Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Although it’s common, accurate information about acne can be scarce. This can make it difficult to get clearer skin.
Eventhough you have probably heard that you have to let acne run its course, dermatologists disagree. Dermatologists explain that acne, if not treated, leave dark spots and permanent scars on the skin. Also, there are many effective pharmaceutical products for acne available.
According to American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) you can reduce your acne, without using pharmaceutical products, by following these skin care tips:
Wash twice a day and after sweating. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, can make acne worse, so wash your skin as soon as possible after sweating.
Use your fingertips to apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Using a washcloth, mesh sponge or anything else can irritate the skin.
Be gentle with your skin. Use gentle products, such as those that are alcohol-free. Do not use products that irritate your skin, which may include astringents, toners and exfoliants. Dry, red skin makes acne appear worse.
Scrubbing your skin can make acne worse. Avoid the temptation to scrub your skin.
Rinse with lukewarm water.
Shampoo regularly. If you have oily hair, shampoo daily.
Let your skin heal naturally. If you pick, pop or squeeze your acne, your skin will take longer to clear and you increase the risk of getting acne scars.
Keep your hands off your face. Touching your skin throughout the day can cause flare-ups.
Stay out of the sun and tanning beds. Tanning damages you skin. In addition, some acne medications make the skin very sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light, which you get from both the sun and indoor tanning devices.
Using tanning beds increases your risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 75 percent.
Consult a dermatologist in certain cases
If your acne makes you shy or embarrassed, you should consult a dermatologist so that you can be prescribed a pharmaceutical product that you can treat it with.
If certain products you’ve tried have not worked, dermatologist might have another opinion about it, and should be able to guide you to use a better product.
If your acne is leaving scars or darkening your skin, a dermatologist will tell you how really bad it is, and if you should treat it with some medication.
Today, virtually every case of acne can be successfully treated. Dermatologists can help treat existing acne, prevent new breakouts and reduce your chance of developing scars. If you have questions or concerns about caring for your skin, you should make an appointment to see a dermatologist.