The Acne Resource Center reports that acne is one of the most common skin diseases in the United States. While breakouts typically begin in the teen years when oil glands first become activated by hormones, it’s not unusual to have acne in your 20s, 30s and 40s. With the right routine, you can clear acne in a few days. More important, however, is that you can prevent some lesions from forming in the first place.
About Acne
The most common types of acne, according to Daniel Kern of Acne.org, are whiteheads, blackheads, papules and pustules. While these lesions look different, the activity beneath the surface of the skin is similar. Sebaceous glands release oils, known as sebum, into the hair follicle. The follicle becomes clogged with sebum and dead skin cells. Bacteria enter the follicle and cause irritation. In some cases, the pimple becomes inflamed and red. If the pore’s surface opens, a blackhead will form. If white blood cells rush to the hair follicle, you will see papules, which will soon develop into a pustule.
How Treatment Works
It’s important to have a regular acne-treatment regimen, especially if you are prone to breakouts. The medications you will use has been scientifically formulated to kill the bacteria that cause acne, minimize oil production by the sebaceous glands and reduce the shedding of dead skin cells inside the hair follicle. Some medications also work by drying the skin, allowing it to peel and regenerate new, healthier looking skin.
A Proven Treatment Regimen
Shower in the morning using a gentle, fragrance-free soap. Cleansing your skin will minimize the production of sebum for up to four hours, according to a report from the Japan Society of Physiological Anthropology. Generously apply 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide to areas that you frequently breakout. Benzoyl peroxide kills the bacteria that get into the hair follicle. It can also prevent lesions from forming. Kern suggests using 10 percent alpha hydroxy acid when you first see a pimple forming. The Mayo Clinic explains that you will see better results if you use a variety of topical medications to treat breakouts. At night, wash your skin with a cleanser containing salicylic acid. This medication prevents dead skin cells from shedding too rapidly inside pores.
Prescription Treatments
Once your regimen is fully implemented, you should see a reduction in breakouts and pimples should go away more quickly. If you do not see any improvement, consider finding a dermatologist who can talk with you about prescription drug treatments. Prescription medications such as oral antibiotics, contraceptives for women, and vitamin A derivatives work by reducing sebum output by the sebaceous glands, controlling the hormones that trigger oil production and increase surface cell regeneration.
Laser Treatment
Scarring is a very real concern for anyone who suffers from acne. Laser treatments, while good for improving the appearance of acne-ravaged skin, can also be used to treat current breakouts. The American Academy of Dermatology, AAD, explains that blue light therapy is an FDA-approved treatment used to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Pulse light and heat energy therapy also kills bacteria and shrinks sebaceous glands. The AAD notes that these and other laser therapy treatment are still being studied and long-term results are not fully understood. Laser therapy should be used for people whose acne has not responded to other treatments.
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