How should
people with acne care for their skin?
Clean Skin Gently
Most doctors recommend that people with acne gently wash
their skin with a mild cleanser, once in the morning and
once in the evening and after heavy exercise. Some people
with acne may try to stop outbreaks and oil production by
scrubbing their skin and using strong detergent soaps and
rough scrub pads. However, scrubbing will not improve acne;
in fact, it can make the problem worse. Patients should ask
their doctor or another health professional for advice on
the best type of cleanser to use. Patients should wash their
face from under the jaw to the hairline. It is important
that patients thoroughly rinse their skin after washing it.
Astringents are not recommended unless the skin is very
oily, and then they should be used only on oily spots.
Doctors also recommend that patients regularly shampoo their
hair. Those with oily hair may want to shampoo it every day.
Avoid Frequent Handling of the Skin
People who squeeze, pinch, or pick their blemishes risk
developing scars or dark blotches. People should avoid rubbing
and touching their skin lesions.
Shave Carefully
Men who shave and who have acne can test both electric and
safety razors to see which is more comfortable. Men who use a
safety razor should use a sharp blade and soften their beard
thoroughly with soap and water before applying shaving cream.
Nicking blemishes can be avoided by shaving lightly and only
when necessary.
Choose Cosmetics Carefully
People being treated for acne often need to change some of
the cosmetics they use. All cosmetics, such as foundation,
blush, eye shadow, and moisturizers, should be oil free.
Patients may find it difficult to apply foundation evenly during
the first few weeks of treatment because the skin may be red or
scaly, particularly with the use of topical tretinoin or Benzoyl
peroxide. Oily hair products may eventually spread over the
forehead, causing closed comedones. Products that are labelled
as noncomedogenic (do not promote the formation of closed pores)
should be used; in some people, however, even these products may
cause acne.
Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal
and Skin Diseases
Pimple, white head and black head treatment
Doctors usually recommend an OTC or prescription topical
medication for people with mild signs of acne. Topical
medicine is applied directly to the acne lesions or to the
entire area of affected skin.
Benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulphur
are the most common topical OTC medicines used to treat
acne. Each works a little differently. Benzoyl peroxide is
best at killing P. acnes and may reduce oil production.
Resorcinol, salicylic acid, and sulphur help break down
blackheads and whiteheads. Salicylic acid also helps cut
down the shedding of cells lining the follicles of the oil
glands. Topical OTC medications are available in many forms,
such as gel, lotion, cream, soap, or pad.
In some patients, OTC acne medicines may cause side
effects such as skin irritation, burning, or redness. Some
people find that the side effects lessen or go away with
continued use of the medicine. Severe or prolonged side
effects should be reported to the doctor.
OTC topical medicines are somewhat effective in treating
acne when used regularly. Patients must keep in mind that it
can take 8 weeks or more before they notice their skin looks
and feels better.
NOTE: Most drugs used to treat acne have side effects and
lose effectiveness, please see here.
Source: National Institute of Arthritis and
Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Products for the treatment of acne
We offer a variety of products for treatment of acne.
Please click here to see all
products or here for the
Dermaray UV for spot treatment of
acne (requires UVA.) |
