If you wake up every morning with pimples, it is time to say goodbye to acne for good. Acne occurs most often in teenagers and women who are pregnant or at menopause, but anyone of any age can get acne. Acne forms when too much sebum, or oil, is released through the hair follicles, from the adrenal glands. When sebum, bacteria and dead skin cells get clogged in the hair follicles, the skin becomes irritated and a pimple forms. Mild acne can be treated at home, while more severe acne may need the help of a medical professional.
Step 1
Cleanse the afflicted area twice a day with an acne wash that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid acne washes are available over the counter at drugstores and grocery stores, and can help reduce oil on the skin and encourage the exfoliation of dead skin cells.
Step 2
Treat blemishes with an over-the-counter spot treatment containing either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, right before bedtime. If you are using a benzoyl peroxide acne wash, use a benzoyl peroxide spot treatment on your blemishes. If you are using a salicylic acid acne wash, use a salicylic acid spot treatment on your pimples.
Step 3
Replace all makeup with oil-free, noncomedogenic makeup, suggests dermatologist James E. Fulton. Makeup that contains oil can clog hair follicles, making acne worse. Oil-free, noncomedogenic makeup will help keep pores stay clearer, and it should still be washed off thoroughly before going to bed.
Step 4
Consult a dermatologist for a prescription acne treatment if your blemishes do not respond to any over-the-counter treatments. Your doctor can prescribe topical medications, like retinoids, or oral medications, like oral antibiotics or isotretinoin, to help reduce acne.
Step 5
Ask your dermatologist for a hydrocortisone injection if you have a pimple emergency. If you are going to a wedding or another important event, a hydrocortisone injection will help reduce the swelling and redness of a pimple, in hours.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid using a washcloth more than once before washing it--a dirty washcloth can spread bacteria to the face.
- Isotretinoin can cause serious side effects, including depression and thoughts of suicide.
Things You'll Need
- Benzoyl peroxide acne wash
- Salicylic acid acne wash
- Over-the-counter spot treatment
- Oil-free, noncomedogenic makeup
- Prescription acne treatment
- Hydrocortisone injection
Member Comments