One of the best ways to deal with acne is to use antioxidants. They keep the skin supple and glowing, and also prevent the skin from ageing or getting wrinkled. The antioxidants, which are largely present in the epidermal layer of the skin, neutralize the nascent oxygen molecules that are known to play havoc with the skin.

The key players in the formation of acne are:

excess sebum under the control of androgens
plugged pores or follicles
bacteria and inflammation.

Having an acne problem myself, as an adult I personally know how tremendously embarrassing and burdensome this problem can be. At this point, I fully believe in a holistic approach to acne treatment i.e. utilizing a three-step topical treatment and implementing those vitamins & minerals in the diet that are beneficial to the proper functioning of the skin. I mean treat the acne on the outside and on the inside. Below is a summary of my findings that I hope could be usefully in your battle with acne. Sometimes, all the body needs the right nutritional balance to heal it self, these methods typically work within four weeks.

Antioxidants serve as a skin barrier to prevent free radicals from penetrating the living dermal layer. The highest concentration of antioxidants in the body is found in the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. As we age, the concentration of antioxidants in the epidermis starts decreasing considerably. This is one reason that skin starts showing signs of damage. Antioxidants on their own will not treat acne, but they are a step in the right direction.

Some of the well-known antioxidants are vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin B, vitamin A, and the minerals zinc, chromium and selenium. All these antioxidants help in the prevention and treatment of acne, preventing the free radicals from harming the skin and immune system, which helps in acne flare-ups. Other steps that I have employed personally include:

The application of HONEY 1-2 times per week to the face - Honey has natural antibacterial properties. It has been well documented by many experts that it is great for disinfecting and healing minor blemishes. It is also very gentle on sensitive skin.

Using a three step regime as recommended by your dermatologist

Washing affected areas twice a day with sulfur based soaps specially designed for acne is highly beneficial. Sulfur is useful in acne medication and problem skin treatments, since it helps to kill bacteria on the skin, which results in an improvement in acne. Sulfur is also an effective treatment of inflammatory pimples and acne lesions. Washing at the affected area first thing in the morning and before bedtime is with a product containing this component can prove over time to be effective. However, as a caution it should be noted that over washing will actually stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, which would only increase the acne problem.

Remove dead skin cell and excess oils by cleansing with an alcohol-free toner. This will unplug pores.

Finally apply a product with 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to heal blackheads and blemished and help prevent future breakouts

Keep your hair off your face – Try to keep hair off the face, hair contains oils and will contribute to your breakouts. You will also want to wash your hair everyday especially after workouts.

Take a potent MULTI-VITAMIN - Acne indicates that something is not functioning properly on the inside.

Include CHROMIUM in your diet – As added benefit chromium is well known for WEIGHT LOSS. However it has been proven that it is also excellent for healing infections on the skin. A chromium supplement once a day will help heal your pimples quickly and prevent future breakouts.

EAT CARROTS for beta-carotene (VITAMIN A) - Vitamin A strengthens the protective tissue of the skin and actually prevents acne. The way it works is it helps reduce sebum production. This vitamin is essential for the maintenance and repair of the tissue which the skin and mucous membranes are made of. Vitamin A is also a powerful antioxidant needed to rid your body of toxins. It has been proven that a deficiency in VITAMIN A can cause acne; this might be one of the first things to check.

Avoid wearing makeup – I think the main problem is leaving makeup on your face for long periods and wearing very heavy cover up make up daily. This type of activity is counterproductive. Yes we want our skin to look flawless but we also need to solve the acne problem. Maybe the compromise is to wear light makeup for everyday use and leave the heavy applications for special occasions.

Drink - Water is nature’s cleanser. Drinking water is essential for clean skin and overall good health. Water rids the body of waste; its importance cannot be overemphasized.

Do not pick or squeeze your blackheads and pimples - These actions, actually increases the sebum production.

Wash your pillowcase every other day – You rest your face on your pillowcase every day, during your sleep your pillowcase absorbs the oils from your skin and reapplies the dirt and oil. This causes acne; therefore washing your pillowcase frequently will help.

Preventing Early Acne Scars

The best way to prevent post-inflammatory changes caused by acne is to prevent acne lesions from occurring. This is done by understanding the factors that cause acne and using the appropriate treatments for the different acne types. Healthcare providers say that vitamins and minerals in all forms play a critical role in healthy organs, the largest of which is skin. According to the founder of the National Institute of Whole Health in Boston, skin is the window that shows what's going on inside the body. Therefore, skin care acne products should treat the inner body as well.