You finally took that important step by visiting your dermatologist and starting acne treatment earlier this week!  Your skin will soon become clear, beautiful, and acne-free.

Congratulations!  Did you say that you had an important meeting to attend tomorrow and you needed your skin cleared up by then?  Well, your acne may not clear itself that quickly but there are some tips you can use in order to look your best at your meeting.

Using makeup creatively will enable you to conceal your acne temporarily but you must adhere to a few basic rules.  Do keep in mind that this is only a cover-up, not a cure.

The basic essentials needed for your acne cover-up kit

Your most important acne cover-up tools will be concealer, foundation, and powder.  Buy only brand name, trusted products from reputable stores.  Choose oil-free, hypoallergenic products matching your skin color.

Read the product labels thoroughly to ensure that you aren’t buying products loaded with oil that will halt your newly started acne treatment in its tracks.  If you decide to try a new brand, test it out before using it by dabbing a little bit under your jaw line.  If your skin is going to react negatively, it will do so within the hour.

Before starting the cover-up

Before you start the acne cover-up process, gently wash your face and neck with your usual cleansing product and then pat dry.  Use your new acne treatment medication next by applying it according to the instructions.  Allow this to dry completely.

The main event

Now you can start the cover-up process.  Dab small amounts of concealer directly on red or darkened splotches of your face and neck that were caused by acne blemishes.  Use a throwaway makeup sponge to blend the concealer into your skin.

Don’t overdo this step because too much concealer will look awful once it dries.  Apply it very lightly.

Now, dab small amounts of foundation on your skin, blending with the sponge.  Reapply to areas that seem to need a little more coverage but, again, don’t overdo, because too much makeup will draw attention to your acne-scarred skin.

Your final step is to apply a very light layer of powder, using a soft makeup brush.  Always use oil-free powder with the softest brush you can find to avoid irritating your acne-troubled skin.  The powder will absorb any shine left behind by your makeup and will also give your face that “finished” appearance.

Be certain to dispose of the makeup sponges you used during your cover-up.  They will retain oil from your face and should be thrown out to avoid transferring that same oil to your face tomorrow.

Before going to sleep

Always wash your face before going to bed each night.  Your skin needs that time to breathe and your acne does not need to have makeup coating it because additional blemishes may result. Apply your acne treatment again (according to instructions).

People continue to believe old wives’ tales about the causes of acne, even though experts have now disproved many of the myths.  We will attempt to reveal the truth about some of those die-hard myths and set your mind at ease so that you can move forward in your quest for clear, acne-free, beautiful skin.

Myth: Only dirty people have acne

Fact:  Acne is not caused by poor hygiene but by hormonal changes taking place within the body.  Sometimes the sebaceous glands (responsible for moistening our skin) become overrun with oil and block nearby follicles.  This causes clogged pores, which turns into acne characterized by pimples, zits, pustules, and even cysts.

The truth is that consistent scrubbing and washing the skin can make your acne problem much worse.  The proper skin care routine involves washing your skin gently and patting it dry (not rubbing it).

Myth:  People with acne are not eating the correct foods

Fact:  Experts now know that there is no connection between the foods you eat and the development of acne.

The myths claiming that chocolate and other fattening foods cause acne are completely erroneous.  On the other hand, you do need to practice proper nutrition so that your overall health will be great.

Myth:  Stress causes acne

Fact:  Stress itself does not cause acne, although it can develop as a side effect when taking medications prescribed to help you cope with stress.  If you take this type of medication and are noticing acne symptoms, such as pimples, zits, or pustules, consult with your physician to determine if the medication might be contributing to your skin condition.  One word of caution: although stress will not cause acne, it can make the condition worse if you already have it.

Myth:  Acne is purely cosmetic

Fact:  Acne does change your looks but it can also pose a threat to your mental health.  Serious acne problems, often characterized by cystic nodules and persistent eruptions, can lead to severe acne, causing permanent scars to form.

This sometimes affects people psychologically by altering the image they have of themselves.  Many people develop problems with their self-esteem and become frustrated and depressed.

Myth:  Acne is incurable

Fact:  Acne can be completely cleared up by using the many products available and finding the correct treatment specific to your needs.

Your dermatologist can help you find the best method to treat your acne and will be able to determine which type of acne you have, whether it is acne vulgaris, cystic acne, nodular acne, or even rosacea.  There are good, effective treatments and medications available (including Accutane, Retin-A, & many others) to help clear up even the most persistent problems.  Before you know it, you will reveal the beautiful skin you were always meant to have.

Acne is a common skin disorder involving the sebaceous glands of the face, back, and neck.  Most people are affected by acne at some point in their lives and suffer with the resulting pimples, zits, blackheads, and cysts.

Sebaceous glands work to expel excess oil from the skin.  Invariably, they are going to clog up from time to time and the resulting accumulation of oil can cause acne, as well as other skin conditions.  Acne vulgaris is the most commonly experienced condition and affects primarily adolescents.

Many factors contribute to acne vulgaris and include nutritional imbalances, allergens, emotional stress, liver abnormalities, heredity, excessively oily skin, certain medications, and hormones.

Another contributing factor to acne is an overabundance of toxins and poisons in the body.  The body uses the liver and kidneys to rid itself of these dangerous substances.  If the body contains more impurities than those organs can effectively manage, the skin takes over by sweating out the substances.

All of these processes working at the same time upset the natural healing capacity of the body and create various skin conditions, causing pimples and zits to form.

There are many natural products available that will effectively treat acne.  Listed below are several of the best and most well tolerated alternative methods for eliminating the effects of acne.

Keep in mind, however, that some of these methods may have to be repeated over the course of 2 to 4 weeks before any lasting results are noticed.

• Pat white vinegar (distilled and diluted if necessary) on areas of the skin affected by acne.  Allow it to stay on skin for up to 10 minutes, and then rinse gently with cool water.

• Use Echinacea daily to improve immunity.

• Take Oregon grape daily to guard against acne-producing bacteria.

• Apply lemon juice to areas of the face affected by pimples, zits and other skin conditions.  Let the juice stay on the face for up to 10 minutes, then rinse off with cool water.  Other citrus juices may be used and diluted if they cause stinging sensations.  This solution will work as a natural exfoliate by rubbing off dead skin tissue.

• Use dandelion or red clover daily to clear the liver of toxins.

• Use Natures Sunshine’s Ayurvedic Skin Detox to remove toxins from the liver.

• Using Vitamin A supplements will help severe acne.  Consult your physician to determine the correct dosage because overly large amounts can be toxic.

• Take Zinc supplements to encourage tissue repair and prevent scarring of the skin.

• Try Alternative Homeopathic remedies to dry pimples and heal damaged tissues.

• Follow a well-balanced diet and take vitamin and mineral supplements to prevent nutritional deficiencies.  Keeping your body healthy will encourage natural healing of your tissues.

• Drink plenty of water daily to flush out toxins and to keep the body hydrated.