Pimples and acne skin blemishes can be a problem no matter what your age. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases reports that while acne is most common in teenagers and young adults, it can also occur in people in their 40s and 50s. Keeping skin clear of oils and using acne remedies can control blemishes, leaving your skin clear and blemish-free. Developing a daily skin care regimen is the first step to controlling and reducing blemishes.
Step 1
Use warm water and a gentle cleanser or mild soap to wash your face in the morning and evening. Washing your face removes skin oil that can cause pores to become clogged, resulting in acne. Use your fingertips to gently wash your skin, rinse your face thoroughly, then pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
Step 2
Shampoo your hair daily, particularly if you have oily hair. Oil in hair can slide on to the face, causing new blemishes.
Step 3
Wear light makeup that doesn't contain oil. Oil in makeup, lotions or sunscreens can worsen acne. Select products that are labelled oil-free. Remove makeup and other beauty products before going to bed.
Step 4
Apply over-the-counter acne products to your blemishes after washing your face. FamilyDoctor.org reports that creams, lotions and gels that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid kill bacteria, dry up oil and make skin on the blemish peel off.
Step 5
Try prescription medication if home treatment is ineffective in controlling your blemishes. Your doctor may suggest that you use prescription-strength topical medicine and oral antibiotics to help stimulate quick cell turnover and kill bacteria that contribute to the formation of a pimple. Follow your doctor's instructions for dosages and usage schedules.
Step 6
Ask your doctor about advanced therapies, including microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser and light treatments, if you have severe acne. While these therapies can be helpful in clearing severe acne, you may experience redness, blistering or temporary discoloration of the skin following treatment.
Tips and Warnings
- Try home remedies if you would rather not use medication on your face. The Grandma's Home Remedies website suggests applying tomato slices to your face to slowdown the production of oil and rejuvenate skin.
- Avoid popping, squeezing or picking at pimples. While popping or squeezing pimples may decrease the size of a blemish, infection and scarring can occur. Your doctor may prescribe a drug called isotretinoin if you haven't responded to other treatments or have acne cysts. While the medication can be very helpful in treating acne blemishes, it can cause serious birth defects. If you are female, you must use a reliable method of birth control while taking isotretinoin.
Things You'll Need
- Shampoo
- Gentle cleanser or mild soap
- Towel
- Oil-free products
- Over-the-counter acne products
- Prescription medications
- Tomatoes
Member Comments