Don't miss: Survival Guide

How to Get Rid of Acne Without the Pill

Mar 15, 2011 / By Shannon Philpott

post comment

Pin It

Using a toner after cleansing can help ward off blemishes.

Photo: Medioimages/Photodisc/Valueline/Getty Images

When acne threatens your glamorous sense of style, it's time to launch a beauty bod action plan. For years, doctors have recommended birth control pills to clear up blemish blunders caused by hormonal imbalances, but natural and at-home remedies can get rid of those pesky pimples, too. When the pill is out of the question for a glam girl, step up your cleansing regimen to flaunt an acne-free, flawless complexion.

Wash your face and body twice a day with a mild cleanser. Gently massage the cleanser into your skin and rinse with a washcloth and warm water. Daily cleansing will help reduce excess oil that can give your fab face unwanted shine.

Wipe away excess oil by applying an oil-free toner with a cotton ball after cleansing. Coat your face and body with toner and follow up your beauty routine with an oil-free moisturizer to achieve a healthy glow.

Pamper your skin with an oil-free mask two or three times a week. Apply the gritty mixture to your face and body, focusing on acne-prone areas of your skin. Get some relaxation on while the mask dries for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water and a washcloth.

Gear up for a steamy session to tear away at dead skin cells. Soak up the steam for 10 to 15 minutes in a sauna or steam room at a local spa or gym once a week. Afterward, trap moisture in that sexy skin by slopping moisturizer all over your bodacious bod. Or, save yourself a trip and steam your face at home. Cover your head with a towel and hover your face over a pot of boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes.

Cover up when outdoors and splash on sunscreen to protect your skin. Acne-prone skin can be vulnerable to excessive sun exposure and harsh temperatures. Toss on a beach cover-up to protect yourself from painful burns and future breakouts.

Still frustrated with zits that just won't pack their bags and move on? Head to your dermatologist to chat about a prescription topical cream that may be able to kick your acne to the curb. Investigate the side effects before application, and discontinue use if you develop a skin rash that puts a bit too much sizzle in your style.

1.Washcloth

3.Oil-free toner

5.Oil-free mask

7.Steam pot

9.Acne topical cream

2.Oil-free cleanser

4.Oil-free moisturizer

6.Sauna or steam room

8.Towel

When glamming up your acne-prone skin, opt for oil-free makeup and skincare products to reduce oil buildup. The more oil your body produces, the more likely your skin will breakout with blemishes.

Avoid popping pimples! Your hands carry bacteria and excess oil that can cause acne to form and spread. Squeezing blemishes can also produce permanent acne scars.