There are a variety of issues that can lead to acne. For example, hormones that lead to overproduction of skin oils. This can keep dead skin cells from shedding, causing a blockage of hair follicles and accumulation of bacteria. This is just one of many other ways that acne can start appearing, but the question is: how can you minimize this process to treat the acne already showing up on your skin?
Taking Care of Acne on Your Own
Even if your skin is very oily, you don’t want to use an incredibly harsh and drying cleanser. When cleansing, don’t scrub your skin or use abrasive or greasy products because they can irritate your skin and make the situation worse.
Instead, in order to unclog pores, use cleansers that are gentle on your skin. Water-based products are some of the best options for your skin care.
You could also try using some over-the-counter medicines. Some may work quicker than others, but most medications require a few weeks to a few months of consistent application before you see results. Benzoyl peroxide is an effective ingredient in many of these products and medications. However, due to its drying properties, ensure there are weaker concentrations of it if you have dry skin and stronger concentrations if you have oily skin.
Treatment via Dermatologist
Although there are general ways to treat acne by yourself, the smartest method of treatment is to seek the help of a board-certified dermatologist. This is especially the case if your at-home treatment has not been improving your acne. Dermatologists have been trained to better understand your skin and can suggest the perfect treatment for your specific type of acne.
Dermatologists will often prescribe topical treatments (also known as external treatments) in the form of cleansers, gels, or creams. Your dermatologist may also give you oral prescriptions to help balance out hormones.
There are also several different procedures available to help treat acne. Blue light treatments can be effective, but are sometimes considered cosmetic and not covered by insurance. The removal of acne scars is possible through laser resurfacing, chemical peels, or other procedures.
