How to Get Rid of Acne Problems
Acne can be an embarrassing skin condition for teenagers and adults. Teenagers develop acne due to androgen hormone changes, which increases the amount of oil the skin produces. Women can develop acne when going through hormonal changes such as menstruation, pregnancy and early menopause. Acne is a broad term that includes pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and skin cysts. There are multiple treatments available to get rid of acne problems.
Instructions
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Wash your face gently with a mild cleanser and warm water twice a day. Washing too often or hard can irritate your skin and worsen acne. Shower after exercising or doing strenuous activity to remove excess sweat and oil from your skin.
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Change your makeup to a non-oil based product. Choose cosmetics that are water based or are labelled "non-comodenogenic" (should not cause whiteheads or blackheads) and "non-acnegenic" (should not cause acne). Make sure you remove makeup before bed.
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Use an over-the-counter topical product containing benzoyl peroxide, sulphur, resorcinol, salicylic acid or lactic acid. If over-the-counter medications do not work, you can ask a doctor for prescription-strength acne treatments. Prescription acne treatments such as tretinoin and adapalene are derived from vitamin A. Oral or topical antibiotics may also kill excess bacteria and are generally used in conjunction with another treatment.
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Seek out a more intensive treatment such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels or corticosteroid injections. Microdermabrasion removes upper layers of skin, helping to generate new skin. Light chemical peels can be used with salicylic acid or glycolic acid to help unblock pores, open blackheads and whiteheads and promote new skin growth. Corticosteroids work to treat nodules (large red bumps).
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Ask your doctor if birth control pills might be an option, if you are female. Birth control pills can improve acne, but you need to weigh the side effects and benefits of treatment. Antibiotics may decrease birth control pill effectiveness as well. According to the Doctors Book of Home Remedies, the makers of Ortho Tri-Cyclen claim their birth control pill is the only one clinically proven to help reduce moderate acne and maintain clearer skin.
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Ask your doctor about Accutane (isotretinoin), a strong prescription medication FDA approved for scarring cystic acne or acne that does not respond to other treatments. Accutane is meant to be used for severe forms of acne. Patients who take Accutane have to be closely monitored because of the possibility of severe side effects. Due to the risk of birth defects, women cannot take Accutane if they are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. The FDA has a program for all women of reproductive age taking Accutane that must be closely followed. Accutane also has an increased risk of high triglycerides and cholesterol levels, and liver problems.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid picking or squeezing pimples. Squeezing can worsen inflammation or cause infection and scarring. Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, infrared heat lamps and sunscreen, especially if you suffer from sensitive skin.
References
- Photo Credit Clay Junell: Flickr.com
