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Contrary to appearances, acne is not a sentence, but the most common skin disease. It is estimated that 80 percent. of us struggle with it at different stages of life. Just like any dermatosis, it requires treatment, and the key to success is cooperation with a dermatologist. We advise how to fight it.
First: diagnosis
Let’s start with a few facts, acne is not an aesthetic defect, but a chronic skin disease with uncontrolled exacerbations and unpredictable relapses that requires treatment. In the case of diabetes or high blood pressure, do you hope that they will pass by themselves? Or worse, you reach for home remedies? No – you visit the doctor. If you have acne, you should see a dermatologist.
Treatment is aimed at eliminating or alleviating symptoms and preventing complications, especially scarring, and its method depends primarily on the severity of the lesions. In mild acne, treatment with topical preparations with anti-seborrhoeic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-comedogenic properties is sufficient. Topical treatments include mainly retinoids, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics. In people with moderate or severe disease, it is necessary to introduce general treatment: antibiotics or oral retinoids.
Second: control
We won’t cheat you: Acne treatment is a lengthy process. It requires systematic, persistent and proper skin care. Improvement after treatment does not guarantee that we will get rid of the disease once and for all. Sometimes, after discontinuing therapy, the changes may gradually return, so doctors often recommend supportive treatment. Therefore, watch your skin and act before it is too late. Even in the era of a pandemic, you can make an appointment at the office, with all safety measures in place. Or take advantage of teleportation – a dermatologist will tell you remotely how to take care of your skin and what medications to take (most often the patient receives an e-prescription).
Third: don’t nibble, touch or squeeze!
Why? Kneading or squeezing blackheads, lumps or pustules only increases the local inflammation and increases the risk of their secondary superinfection. What’s more, it can lead to the spread of lesions, as well as the formation of unsightly scars and discoloration. If you are considering cleansing your skin, go to an experienced cosmetologist who will remove blackheads properly.
Fourth: don’t experiment
We don’t need a whole pile of cosmetics to care for acne-prone skin. It is not worth investing in “news” advertised in colorful magazines or recommended by influencers. If you thought that the homemade cinnamon mask would be a miracle cure for acne, you are also wrong. The best solution is to use specialized dermocosmetics, available in pharmacies. Their properly developed formulas perfectly complement each other, bringing faster and more effective results.
The basic set should contain an appropriately selected preparation for washing and cleansing as well as a cream, emulsion or gel with a protective and moisturizing effect. It is always worth asking a dermatologist for help in choosing the right cosmetics. And one more thing: acne skin should be handled gently – it is a mistake to wash your face too often, use alkaline soaps or tonics containing alcohol. All aggressive treatments can only worsen your skin condition.
Fifth: less is more
The aforementioned principle will also work well for your everyday makeup. Many people struggling with acne unnecessarily try to hide under it using thick and covering foundations. This is a mistake that can lead to exacerbation of changes and even extend the duration of therapy. You do not have to give up makeup, as long as you reach for hypoallergenic, light foundations that do not clog pores.
Sixth: watch out for the sun
Yes – UV rays may slightly improve the appearance of acne prone skin at first, but disappointment comes fairly quickly. The sun dries out the skin which, while protecting itself against drying, increases the secretion of sebum, which promotes the formation of blackheads, and then lumps and pustules. In addition, overexposure to solar radiation increases the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and is the main culprit of photoaging. Therefore, dose the sun in moderation and always use high-filter creams with a light consistency.