The FDA reports that about 80 percent of Americans between the ages of 11 and 30 suffer from acne breakouts at some point. While it is by no means a serious health condition, it can cause considerable emotional distress, especially when pimples are stubborn and difficult to treat. Pustules and nodules are a type of large, red lesion that can be pus-filled and painful. Having a consistent acne-treatment routine is the best way to prevent new pimples from forming.
Step 1
Wash your skin. Preferably, shower each morning. The Japan Society of Physiological Anthropology studied the effects of a morning shower on the treatment of acne prone skin. Those who showered using ordinary soap and water had less oil and moisture on their skin for about four hours following the shower.
Step 2
Spot treat your lesions with benzoyl peroxide. Formulations come in 2.5, 5 and 10 percent. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends starting with the lowest dose and increasing only if your acne does not respond to treatment. Apply benzoyl peroxide twice daily after cleaning your skin with soap and water.
Step 3
Use an alpha hydroxy acid, AHA, including lactic acid and glycolic acid, on the areas most susceptible to breakouts. AHAs work by weakening the bonds that hold together the cells in acne. The Mayo Clinic explains that AHAs also stimulate new cell growth and reduce the appearance of acne scars. These products come in gels and lotions.
Step 4
Moisturize your skin with an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer. Non-comedogenic cosmetics are formulated for oily skin and won’t clog pores. Daniel Kern of Acne.org recommends adding a few drops of jojoba oil to your sunscreen. Acne medications can be extraordinarily drying. Keeping skin moisturized is just as important as keeping it clean.
Step 5
Exfoliate your skin two or three times a week. An exfoliator is a product containing a mild abrasive ingredient. It will help loosen dead skin cells that could clog pores.
Tips and Warnings
- Preventing breakouts will depend on how well you stick to your treatment routine. Read the instructions on your medications to get the best possible results.
- Acne is caused by dirt, bacteria and oils that clog pores. Showering several times a day will not reduce breakouts, but may dry your skin out. You may be tempted to exfoliate often, especially if you’re prone to chronic breakouts. Avoid doing this because it can irritate your skin and worsen the appearance of red spots. If your skin does not respond to this routine, you may want to see a dermatologist to discuss using a prescription acne medication.
Things You'll Need
- Mild soap
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Alpha hydroxy acid
- Sunscreen
- Jojoba oil
- Exfoliator
