Acne is a struggle many people face, but thankfully, there are ways to effectively manage and triumph over this common skin issue. As a dermatology PA, let me guide you through the essential do's and don'ts for conquering acne and achieving clearer, healthier skin.
Do's:
1. Stick to a consistent skincare routine:
Use gentle, non-comedogenic products tailored to your skin type and avoid switching products too often, as this can exacerbate acne.
2. Cleanse with care:
Over-cleansing can strip your skin of essential oils, leading to increased oil production and more breakouts. Opt for a gentle cleanser and cleanse no more than twice a day.
3. Choose the right “active” acne treatment:
Use targeted treatments containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or vitamin A derivatives to combat breakouts. Consult with a dermatology provider to determine which treatment is best for you.
4. Be patient:
Acne treatments take time to work, so give them at least six to twelve weeks before expecting visible results.
5. Simplify your skincare routine:
Most of the time MORE products do not yield better results. Frequently they can have interactions with other products you are using and be counterproductive with irritation of the skin.
Don'ts:
1. Don't pop your pimples:
Popping pimples can lead to scarring, inflammation, and potential infection, making your breakouts worse in the long run. If you are tempted to pop you pimples, utilizing hydrocolloid pimple patches can help prevent you from picking at your pimple and expedite its healing.
2. Avoid harsh skincare products:
Steer clear of overly drying or abrasive products that can further irritate your skin, worsening acne issues.
3. Never skip sunscreen:
Even though it may seem counterintuitive, skipping sunscreen can make your acne worse by causing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks) and scarring. Choose a sunscreen made for acne-prone skin that is oil-free and non-comedogenic to prevent long-term pigmentation concerns in advance.
4. Don't over-exfoliate:
Stick to gentle chemical exfoliants and limit exfoliating to once or twice a week to prevent further breakouts and irritation. Avoid mechanical exfoliant methods as this can spread bacteria caused from acne and lead to irritation.
5. Don’t use makeup without the label “non-comedogenic”
Non-comedogenic means it won’t clog your pores, which is really important when you are trying to tackle treatment of acne. Consider brands such as bareMinerals, Avene, Clinique or Neutrogena.
Bye Bye, Breakouts!
Well now you are equipped with knowledge to start tackling your acne like a pro. It’s important not to get discouraged as it can take 6-12 weeks after starting any new skincare products to determine if they are the right fit for you.
However, if you are still struggling with managing your acne after these steps or if you are starting to develop acne scarring, it is best to see a dermatology provider to consider initiation of an individualized prescription based medication regimen.
