How to Lose Your Acne
Almost everybody gets acne at one time or another, but some people seem to have a hard time getting it to go away. Treating mild acne requires good hygiene and over-the-counter medication. Treating more severe cases requires the help of a family doctor or dermatologist, and careful use of the medicine they prescribe.
Instructions
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Do It Yourself
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Wash your face when you wake up and go to bed. Use mild soap, warm water and your hands. Washing in this way removes dirt, oil and bacteria without over-drying the skin. Washing too much and using scrubbing products can make acne worse.
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Try drugstore acne medicine. Lotions are best, and look for products that contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid and lactic acid. Avoid harsh products such as astringents; like scrubbing products, they can grate on the skin and make acne worse.
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Prevent future outbreaks. Medicine can help the acne you have go away, but it's up to you to help keep it from coming back. Keep your face and hair clean, avoid touching your face or letting things rest on it, and pay attention to oil, dirt and sweat. They all contribute to acne.
Get Help From A Doctor
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Keep track of the time. If over-the-counter medicine and skin care don't clear acne within a few weeks, call your doctor. Your family doctor may refer you to a dermatologist, or may start you on prescription-strength remedies.
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Use care with prescription lotions and creams. Though these look and feel similar to the drugstore kind, they're much stronger and can cause burning and peeling. Follow your doctor's directions exactly, especially the parts about dosage and the amount of time you can safely leave the medicine on your skin.
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See a dermatologist. If prescription lotions don't work within a few weeks, you may need more specialized help. Dermatologists are skin specialists, and they treat acne every day. Treatments for mild to severe acne include antibiotics, the powerful drug isotretonin, laser therapy, light therapy and cosmetic procedures such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
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