If you have found yourself wanting and praying for clear skin, and wondering how to get rid of acne quickly, you are certainly not alone! Nearly 85 percent of all teens will suffer from pimples, whiteheads or blackheads, it is almost a rite of passage into adulthood. However, for some people it never really goes away. Even worse, for some people, the condition may be so severe that it can actually become a hindrance to their social life.
There are many different ways on how to get rid of acne quickly and effectively. There are two main types of severe acne; inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Inflammatory acne is when there is an inflammation of the pores, usually due to overactive oil glands, excess dead skin cells and/or a bacterial infection. Non-inflammatory acne is usually caused by irritation of the skin (e.g., pruritus), although it can also be caused by stress, irritation or redness of the skin, bacteria and detergent.
How to get rid of inflammation quickly and effectively begins with cleansing, and in most cases, it is best to use a medicated cleanser. The cleanser needs to kill the bacteria present in the pores as well as exfoliate the skin. When there is a presence of bacteria, blackhead formation can occur and oil can build up in the pores. This oil then traps dirt underneath and forms a comedone, which is what we want to remove.
There are several over-the-counter topical treatments that can help prevent this situation. You should also incorporate a good skin care routine into your daily regime. It is especially important to wash the face twice daily with a gentle cleanser to remove the dirt, and to apply a toner to help prevent excess oil from building up. Once you have cleaned your face and taken a bath, pat dry with soft cotton cloths to absorb the excess moisture, and then exfoliate with a peel or some kind of sugar scrub. After this, use a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. A good toner will restore the natural pH balance of the skin.
If your acne has become particularly severe, or you have developed large, painful cysts, consult your dermatologist for more aggressive acne treatments. Dermatologists are able to provide various prescription or non-prescription medications to help get rid of the problem. There are also certain oral medications that your dermatologist may prescribe. One of the most common prescriptions is isotretinoin, which works by getting rid of the oil, and preventing new oil from producing. This medication can cause severe side effects, however, so be sure to discuss it thoroughly with your dermatologist before taking it.
Finally, as for how to get rid of zits that have already popped up, try not to touch them or squeeze them. This will only spread the pimple or zit. Instead, gently clean around the edge using warm water, and then apply an astringent or benzoyl peroxide cream directly to the area to deaden it. If you have severely inflamed or infected areas, speak with your doctor about prescribed corticosteroids.