Acne Reduction: Don’t Let Acne Get You Down

Jan. 11, 2010 - PRLog -- Ask anyone who has experienced acne problems and they will tell you that it is no fun. Acne lesions appear most often on the face, but can pop up anywhere, including the back, neck, chest and arms.

There are lots of reasons why women experience acne outbreaks, including clogged pores and hormonal fluctuations, especially during menstruation. Contrary to common belief, acne is not caused specifically by diet. Eating a pizza or drinking a can of soda will not give you an acne breakout. Nor is it a sign of “dirty” or neglected skin. But you don’t have to let acne take over your life.

When you get a breakout, don’t go for the heavy artillery. Don’t over-scrub your skin or use harsh exfoliants. They can irritate and further damage the skin. Instead, gently wash and rinse your face twice a day with products that have benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid and that are designed to treat acne. Make sure you dry your skin before applying a topical medication.

If your skin is not responding to over-the-counter acne treatment, see your dermatologist for help with acne reduction. We can prescribe medications such as retinoids, or products that offer a more concentrated and powerful version of those you are already using, to get better results. It is important to keep using the products after the outbreak goes away.

Whether you are using over the counter or prescription medications, remember that these products are designed to treat whole acne prone areas, not just one or two pimples. It is important to use topical medications to clear up acne according to directions. Using more than is recommended is not likely to make the acne go away faster and will probably just irritate the skin.

Never ever try to pop a pimple or blemish, even if you think it is “ready.” Not only will you increase your risk of skin infection, but doing so can lead to scarring. Darker skins can be prone to developing spots, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, after an acne lesion heals. This is a normal reaction when dark skin becomes inflamed. Most do heal and fade over time, but can pose a problem for women of color. If you end up with dark spots after your acne lesion heals, your dermatologist can prescribe a topical skin-lightening medication or an acne treatment that also helps to fade such discoloration.

When acne heals, it can sometimes cause keloid scarring. It is important to work with your dermatologist early and aggressively to prevent or correct this kind of scarring. Dermatologists can get great results in removing or reducing the appearance of keloid scars through a host of tools, including laser treatments.

Keep your stress levels and diet under control. Stress and diet may not specifically cause acne, but they can inhibit the body’s ability to heal. Follow a healthy diet and maintain a regular exercise routine to give yourself balance, and to enhance your self-esteem during an acne breakout. Just be sure to keep your skin clean and free of bacteria that you can sometimes pick up in a gym. Bacteria can trigger a breakout.

Be careful of the products you use. Some oil-based products for skin and hair can clog your pores and trigger outbreaks. If you are using oil-based moisturizers and foundations, you may want to switch to one of the many available water-based cosmetics.

To learn more about acne reduction, visit Dr. Marcy Street on the web at http://www.daderm.com/AcneTreatment/tabid/94/Default.aspx.

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About Dr. Marcy Street and Doctor’s Approach Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center: Doctor’s Approach is a full-service medical and surgical dermatology clinic with a cosmetic medical spa. Our dermatology practice has been well established and respected for over 15 years, with patients visiting from all over the Midwest region. Our mission is to provide the best in cutting edge, comprehensive care and services in a relaxing and nurturing environment. Find us on the web at http://www.daderm.com/.