Although acne is typically associated with teenagers, the truth is that it can happen at any time.
“It’s not like turning 20 and then your acne has gone away,” states Anna Axelson, M.D. dermatologist working at Henry Ford Health. “In fact, acne can occur because of a variety of factors such as factors related to lifestyle, genetics and fluctuations in hormonal levels.”
What is Acne, Really?
Acne is one of the more frequent skin problem within the United States, affecting more than 50 million Americans every year, yet many of us do not know what it is.
“Acne” is a term that refers to everything from “acne” can refer to everything from ordinary blackheads and whiteheads (comedones) to more pronounced cysts and painful papules.
“Red or raised lesions develop because too much oils and skin cell debris get trapped in pores which trigger the body’s natural inflammatory response” Dr. Axelson says. “Hormonal influences can also are a major factor and are a major reason why women might experience acne during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, and also around the time of menopausal.”
Do’s and Don’ts to Treat Acne-Prone Skin
You must be ahead of acne in order to tackle it effectively which starts by following a regimen for skin care that is designed to keep bacteria and oil out of the way. Below are Dr. Axelson’s rules of thumb and do’s to treat acne-prone skin.
Keep it clean
Wash your skin twice a day (no more, no less). You might want to consider an active ingredient-rich wash. Gentle cleansers that do not contain active ingredients can also be helpful in reducing the irritation that can occur when using acne treatments. To get rid of the dead cells of your skin, think about applying an exfoliating cleanser at least once or twice a week.
Be sure to look for active ingredients.
Active ingredients that you select will depend on the kind of acne you suffer from and the type of skin you have. The general rule is that doctors suggest products for cleansing and treatment for acne which contain at least one of the 4 active ingredients
Benzoyl peroxide
Salicylic acid
Adapalene
Retinol
All of the ingredients helps to dry the skin and can prevent the formation of acne. Dr. Axelson recommends a benzoyl peroxide cleanser for the morning, and an adapalene or retinol cleanser at night.
Wear SPF
The most effective option for your skin, whether you suffer from acne or not — is to put on broad-spectrum, non-oil sunscreen on a regular basis. The importance of wearing sunscreen is particularly important when you’re dealing with acne since ingredients such as retinol, salicylic acid, and benzoyl-peroxide cause your skin to be more sensitive to sun. Sunscreens also help reduce marks or redness that can remain after healing of acne.
Do moisturize
It’s not a good idea to apply a moisturizer to skin that’s already oily however, acne treatments dry and it’s essential to maintain hydration and strengthen your skin’s barrier. Be sure to select an oil-free moisturizer that is noncomedogenic and oil-free. This means it won’t block pores or cause breakouts.
Don’t over-exfoliate
Although it’s tempting to remove acne excessively, it can remove the skin’s natural oils, causing the irritation and cause breakouts to become worse.
Do not expect immediate results.
There won’t be any noticeable effects from a new item for at minimum about six or eight weeks. Don’t give up too early!
Do not wear heavy makeup.
The makeup can block pores and cause breakouts, especially if the product is heavily based on oil and is heavy. They also create a barrier for your skin’s pores to breath.
Do not pop your pimples.
Picking your pimples and popping them does not just make the appearance of a pimple that is small more swollen, but it could prolong the healing process and increase the chance of scarring.
How To Manage Acne
A well-executed skincare untuk jerawat routine can minimize the signs of acne and help prevent breakouts from occurring. However, there isn’t a fast fix for acne. It could take as long as three months before you notice visible changes to the appearance of your skin after using the introduction of a new product. It’s important to adhere to a consistent routine to treat acne, not only when you see the appearance of a breakout.
If you’re suffering from difficult-to-treat acne and your over-the counter products do not work visit an expert dermatologist. “It’s essential to be proactive in treating acne so that you’re able to avoid the kind of acne that may cause the formation of scars,” Dr. Axelson states.
Discuss with your dermatologist how to create a regimen that your skin will accept, including treatments in the office, such as peels or microneedling, laser treatment, and prescription medication. A routine of dermatologist-approved treatments should put you on the path to clearer skin.