Acne may seem like a never-ending problem, but there are a few things you can do to treat your existing acne and prevent new pimples. Acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., affecting 40 to 50 million people, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Making changes in your skin-care regimen and using acne medication can help you reduce outbreaks.
Identification
Acne occurs when openings in the skin, called pores, clog with oil, dead skin cells and p. acnes bacteria, causing inflammation. The location of the blockage and the amount of inflammation determines what type of acne will appear on your skin. If a blockage occurs close to the skin and is slightly inflamed, you will see a whitehead or blackhead on your skin. Both whiteheads and blackheads result from a shallow blockage, but blackheads take on a darker appearance because the skin over the pore breaks open, exposing the blockage. Deeper blockages cause red or pink pimples. If a blockage is very deep, inflammation is more severe and results in painful cysts or nodules, the most severe type of acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Causes
Although acne can occur at any age, it is particularly common during the teenage years. During adolescence, hormone levels rise, causing oil glands to enlarge and produce more oil than is needed. If you are taking certain medications, such as oral contraceptives, iodine, lithium, corticosteroids or androgens, you may be more likely to develop acne. Changes in female hormone levels during pregnancy and menstruation also play a part in acne outbreaks. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that acne tends to flare up two to seven days before menstruation begins.
Skin Care
Keeping excess oil off your face is an important step in reducing acne. Washing the face twice a day with warm water and a mild cleanser helps remove extra oil. Shampooing hair daily reduces the chance that hair oils will drip on to your face, contributing to clogged pores. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology also recommends keeping your hair off your face as much as possible to avoid hair oils. While natural oils play a part in acne, oils found in lotions, makeup and sunscreen can also clog pores. If you use these products, look for oil-free versions.
Medications
Over-the-counter medications containing benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid treat acne by killing bacteria, reducing inflammation and drying out your pimples. If use of over-the-counter medication doesn't help your acne, your doctor may prescribe stronger prescription strength medication, which you may take in conjunction with oral antibiotics. Corticosteroid injections may be helpful if you have cystic acne.
Your doctor may recommend treatment with isotretinoin, a strong oral medication, if your acne is severe and does not improve with other types of treatment. Because isotretinoin can cause birth defects, you must use a reliable form of birth control when taking it if you are woman and should not take the drug if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Warning
It can be tempting to pop a pimple, particularly if it is large, but popping or squeezing a pimple can cause problems. Popping or squeezing a pimple can push infected material and pus deeper into the skin, leading to more redness, swelling and even scarring, according to Kids Health from Nemours.
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