Whether you've just begun your research on how to get clear skin, or you've already been through several treatments, this simple plan can help you at any stage.

The 7 Step Acne Plan is based on the habits of long-time acne sufferers who are now acne free, as well as on practical advice from dermatologists.

Let's get started!

STEP 1: Understand the True Enemy. It Isn't Acne!

Acne is a symptom of a problem. It is not the root.

The first thing you need to do is determine your type of acne and understand your own body.

Some questions you should ask yourself include: • Do you have mild, moderate or severe acne? • How well do you take care of your skin? (cleansing routine or squeezing pimples, etc.) • What is your acne treatment history? • Are you currently taking any prescriptions or medications for other conditions? • Do you get enough sleep and eat a healthy diet? Do you get exercise? • Where do you work and how clean is the environment? • Does anyone else in your family have acne?

STEP 2: Do Your Research

Educate yourself. Knowledge is power. This is the information age, and learning how to get clear skin is easily within your grasp. Doing your research on available acne treatments is critical.

STEP 3: Assess Your List of Options

Assess your list of possible treatments to rid acne: Talk to the appropriate specialist of your choice and assess your list with their help.

Assess your comfort level with each treatment: consider the possible side effects, benefits, time expected to work, money, other products, routine, and effort required.

Finally, choose the treatment you are most comfortable with: now you've made a decision on what you want to try - either on your own or with the help of a specialist.

STEP 4: Design Your Experiment

Now it's time to decide on your plan of action to rid acne for good. This is directed by your environment, your schedule, the amount of time and effort you are willing and able to put in, and the type of acne you have.

You need to determine an active ingredient ("variable") to test while keeping the other conditions ("controls") the same.

Decide on your controls and record them. What will you be keeping the same? Your cleanser? Your exercise routine? The application frequency of your acne treatment?

Decide on your exact regimen/routine. Introduce ONLY 1 variable at a time. Next, set a time limit. Allow this sufficient time to show improvement before introducing the next change.

STEP 5: Keep a Journal or Skin Log

Keep a journal or diary.

Record what what worked, what didn't, environmental or emotional factors, your diet, your skin-cleansing routine, and lifestyle habits and any changes that may have occurred (positive or negative).

Make it fun! And enlist support. Have someone take pictures of you once a week. Make it a habit to record your daily lifestyle and acne condition so you can pinpoint any correlations or trends.

STEP 6: Monitor Your Regimen!

Monitor your progress and change it if you see it's not working. Trial and error is important! Make note of the main active ingredients that your skin reacts to.

Know the time it takes for results to show. Make sure you find out an expected time frame your treatment should work within for your type of acne. Every treatment is different.

Don't be disappointed by failure. It is only by failure that you can begin the process of elimination.

STEP 7: Stick with Your Strategy!

Acne is an ongoing battle. If you have moderate to severe acne, do NOT expect to rid acne overnight or even see a change within 1 week. Just like science, answers on how to get clear skin can only be found by trial and error. And the more consistent your method, the faster and easier it will be to find your treatment to rid acne.





About the author:

Yvette Chau is a freelance writer based in Edmonton, Canada specializing in the area of skincare and acne treatment. Undergoing failed treatments herself before finding a solution for her own skin problems, she offers information and advice to others on http://www.your-best-acne.treatment.com/. Make sure you sign up for her FREE newsletter at http://www.your-best-acne-treatment.com/free-acne-weapon-newslett er.html/ packed with useful tips to fight acne.