Although acne is typically associated with teenagers, the truth is that it can occur at any time.
“It’s not as if you’re turning 20 and then your acne has gone away,” claims Anna Axelson, M.D. dermatologist working at Henry Ford Health. “In fact, acne can occur due to a myriad of causes that include factors related to lifestyle, genetics and fluctuations in hormonal levels.”
What is Acne, Really?
Acne is among the most frequent skin problem across the United States, affecting more than 50 million Americans every year. However, the majority of us don’t know what it is.
“Acne” refers to a variety of things “acne” is applicable to anything from common blackheads and whiteheads (comedones) to more pronounced cysts and painful papules.
“Red or raised lesions develop due to excessive dirt and dead cells get trapped in pores which trigger the body’s natural inflammation response,” Dr. Axelson says. “Hormonal influences can also have a significant impact and are a major reason why women might experience acne during menstrual cycles or during pregnancy, and also around the time of menopausal.”
Do’s and dont’s of skincare untuk jerawat
It is essential to stay ahead of acne in order to manage it effectively which starts with a skincare regimen created to help keep the excess bacteria and oil at bay. These are the Dr. Axelson’s rules of thumb and do’s to treat acne-prone skin.
Make sure you keep it spotless.
Wash your skin twice a day (no more, no less). It is possible to select one that contains active ingredients. Gentle cleansers that do not contain active ingredients can also be helpful and can help reduce the irritation that can occur when using acne treatments. To get rid of old skin cells try using an exfoliating cleanser every day or twice a week.
Look for active ingredients.
Active ingredients that you pick will depend on the type of acne you suffer from and the type of skin you have. Doctors generally recommend cleanser and acne treatments with at least 4 active ingredients
Benzoyl peroxide
Salicylic acid
Adapalene
Retinol
All of the ingredients dry the skin and prevents acne from forming. Dr. Axelson recommends a benzoyl peroxide cleanser to use in the morning, and an adapalene or retinol cleanser in the evening.
Always wear SPF.
The most effective way to take care of your skin — regardless of whether you suffer from acne or not — is to put on broad-spectrum, oil-free sunscreen every day. It’s especially important to wear sunscreen for acne sufferers because ingredients such as retinol, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide cause your skin to be more sensitive to sun. Sunscreen can also reduce the marks or redness that can remain after healing of acne.
Do moisturize
It might seem odd to apply a moisturizer to skin that’s already oily however, acne treatments dry and it’s crucial to keep your skin hydrated and help maintain its natural barrier. Be sure to select the moisturizer with the label “noncomedogenic” and oil-free. This means it won’t block pores or trigger breakouts.
Don’t over-exfoliate
While it’s tempting to get rid of acne excessively, it can cause skin to lose natural oils, causing acne and cause more irritation.
Do not expect results right away.
It is unlikely to see any significant effects from a new item for at minimum about six or eight weeks. Don’t give up too early!
Don’t wear a lot of makeup.
The makeup can block pores and cause breakouts, especially if the product is heavily based on oil and is heavy. They also create a barrier for your skin’s pores to breath.
Don’t pop your pimples.
Picking your pimples and popping them can make the appearance of a pimple that is small more prominent, it may delay healing and increase the chance of scarring.
How To Manage Acne
A well-executed skin care routine can minimize the signs of acne and help prevent breakouts from occurring. However, there isn’t a solution to acne that is quick and easy. It could take as long as three months to see visible changes to your skin due to the introduction of a new product. It’s important to adhere to a consistent routine to treat acne, not only when you see an outbreak of acne.
If you’re suffering from difficult-to-treat acne and the over-the-counter remedies don’t work visit an expert dermatologist. “It’s essential to be proactive when it comes to treating acne so that you’re not prone to the kind of acne that could result in the formation of scars,” Dr. Axelson states.
Discuss with your dermatologist how to develop a routine that your skin is able to accept, including at-home options like peels or microneedling, laser treatments and prescription drugs. A routine of dermatologist-approved treatments should put you on the path to clearer skin.