Acne Prone Skin
How to Treat and Prevent Pimples
How to Treat and Prevent Pimples
Sometimes it may seem like you will never get over your acne problems. This was supposed to all go away after you left the
teenage years! But here you are waking up to find a huge zit on your chin when you have that important meeting or that more
important date. The good news is that there are ways to prevent and treat acne skin problems - read on for some tips.
Acne is an infection at the surface of the skin. The worst and more difficult type to deal with is called Cystic Acne. This
type is usually painful and cannot be cured overnight. This form of acne is often caused by hormonal changes or imbalances.
This occurs during the teenage years, during pregnancy, during each month's menstrual cycle and at menopause. So we women
just can't win! Hormones rule our lives affecting our emotions and our appearance.
Collection of dirt on the skin and makeup or creams can also clog the pores and cause breakouts. Heredity can also play a role and will often determine the severity of the acne problem.
Once a breakout occurs, the best thing is to not touch it, squeeze it or pick at it. I know it is extremely tempting, but if you do, you can end up with a permanent scar that can only be corrected with aggressive peels or laser treatments. If you notice a pimple forming before a big event, go to your dermatologist. A dermatologist can often treat it for you with less risk of scarring or infection.
Over the counter creams will generally have little to no affect on significant acne scars. Mild scarring can be improved with some non-prescription cosmetics, peels or microdermabrasion. See the exfoliants page for more information on these treatments.
Because the skin produces oil called sebum, the skin can become clogged as this oil collects dirt and germs. When hormones are out of balance more sebum is produced.
Diet has little to no effect on acne. It's okay to eat chocolate and okay to eat fried foods - unless you touch your greasy fingers to your face after eating them.
Based on my own experience, I have put together some tips to help prevent and treat breakouts.
First, go to a dermatologist. It is worth the investment. He can prescribe or recommend treatments for your specific problem and skin type. He can prescribe either topical or oral antibiotics, or both, to control the bacteria. And he can recommend cleansers and other topical treatments.
Second, keep your skin clean. I know that when you have oily skin and pimples you feel the need to wash your face a lot and use harsh drying cosmetics. Don't! Wash your face no more than twice a day with lukewarm water and a mild facial cleanser. You can use a special cleanser for acne that will typically contain a salicylic acid or a cleanser like Cetaphil which is noncomedogenic. Do not scrub your face too hard or you will tend to irritate the skin. If you wash too often or use products that are too drying your skin will try to overcompensate and produce more oil which will lead to more breakouts. Avoid touching your skin which can transfer bacteria, and clean objects that touch the skin like telephones or glasses.
Third, minimize the use of makeup and heavy cream moisturizers. If you use a foundation, wash your face when you get home (or at the latest before you go to bed) and leave makeup off when you are not going out. Makeup can trap the oil and bacteria on your skin. Be sure to wash your hands before you apply sunscreens and cosmetics. Look for oil-free cosmetics and cleansers that are noncomedogenic which means they have been tested to not clog pores. Throw away old makeup that may have collected bacteria over time.
Fourth, use a topical antibiotic prescribed by your dermatologist or an over-the-counter lotion, gel or cream containing benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide decreases oil and kills the bacteria which can cause the acne.
Fifth, use sunscreen. Tanning can cause your skin to produce more oil. It also causes other skin damage and may cause skin cancer. See the Facial Sunscreens page for more information.
Once a pimple occurs, you generally have to wait it out. Use your antibiotics (topical and/or oral) to clear up the infection. You can use a cold compress to lessen the swelling. Sometimes a mask can help to clean out the clogged pores and speed up the healing process. Be very cautious about using any exfoliants that can worsen the infection and damage the sensitive inflamed skin. This can increase the risk of scarring. If you have a special occasion, your dermatologist can often use a professional tool to extract the dirt and bacteria from the clogged pore. I do not recommend trying to use tools like this at home. If not used carefully and properly you risk further aggravation of the pimple and potential scarring.
The best cosmetics and skincare products that I have found to work against acne are:
Accutane - I personally have not used this but have many friends and relatives who have had excellent results. This treatment should be reserved for very severe cases of acne since there are several side effects. It can cause miscarriage or severe birth defects. Pregnant or nursing women should not use Accutane. It may cause development of serious problems with the liver, eyes, skeletal system and teeth. It can also cause depression. Because of these very serious side effects the use of Accutane should be very carefully monitored by a doctor with regular blood tests to screen for problems.
