How to Get Rid of Damaged Acne

Effective treatments are available to help with acne.

There are several different reasons why acne develops. Breakouts can occur due to hormonal fluctuations, bacteria build-up, heredity, the overproduction of oil or when dead skin cells shed irregularly. Anyone (regardless of age) can develop acne, although acne is more common in teenagers. The good news is that acne can be treated with over-the-counter topical treatments to heal breakouts fast. For more severe episodes of acne, seek treatment from a dermatologist who can prescribe prescription-strength treatments to clear up problem skin.

Things You'll Need

• Acne medication

Instructions

1. Use a topical treatment that contains salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or sulfur to treat acne. You can purchase mild acne medications over the counter at drugstores.

2. Talk to your doctor about prescription-strength topical treatments. According to the Mayo Clinic, products derived from vitamin A (Tretinoin (Avita, Retin-A, Renova), adapalene (Differin) and tazarotene (Tazorac, Avage) can treat more severe cases of acne.

3. Ask your doctor about antibiotics to treat bacteria acne. A doctor can prescribe oral antibiotics to reduce bacteria and inflammation.

4. Consider light or laser therapy. These therapies reach the deepest layers of the skin to clear up acne without harming the surface of the skin.

5. Try microdermabrasion and dermabrasion to control acne. These treatments work by removing the top layer of blemished skin with either a rotating brush or abrasive crystal to polish the skin.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid over-washing your skin. Excessive scrubbing can aggravate acne and make it worse.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Acne Treatments and Drugs
• Mayo Clinic: Acne Definition

Resources

• Mayo Clinic: Preparing for Your Appointment