Just as there are different sizes and shapes of people, there are different types of skin. Usually people that are prone to acne have very sensitive skin. Those that suffer with acne require special care and cleansing of the skin. Therefore, it is important to choose your skin care products knowledgeably so as not to further aggravate your acne.

Despite what you hear that there are three skin types: dry skin, oily skin and combination skin, those that suffer with acne blemishes will tell you that they fall into one category, problematic skin.

People that are prone to acne should choose beauty products specially made for acne. Do not use any beauty products that have added dyes and perfumes, as these ingredients can seriously aggravate your blemishes.

Vitamins like A, C, E and B-complex, and minerals like zinc can improve the condition and overall health of your skin. Therefore, plan you meals rich in these vitamins and minerals to help heal your skin and promote good health.

Foods rich in sulfur such as garlic and onions has been know to help alleviate acne blemishes. Sugar, fried foods, or other foods high in fat content should be avoided. Reducing or better yet, eliminating your intake of carbonated beverages with sugar can help reduce acne blemishes.

In addition to avoiding perfumed beauty products, those that suffer with acne need to pay special attention to the overall cleaning and care of their skin. Below are some tips on what you should be doing and what not to do.

You should:

A. Very gently cleanse your skin with warm water and a mild natural facial cleanser. Cleanse your skin twice a day; dirt, contaminants, and natural skin oils block pores thus a thorough cleansing twice a day.

B. Selecting oil free cosmetics is necessary. Conventional beauty products contain large amounts of fatty acids, which can clog pores

You should not:

A. Contrary to the above, you should not over wash your skin, this mean excessive scrubbing. You cannot scrub the acne away. Extreme scrubbing will worsen acne and causes more blemishes to open up and spread.

B. Although it seems natural to pick, squeeze or pop a pimple, doing so can cause scarring, spreading the blemish, and open the acne up to a bacterial infection. Therefore, keep your fingers away from you face.

C. Smoking. There is nothing good to say about smoking, it is harmful to the body, both interior and exterior.

D. Skin toners are recommended for additional cleaning, if not overused. Unfortunately, they contain alcohol and acetone that is drying and can be damaging to the skin.

E. Despite the fact that some sun exposure may help dry up surface acne blemishes, extended sun exposure can damage the skin and worsen acne in the end.

For those that suffer with acne, they must consider the foods they eat, and the beauty products they purchase in order to reduce outbreaks of acne blemishes. As with any health or skin condition, knowledge plays a vital role in improvement.