Retin A - This medication should also only be used under the direction of your dermatologist. This or other tretinoin products have been very effective in treating acne and acne scars. It is a very powerful medication which may not be tolerated by sensitive skin and there are other potential side effects.
Tetracyline/Minocycline antibiotics - These prescription drugs are very effective for acne which is primarily hormonal. No amount of cleansing or topical preventives will be completely effective against hormonal acne. These antibiotics are effective treatments of the bacteria that cause any acne. Once again, there are side effects so it should be closely monitored by your dermatologist. It can cause severe staining of developing teeth which makes it less appropriate for use by young teens.
Clarifoam EF - This is an antibacterial treatment that also has an ingredient to loosen and shed scaly skin. It is very effective in the prevention and treatment of acne.
Klaron Lotion - This is a topical antibacterial treatment very similar to Clarifoam EF which is also very effective in the prevention and treatment of acne. Talk to your dermatologist to determine which topical treatments are appropriate for you.
Cetaphil - This is a very effective and gentle skin cleanser which is noncomedogenic and recommended by dermatologists. It has no antibacterial or salicylic acid ingredients so if your acne is moderate to severe, you may need to use a cleanser especially formulated to act against acne. If you are using prescription topical and/or oral products along with a strong treatment such as Retin A, this may be an appropriate gentle cleanser to use to avoid further skin irritation.
Neutrogena Acne Wash Oil-Free Cream Cleanser - This is one of the cleansers that has salicylic acid and gets good reviews from users.
MD Forte Facial Cleanser - This cleanser has glycolic acid instead of salicylic acid and is also an effective exfoliating cleanser to manage clogged pores. Start with the lowest level MD Facial Cleanser I and work up to the strongest MD Facial Cleanser III as your skin develops a tolerance for the glycolic acid. It can be purchased through dermatologists' offices and some microdermabrasion centers as well as online.
Cleansing Tool Clarisonic Pro is a rechargeable battery operated cleansing brush that makes the cleanser more effective by gently removing embedded dirt, helping it penetrate into the pores of the skin. It makes skin feel incredibly clean and smooth. You will become addicted to this tool.
Cellex C Acne - This product is appropriate for mild to moderate breakouts. Anything more serious needs attention and recommendations from a dermatologist.
Clinique Acne Solutions Emergency Gel Lotion - This definitely is one of the best over the counter products with benzoyl peroxide.
ProActiv Treatment Refining Mask - I haven't found any other mask as good as this one in quickly clearing up breakouts.
Collection of dirt on the skin and makeup or creams can also clog the pores and cause breakouts. Heredity can also play a role and will often determine the severity of the acne problem.
Once a breakout occurs, the best thing is to not touch it, squeeze it or pick at it. I know it is extremely tempting, but if you do, you can end up with a permanent scar that can only be corrected with aggressive peels or laser treatments. If you notice a pimple forming before a big event, go to your dermatologist. A dermatologist can often treat it for you with less risk of scarring or infection.
Over the counter creams will generally have little to no affect on significant acne scars. Mild scarring can be improved with some non-prescription cosmetics, peels or microdermabrasion. See the exfoliants page for more information on these treatments.
Because the skin produces oil called sebum, the skin can become clogged as this oil collects dirt and germs. When hormones are out of balance more sebum is produced.
Diet has little to no effect on acne. It's okay to eat chocolate and okay to eat fried foods - unless you touch your greasy fingers to your face after eating them.
Based on my own experience, I have put together some tips to help prevent and treat breakouts.
First, go to a dermatologist. It is worth the investment. He can prescribe or recommend treatments for your specific problem and skin type. He can prescribe either topical or oral antibiotics, or both, to control the bacteria. And he can recommend cleansers and other topical treatments.
Second, keep your skin clean. I know that when you have oily skin and pimples you feel the need to wash your face a lot and use harsh drying cosmetics. Don't! Wash your face no more than twice a day with lukewarm water and a mild facial cleanser. You can use a special cleanser for acne that will typically contain a salicylic acid or a cleanser like Cetaphil which is noncomedogenic. Do not scrub your face too hard or you will tend to irritate the skin. If you wash too often or use products that are too drying your skin will try to overcompensate and produce more oil which will lead to more breakouts. Avoid touching your skin which can transfer bacteria, and clean objects that touch the skin like telephones or glasses.
