Acne develops when dead skin and excess oil build up and form a soft plug within your pores. This plug creates an obstruction, which can lead to infection and inflammation of the follicle wall. Inflammation causes the papules, pustules and other lesions associated with acne. Once an acne lesion forms, there are a number of products and procedures that can help improve your complexion.
Step 1
Wash affected skin with a gentle cleanser twice a day, urges the National Institutes of Health. Twice-daily cleansing removes dead skin and excess oil that may cause additional acne lesions, which could prolong your breakout. It's also important to wash the skin after a workout.
Step 2
Apply an over-the-counter acne cream to the lesions and surrounding skin. Look for products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Both ingredients are considered comedolytic by the American Academy of Dermatology, which means they can break up obstruction and open clogged pores while drying excess oil and removing dead skin. This could help speed up your recovery time.
Step 3
Try a prescription acne cream. If over-the-counter products don't provide the necessary results, talk to your dermatologist about a topical prescription containing a retinoid, an antibiotic or a higher concentration of benzoyl peroxide. Some prescription creams contain a combination of these ingredients.
Step 4
Switch to water-based cosmetics, moisturizers and sunscreens, especially when trying to clear up a breakout. Water-based products are considered noncomedogenic, meaning they shouldn't cause comedones, papules, pustules and other acne lesions.
Step 5
Make an appointment for skin rejuvenation, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, light therapy and laser therapy are all procedures that can help dry up moderate-to-severe acne breakouts.
Step 6
Talk to your doctor about a cortisone injection. Many times, painful nodules or cysts associated with severe acne are initially treated with a corticosteroid shot to reduce the swelling and aid in recovery, reports the American Academy of Dermatology.
Step 7
Discuss the possibility of an oral contraceptive with a medical professional. Women can sometimes improve their complexions with certain types of birth control pills, explains the American Academy of Dermatology.
Tips and Warnings
- Instead of benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, some over-the-counter acne creams may contain resorcinol, sulfur or lactic acid. Though these active ingredients have been used to treat acne, evidence of their efficacy is lacking, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. While using a prescription acne cream, make sure to wear sunscreen whenever you head outdoors. Topical prescriptions often make your skin more sensitive to UV rays.
- Oral contraceptives aren't without their own set of side effects. The Mayo Clinic warns that it's possible to experience headaches, nausea, depression and an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and blood clotting while taking birth control pills. Avoid using astringents, facial scrubs and other exfoliants, cautions the Mayo Clinic. These products can actually irritate the skin and worsen your breakout.
Things You'll Need
- Gentle cleanser
- OTC acne cream
- Prescription acne cream
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