Fight acne breakouts with these insider tips.
During your teen years, you may have experienced inconvenient acne breakouts on your face. You may still find that acne - an 
inflammation of the sebaceous glands under the skin - is a problem even as an adult. Knowing how to treat and prevent acne from returning are important skills to have, and Dr. Elizabeth Fahrenbach, a dermatologist at North Branch Dermatology in Chicago, Illinois, has the experience and training to pass the best tips on to her patients.
Cleansing is crucial
Make washing your face twice daily a habit, whether or not you're prone to acne. This routine clears impurities, dead skin cells, and excess oil away from your sensitive facial skin. All you need is warm water and a gentle facial cleanser. Apply a dime-sized amount of cleanser using your hands and rinse it with water the same way. Scouring your face with coarse cloths isn't more effective, according to Dr. Fahrenbach. When the cleanser is fully rinsed away, simply pat - don't scrub - your face with a clean, soft towel to dry it.
Even your hair care products can lead to acne if you're prone to breakouts. For this reason, you should avoid hair products like oils, pomades, and gels. They can clog the pores and cause acne to develop around your hairline. Washing your hair often is also recommended - if you have oil on your hair, it can easily transfer to your skin.
Don't touch!
This is perhaps the most important tip to remember: don't pick at pimples in an attempt to remove them. It likely won't make them look any better and can add more oil and bacteria to the area. In some cases, this practice can cause permanent scarring.
Our dermatology practice in Chicago can help you treat and prevent unsightly and uncomfortable acne. Call North Branch Dermatology today to begin your journey to more beautiful skin!