Third, minimize the use of makeup and heavy cream moisturizers. If you use a foundation, wash your face when you get home (or at the latest before you go to bed) and leave makeup off when you are not going out. Makeup can trap the oil and bacteria on your skin. Be sure to wash your hands before you apply sunscreens and cosmetics. Look for oil-free cosmetics and cleansers that are noncomedogenic which means they have been tested to not clog pores. Throw away old makeup that may have collected bacteria over time.
Fourth, use a topical antibiotic prescribed by your dermatologist or an over-the-counter lotion, gel or cream containing benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide decreases oil and kills the bacteria which can cause the acne.
Fifth, use sunscreen. Tanning can cause your skin to produce more oil. It also causes other skin damage and may cause skin cancer. See the Facial Sunscreens page for more information.
Once a pimple occurs, you generally have to wait it out. Use your antibiotics (topical and/or oral) to clear up the infection. You can use a cold compress to lessen the swelling. Sometimes a mask can help to clean out the clogged pores and speed up the healing process. Be very cautious about using any exfoliants that can worsen the infection and damage the sensitive inflamed skin. This can increase the risk of scarring. If you have a special occasion, your dermatologist can often use a professional tool to extract the dirt and bacteria from the clogged pore. I do not recommend trying to use tools like this at home. If not used carefully and properly you risk further aggravation of the pimple and potential scarring.
The best cosmetics and skincare products that I have found to work against acne are:
Dermatologist Prescribed:
Accutane - I personally have not used this but have many friends and relatives who have had excellent results. This treatment should be reserved for very severe cases of acne since there are several side effects. It can cause miscarriage or severe birth defects. Pregnant or nursing women should not use Accutane. It may cause development of serious problems with the liver, eyes, skeletal system and teeth. It can also cause depression. Because of these very serious side effects the use of Accutane should be very carefully monitored by a doctor with regular blood tests to screen for problems.
Retin A - This medication should also only be used under the direction of your dermatologist. This or other tretinoin products have been very effective in treating acne and acne scars. It is a very powerful medication which may not be tolerated by sensitive skin and there are other potential side effects.
Tetracyline/Minocycline antibiotics - These prescription drugs are very effective for acne which is primarily hormonal. No amount of cleansing or topical preventives will be completely effective against hormonal acne. These antibiotics are effective treatments of the bacteria that cause any acne. Once again, there are side effects so it should be closely monitored by your dermatologist. It can cause severe staining of developing teeth which makes it less appropriate for use by young teens.
Clarifoam EF - This is an antibacterial treatment that also has an ingredient to loosen and shed scaly skin. It is very effective in the prevention and treatment of acne.
Klaron Lotion - This is a topical antibacterial treatment very similar to Clarifoam EF which is also very effective in the prevention and treatment of acne. Talk to your dermatologist to determine which topical treatments are appropriate for you.
Over the Counter Cleansers:
Cetaphil - This is a very effective and gentle skin cleanser which is noncomedogenic and recommended by dermatologists. It has no antibacterial or salicylic acid ingredients so if your acne is moderate to severe, you may need to use a cleanser especially formulated to act against acne. If you are using prescription topical and/or oral products along with a strong treatment such as Retin A, this may be an appropriate gentle cleanser to use to avoid further skin irritation.
Neutrogena Acne Wash Oil-Free Cream Cleanser - This is one of the cleansers that has salicylic acid and gets good reviews from users.
MD Forte Facial Cleanser - This cleanser has glycolic acid instead of salicylic acid and is also an effective exfoliating cleanser to manage clogged pores. Start with the lowest level MD Facial Cleanser I and work up to the strongest MD Facial Cleanser III as your skin develops a tolerance for the glycolic acid. It can be purchased through dermatologists' offices and some microdermabrasion centers as well as online.
Cleansing Tool Clarisonic Pro is a rechargeable battery operated cleansing brush that makes the cleanser more effective by gently removing embedded dirt, helping it penetrate into the pores of the skin. It makes skin feel incredibly clean and smooth. You will become addicted to this tool.
Over the Counter Lotions/Gels:
Cellex C Acne - This product is appropriate for mild to moderate breakouts. Anything more serious needs attention and recommendations from a dermatologist.
Clinique Acne Solutions Emergency Gel Lotion - This definitely is one of the best over the counter products with benzoyl peroxide.
Over the Counter Masks:
ProActiv Treatment Refining Mask - I haven't found any other mask as good as this one in quickly clearing up breakouts.
