What are the ways I can prevent and treat acne?

Secret No. 1: A Consistent Exercise Routine It is very challenging for many of us to start and keep a consistent exercise routine. Without one, however, you are missing out on a potent acne fighter. Why? Negative self-esteem and depression likely contribute to worsen acne. When you consistently exercise every day or other day, you are helping to fight an underlying cause of acne: stress.

Avoid wearing any tight clothing that may trap moisture and create a breeding ground for bacterial growth.

Secret No. 2: Research and Choose Only Acne Safe Cosmetics You would be surprised how many acne sufferers just pick the most popular brand name cosmetics off the store shelves without ever understanding how they may be worsening their condition. The many oil-based cosmetics containing tar derivatives, carmine and a saturation of cream in a blush base often contribute heavily to clogging your pores and irritating your skin. Avoid the consideration of brand name, alone.

Always look at the ingredients, looking specifically for the term "Noncomedogenic" and "oil free."

Secret No. 3: You Are What You Eat - Choosing and Maintaining a Healthy Diet There are no conclusive studies proving or disproving whether diet contributes to acne production. In support of the concept that "you are what you eat," I ask you to ponder this... If you eat nothing but foods containing high levels of fat, so overloading your system your organs cannot get rid of but a small percentage of the total fat in your body, do you think you may start oozing it through the pores in your body? If your genetic inheritance is prone to over production of oils to begin with, a fatty diet is likely to be a hidden "culprit" in the outbreak or worsening of acne.

Let common sense be your dietary guide.

Additional to a healthy and balanced diet you should include a good multivitamin that contains safe levels of Vitamin A, Vitamin B Complex and Vitamins C and E. The multivitamin you choose should also include L-Carnitine and Zinc. Drink plenty of purified water through the day.

Secret No. 4: Your Skin is Not Cheese Against a Grater. One of life's little luxuries is grated cheese in an omelet. Don't grate your skin with a wash cloth, regardless of who else around you may believe you can't get clean unless you scrub and scrub hard. If you practice this harsh method, you are causing your skin to over react by increasing oil production to replace what you washed off.

Avoid skin care products that are alcohol based. Only use skin exfoliating products that provide a gentle scrubbing effect.

Secret No. 5: Carefully Choosing Your Acne Products This article is not meant to recommend any of the popular acne treatment products currently available. These products include peroxide, proprietary solutions, salicylic acid, retinoids, antibiotics, oral contraceptives, anti-androgens and accutane. You should both research these ingredients and seek medical counsel as to the best product for your type of acne.

Don't assume because a particular product may work wonders for one person it will do the same for you.

Secret No. 6: The Benefit of Shaving Exfoliation (the removal of dead skin) is the primary benefit of shaving, as long as you follow some rules in shaving. These are

always shaving with a sharp blade

always using a single-edged blade

always going with the direction of hair growth, never against it

always using gentle strokes against the skin and

always using an electric shaver if you can afford one

Secret No. 7: Avoid Stress at All Costs When you are dealing with stress, there are really two levels you need to recognize: internal and external. These stress factors, both internal and external, include

over-exposure to ultra-violet rays (sunlight)

oil-based makeups and

poor diet

anxiety

fear

poor self-esteem

depression and

any highly charged negative emotional state

Calming factors include

a minimum of eight hours of sleep

rest periods during the day (especially after a stressful experience)

reading books and magazines

listening to a favorite album

going for a nature walk

meditation and

listening to nature sounds (like ocean waves)

In summary, you could say that these seven "secrets" are less secrets than common sense. The real secret is in consistently practicing these seven secrets. When you do you will be amazed at how quickly you may return to acne free skin.