Acne -- zits, pimples or blemishes -- are unwanted bacterial infections of the skin. According to MayoClinic.com, acne can affect individuals of any age, but teenagers and women experiencing hormonal changes -- such as during pregnancy or menstrual cycles -- are more likely to see breakouts. Acne can range from mild to severe. Scarring is most likely to occur from severe acne, which causes painful, pus-filled cysts under the skin. There are ways to deal with acne spotting and scarring, regardless of the breakout's severity.
Acne Spotting
Step 1
Wash your face twice a day using a mild soap or gentle facial scrub. Practice good skin care to prevent the buildup of dirt, oil, makeup and bacteria on your skin, which can lead to additional acne spotting.
Step 2
Apply an over-the-counter spot acne treatment to your face following cleansing. Spot acne treatments can help to dry up and reduce pimple size.
Step 3
Prevent infection and scarring related to acne. Use an antibiotic or antiseptic ointment on your acne. Apply a thin layer of ointment to the affected areas of your skin twice a day.
Step 4
Use oil-free make-up or a tinted acne control cream to help cover acne. Heavy makeup can clog your pores.
Acne Scarring
Step 1
Wear sunscreen. Exposure to sun can increase how noticeable acne scarring is. Use a sunscreen that contains SPF 30 or higher. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before heading outdoors.
Step 2
Exfoliate your skin a few times per week. Remove dead skin cells and help promote the growth of healthy, new skin cells.
Step 3
Talk to a dermatologist. Microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing or fractional laser therapy can help reduce the appearance of scars. Microdermabrasion wears down the top layer of your skin and a smooth new layer replaces it. Laser resurfacing removes the damaged top layer of your skin and tightens the middle layer for a smoother, scar-free appearance. Fractional laser therapy works deeper than microdermabrasion or laser resurfacing but does not remove the top layer of skin.
Tips and Warnings
- Wash your hands prior to touching your face to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria. Avoid touching your face and other objects -- such as a phone -- to your face to prevent breakouts.
- Avoid picking or squeezing pimples. This can increase your chances of scarring.
Things You'll Need
- Mild soap or facial cleanser
- Over-the-counter acne spot treatment
- Antibiotic or antiseptic ointment
- SPF 30 sunscreen
- Exfoliating facial scrub
References
- MayoClinic.com; Acne; Nov. 3, 2009
- "Heal Your Skin"; Ava Shamban M.D.; May 24, 2011
- KidsHealth; Can Acne Scars Be Removed?; D'Anne M. Kleinsmth, M.D.; March 2010
Member Comments