We all have those mornings. Sluggishly walking into the bathroom, facing the mirror and slowly opening those half closed eyes and there we see it! There it is; that engorged red volcano of puss in the middle of our face. And that’s not all. Upon brushing the fringe aside, we have just discovered a facial continent full of them. The pimple, the zit, the wart, ACNE. Blemish-free? That is but a dream!

Acne can affect everyone from adolescence and older. Pimples can appear anywhere on the body that contains oil glands. Breakouts are caused by the production of sebum from the oil glands on the skin. The pores on the skin can clog up with dirt and bacteria which decreases the chances that the skin gets rid of dead cells. A blemish begins to form from two to three days after this clogging up. White blood cells take time to get rid of this lump, as much as 2 to 3 weeks.

Just how do people on the magazine, the billboards, commercials and television advertisements preserve an even-toned complexion? We may not have the wonders to Photoshop to change our everyday appearances to our liking (oh how wonderful that would be) but here are a few ways to maintain that blemish- free, milky complexion

· Keep your hands and hair out your face

Hands have been everywhere from touching doorknobs to playing piano, everywhere that may contain bacteria. The transfer of bacteria from your hand to your face can multiply your pimple problem. Hair contains oil that with sweat and dead skin cells clogs pores and cause more pimples.

· Get a good night’s sleep

Sleep is the way for the body to rejuvenate. Overnight, skin takes time to heal and repair. Without sleep, that time is depleted and the blemishes won’t be going anywhere.

· Reduce Stress

Stressful times can be the worst of times. Acne frequently appears during periods when you are stressed out due to hormonal imbalances. Take the time to relax and calm down. It would do you and your skin some good.

· Drink water

A daily intake of 8 glasses a day is enough water to replenish and hydrate your skin. Water also maintains the homeostasis in your body. Keeping your skin and body healthy is fundamental to what it takes to keep up a healthy looking complexion.

· Wash your face regularly

Wiping away access facial dirt and sweat can open and clean your pores. This way bacteria and dirt cannot build up.

· Please Don’t Pop Them

Yes, at times of impatience we all have the urge to pop that nasty pimple. Don’t. After puncturing that awful pimple, there might form an awful scar in its place. Be patient and use facial cleanser daily. Applying toothpaste onto blemishes is reported to shrink blemishes and reduce irritation due to the baking soda content.

Acne may be extreme for some people. If you feel that the breakouts are extreme don’t hesitate to consult a doctor for alternative treatments and info.