Treating acne requires a bit of patience because successful treatment often involves trial and error. Treatment involves more than simple skin hygiene, and products that work for one person may not work for another. Whether you suffer from mild breakouts or more severe acne, proper skin care habits are crucial to effective treatment.
Significance
The American Academy of Dermatology cites acne as the most common skin disorder in the nation. Approximately 40 to 50 million people suffer from acne. Unfortunately, many acne sufferers do not seek dermatological treatment, and are not properly educated on how to care for their skin. Delaying treatment, vigorously scrubbing the skin and picking at blemishes can all lead to scarring.
Cleansing
Every blemish begins with a clogged pore, and daily cleansing is essential for keeping the pores clear. Washing vigorously many times per day, however, may actually make acne worse. Simply cleansing in the morning and at night with a mild cleanser is enough to keep the skin clean. Some cleansers contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid are formulated to treat acne. These cleansers may help treat acne when used alone, but are not necessary for cleansing. Combining medicated cleansers with medicated creams may cause excessive skin dryness and irritate the skin.
Medicating
Applying a medicated cream to the entire face after a gentle cleansing will help reduce excess oil production and bacteria. Over-the-counter creams typically contain either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acid is more mild and is more effective at treating non-inflammatory acne such as blackheads and whiteheads. Benzoyl peroxide fights bacteria and dries up excess oil, making it effective at treating both non-inflammatory and inflammatory acne. Benzoyl peroxide should be introduced slowly as the skin needs time to adjust to its drying effects.
Avoiding Irritation
Using a gentle touch and avoiding irritation is essential to obtaining clear skin. Acne may make it tempting to scrub vigorously, cleanse more than twice a day or apply large amounts of medicated cream. According to the American Academy of Dermatology's AcneNet, harsh scrubbing of the skin can cause irritation and worsening of acne. Cleansing should be gentle, taking care to use a feather-light touch. Additionally, it's best to avoid touching or picking at blemishes, which may irritate existing blemishes as well as spread bacteria and cause more pimples.
Dermatological Care
Over-the-counter treatment is the first step for most people with acne. If drugstore treatments have little or no effect, however, seeing a dermatologist is recommended to avoid scarring. Dermatological care often involves a combination of topical treatment with retinoids as well as systemic treatments like antibiotics. Severe cases of acne may require treatment with isotretinoin, which is reserved as a last resort for the most severe cases of acne. This medication typically eradicates acne over a four-month course of treatment, with skin remaining clear after treatment is stopped.
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