How to Deal With Acne
Acne is one of the most common skin problems people deal with. Almost everyone experiences acne outbreaks at some point in their life. It is unsightly, may make you feel self-conscious and comes in varying degrees of severity. Learn to identify your degree of acne, so you can deal with it and move on with your day. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Determine the severity of the acne. It ranges from mild to moderate or severe. Mild acne consists of small blackheads, whiteheads and pustules. Moderate acne includes many blackheads, whiteheads and pustules and typically covers 25 to 75 percent of the face. Severe acne is marked by severe inflammation, deep cysts and scarring.
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Treat mild acne at home. Gently wash the afflicted area with warm water and mild soap at least two times a day. This removes excess oils and gets rid of dead skin cells. Apply a topical ointment that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. Continue this regimen for four to six weeks to see improvement.
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Address moderate acne with your doctor or dermatologist. There are many prescription medications and office procedures that may help. Some doctors use extraction and light therapy to treat moderate acne. Others prescribe topical and oral medications. Some common medications include topical antimicrobial ointments, topical retinoids, oral antibiotics and oral contraceptives.
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Deal with severe acne with the help of a dermatologist. Severe acne requires very aggressive treatment. Some dermatologists treat severe acne with surgical excision and drainage, corticosteroid injections, as well as topical and oral prescriptive medications.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wash your face after exercising or if you work around greasy food to reduce excess oil on the skin.
Use noncomedogenic or nonacnegenic makeup whenever possible. This type of makeup does not clog pores.
Keep hair gel and hairspray away from the face whenever possible. These products clog pores and further irritate acne-prone areas.
Avoid the temptation to squeeze or "pop" acne pustules. This spreads bacteria and causes infection.
