When your pores become clogged with dead skin and excess oil, it can result in an acne breakout. But the severity of this breakout is often dependent on the depth of the obstruction. Dead skin and excess oil that clog the pores near the surface of the skin tend to cause mild to moderate acne, while deeper obstructions lead to severe or cystic lesions. The type of acne that forms influences the course of your treatment.
Step 1
Dab a small amount of acne cream over the lesion and surrounding skin. Look for creams containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, suggests the American Academy of Dermatology. Both of these active ingredients have comedolytic properties, which can help unclog the pores and improve your complexion.
Step 2
Cover the active lesions with a topical retinoid. If your breakout is moderate to severe or doesn't respond to nonprescription creams, retinoids can help improve active lesions. Tazarotene, adapalene and tretinoin are all retinoids that break up obstructions clogging your pores and lessen the inflammation causing the lesion.
Step 3
Take a course of antibiotics to improve active lesions. Like retinoids, oral antibiotics are used to improve moderate to severe acne. MayoClinic.com explains that this prescription medication helps to lessen inflammation of the lesions, while killing the bacteria linked to this skin condition. It's often coupled with a topical retinoid to improve your complexion.
Step 4
Reduce the inflammation with corticosteroid injections. Sometimes, a corticosteroid injection is needed to reduce the severe inflammation associated with cystic acne, notes Acne.org. The cortisone shot lessens the swelling and helps prevent scarring. This is usually followed with another form of treatment, such as prescription retinoids or oral antibiotics.
Step 5
Ask your doctor or dermatologist about an oral contraceptive, suggests the American Academy of Dermatology. Women suffering chronic acne can reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts with an oral contraceptive. Follow the instructions given by your health care provider.
Step 6
Undergo laser or light therapy. If other acne treatments fail to provide results or you're unable to tolerate the medications, laser and light energy can be used to reduce the bacterial buildup and excess oil causing the active lesions, advises MayoClinic.com. Other treatments aren't usually used in conjunction with this method of acne care.
Tips and Warnings
- According to MayoClinic.com, chemical peels and microdermabrasion can help manage acne breakouts. Both procedures are usually used in combination with another form of treatment, such as acne creams, retinoids or oral antibiotics. As you work to improve your complexion, wash acne-prone skin once or twice a day to slough dead skin and remove excess oil.
- Oral contraceptives can cause periodic headaches, nausea, breast tenderness and depression. They've also been know to elevate blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease.
Things You'll Need
- Commercial acne cream
- Topical retinoid
- Oral antibiotic
- Corticosteroids
- Oral contraceptive
Member Comments