when you first start using it. So use a product that contains only 2.5% or 5% or benzoyl peroxide. Many users find that, over time, a lower percentage is just as effective as using a higher dose, and without the skin irritation.

Don't scrub at your skin. Scrubbing won't get your face any cleaner. Instead, it could aggravate your acne, making it even worse.

2. Use a Glycolic Acid Gel or Cream

After gently patting your skin dry, apply a non-comedogenic lotion, cream or gel that contains about 8% glycolic acid to your face. Glycolic acid will help prevent clogged pores, another major cause of acne. It can also help get rid of any dark, discolored spots left on your face by previous acne breakouts.

3. Spot Treat Blemishes and Breakouts

Use a product that contains 5% to 10% benzoyl peroxide to spot treat current breakouts. This will give more potent treatment to your current, problem areas, while saving the rest of your face from possible irritation.

4. Finish Up with an Oil-Free Moisturizer that contains sunblock

Most people who have acne probably also have oily skin. Oily skin can block pores and cause breakouts. Another cause of blocked pores could actually be the moisturizer you are using. Look for moisturizers that are noncomedogenic, oil-free, or water based. Also, if you are using the glycolic acid treatment, it is important that you choose a moisturizer with some SPF, as the glycolic acid makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.

If your skin is very oily in some places (like your forehead, nose and chin) you might not have to apply moisturizer to those areas at all. Instead, apply moisturizer to the dry areas, like your jaw and cheeks.

If you want to get rid of your acne fast, following this skincare routine twice a day (morning and evening) is the first step to having clearer, acne free skin.

For some acne sufferers, benzoyl peroxide and glycolic acid can be too harsh. If you are looking for natural ways to combat your acne and you have sensitive skin, natural acne remedies are especially helpful.

For more tips on getting rid of acne, check out Jennifer's guide to acne home treatments.