How to Improve Acne

According to the Acne Global Alliance, acne is more than an unsightly inconvenience. Acne is a chronic disease that researchers at the Alliance say affects nearly 85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24, and continues to affect a significant number of adults. Physical and emotional discomfort from acne results in almost 30 percent of the visits to dermatologists. However, there are a number of steps that can be taken to improve acne, avoid the scarring sometimes associated with the condition and treat existing breakouts.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mild cleanser
• Over-the-counter acne medications
• Antibiotics
• Prescription creams

1. Wash your face no more than twice a day with a mild cleanser. The Mayo Clinic reports that mild cases of acne can be prevented by paying attention to washing habits. Too much cleaning can irritate the skin.

2. Use over-the-counter acne medications that contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, lactic acid or resorcinol to treat mild cases of acne. The active ingredients in the creams and lotions dry up the oil in the skin, help to prevent bacteria from settling and promote sloughing off of dead skin cells. Stronger anti-acne creams that contain tretinoin or adapalene are available by prescription and prevent hair follicles from plugging up.

3. Seek treatment from a dermatologist if you have a persistent problem with acne that turns into cysts. Early treatment can help to prevent scarring when the cysts heal. Consider seeing a dermatologist if your acne problems are causing emotional stress as well.

4. Take antibiotics for mild to severe cases of acne to ward off the bacteria and decrease inflammation. Oftentimes, dermatologists will prescribe a combination of antibiotics and topical creams.

5. Treat active acne and resulting acne scars with light therapy or lasers that work on the deeper layers of the skin. The therapies available through many dermatologists and cosmetic skin specialists target the subcutaneous oil glands and the bacteria that may be lying below the skin's surface. They can improve skin texture while lessening the scar damage.

6. Consider a cosmetic procedure such as dermabrasion or a chemical peel to reduce the effects of acne and improve your appearance. According to the Mayo Clinic, while these procedures are more commonly used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and facial scars, they can be highly effective in treating acne.

Tips & Warnings

• Shower immediately after exercise. Sweat can trap dirt and bacteria on the skin and lead to breakouts, according to the Mayo Clinic.
• Avoid irritants that can clog pores and deposit bacteria on skin that is sensitive to acne breakouts. Wear oil-free makeup and sunscreen. Watch for contaminated surfaces and don't touch your face with dirty hands. Keep hair clean and off the face and avoid tight clothing that can trap sweat.

References

• Acne Global Alliance
• Mayo Clinic

Resources

• Cure Guide