Acne affects people of both sexes and all ages, but it is most common in teenagers, due to hormonal imbalances in the body. Acne occurs when dirt or dead skin cells mix with sebum produced by the skin's oil glands, forming plugs that clog the pores. The pores then become irritated and inflamed, and bacteria feed on the oil and skin cells and begins to multiply beneath the surface of the skin. In most cases, over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes are sufficient to treat acne. Severe cases of acne may require treatment with prescription strength topical and oral medications.
Wash Regularly
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends cleaning the face and body with warm water and a gentle soap. Exfoliating every couple of days with a fine-grained product will help remove dead skin cells and keep pores unclogged. Using harsh soaps and over-exfoliating may increase acne in some cases by overstimulating the skin and causing an increase in oil production.
Moisturize Daily
Moisturizing acne prone skin is essential, as dry skin triggers the body to increase production of sebum, which can cause or worsen acne. The AAD suggests avoiding oil-based moisturizers, which may contribute to clogged pores and acne. Instead, use a water-based moisturizer that is labeled as noncomedogenic. These products are less likely to clog pores, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Don't Pop, Pick or Squeeze
Squeezing or popping pimples can increase skin inflammation and irritation and force bacteria deeper into the skin. This can worsen acne and potentially cause tissue damage. The Mayo Clinic states that picking at acne also increases the risk of developing acne scars. Repeatedly touching or rubbing your acne can also worsen your symptoms. Keep your hands off if your face as much as possible. This rule applies to hats, hair and other items, as well.
Try OTC Medications
A number of over-the-counter medications are effective at treating mild to moderate cases of acne. Products containing salicylic acid work by decreasing the rate of skin cell shedding, which helps keep pores unclogged. Benzoyl peroxide medications are the most effective over-the-counter treatment for acne, according to the Mayo Clinic. These products help clear acne by reducing excess oil on the skin and killing the bacteria associated with acne, P. acnes. Other acne medications available in pharmacies and retail stores include those that contain resorcinol and sulfur and cleaning wipes with acetone and alcohol.
Seek Professional Help
Prescription medications may help clear acne when over-the-counter product fail. Topical medications, such as tretinoin and other vitamin A derivatives, help treat acne by speeding cell turnover and preventing clogged pores. Antibiotics are effective at treating infected acne lesions and reducing inflammation. Oral contraceptives can effectively reduce sebum production in some women, according to the AAD. Women with severe acne may want to discuss taking the birth control pill to treat severe or persistent acne.
Help for Persistent Adult Acne
Acne that begins near puberty and continues throughout life is called persistent adult acne, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. As many as half of women and nearly a quarter of adult men suffer from persistent acne, most often around the mouth or near the jawline. Unfortunately, many acne medications that are effective during adolescence fail to improve acne later in life. Persistent adult acne may require multiple medication trials, hormone therapy and significant lifestyle changes. Treatment of this type of acne requires professional help.
Acne vs. Rosacea
In some cases, redness and pimples are not caused by acne but by a condition called rosacea, according to the National Rosacea Society. This condition causes reddening on the chin, cheeks and nose, and may cause multiple pimples, spots or small bumps to develop on the skin. Because acne and rosacea require different treatments, anyone with acne that fails to respond to traditional treatments should consult a dermatologist for evaluation.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Adult Acne: A Fact of Life for Many Women
- National Rosacea Society: What Is Rosacea?
- Mayo Clinic: Over-the-Counter Acne Products: What Works and Why
- American Academy of Dermatology: The Truth About Oral Contraceptives and Acne
- Mayo Clinic: Acne, Lifestyle and Home Remedies
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