Acne appears most often in teenagers but can affect people of any age, including both men and women. Its exact cause remains a mystery, but factors that play a major role include sebum oil, blocked pores, bacteria and inflammation. The blemishes of acne can take the form of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and, in severe cases, cystic-type lesions. Acne is generally more of a nuisance than a health problem, but it can cause scarring and can also cause psychological distress. Fortunately, effective treatments are available.
Step 1
Cleanse your skin gently. Use a mild soap or cleanser; facial scrubs, astringents and masks can irritate the skin and possible make your acne worse, according to the Mayo Clinic. And do not overdo it; scrubbing too hard can also cause more problems than it solves when it comes to acne.
Step 2
Stay away from oils. If you use makeup or hairstyling products, make sure they are oil-free. The terms to look for: "water-based" or "noncomedogenic." If your hair tends to be oily, wash it daily with shampoo in order to avoid clogged pores at your hairline.
Step 3
Use over-the-counter acne products. These are generally sufficient for mild cases of acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The most popular ones contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as their active ingredients. They work by drying up excess oil and causing the skin to peel, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
See a dermatologist for heavy-duty treatment. Common prescription remedies, for severe cases or those that do not respond to over-the-counter products, include Tretinoin, adapalene and tazarotene, which are vitamin A derivatives that promote cell turnover, according to the Mayo Clinic. Topical antibiotics are also popular. A short course of oral antibiotics can help reduce bacteria and inflammation, and oral contraceptives are often effective against acne in women. Dermatologists sometimes treat severe acne with isotretinoin, sold as Accutane, but its use is limited because it is associated with birth defects.
Step 5
Be patient. You cannot get rid of acne in a week or two. Generally speaking, treatment requires six to eight weeks to start working, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. And getting your skin completely free of blemishes is likely to take six months.
Tips and Warnings
- Effective acne treatment must target all factors causing the blemishes, so two or three products are often needed, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Overtreatment can lead to irritation, which makes acne worse; when you start a treatment plan with your dermatologist, discontinue use of products that are not part of the plan.
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