If you have acne and you can't get rid of it, it may be because your acne-treatment isn't working.
You may have already spent a lot of money on acne treatments, but don't give up just yet.
The good news on acne is that there are effective acne treatments available, so you don't have to put up with acne.
What Exactly Is Acne Anyway?
Simple really, and it has very little to do with diet and hygiene. Everyone's skin produces an oily substance called sebum which moisturises the skin.
During adolescence the increase in hormones causes a temporary increase in sebum production, and there may be a blockage due to the follicles being more sticky than usual.
So if the sebum stays below the skin, it becomes a whitehead. If it reaches the air the sebum changes color, and becomes a blackhead. If the tissue becomes red and inflamed then it is likely that bacteria has entered the pore.
It is also possible that some medications like steroids, or heavy oil based makeup can either cause acne or aggravate an existing condition. And heavy scrubbing won't help - but it will make it worse.
Acne Skin Care
Learn to look after your skin and reduce the likelihood of acne with these simple steps
- use oil-free make up
- apply your acne treatment all over your face - not just on spots
- wash your face twice a day with mild soap and water, pat dry
- never squeeze blackheads or pimples - it will make them worse. Use a blackhead removal tool
Topical Acne Treatments
Topical acne treatments are usually a gel, lotion or oitment; and you won't need a prescription to buy them. One of the most effective ingredients is benzoyl peroxide, which is used to stop the growth of bacteria.
Different products use different concentrations so you may need to experiment with different products to find what suits you.
Other ingredients such as sulphur, salicylic acid, resorcinol and azelaic acid are used to try and unblock the pores. Again, different products use different concentrations of these ingredients so their effectiveness will vary with your acne condition.
Acne treatments work by preventing acne from forming, so they won't get rid of acne overnight. They need time to work, up to six or eight weeks. Remember to apply your acne treatment on clear and unaffected skin - not just the spots.
Prescription Acne Treatments
If your good skin care treatment combined with an over the counter treatment fails, you may have to see a doctor for a prescription acne treatment. Topical retinoids and antibiotics are usually effective in most stubborn cases. Talk to your doctor.
If all else fails, an oral retinoid such as isotretinoin is known to have a very high success rate. It is strictly available on prescription in brands such as Roaccutane and Oratane, amongst others.
There may be severe side effects with these drugs for some people, so ask your doctor.
The good news is that, for most people, acne can be a thing of the past.
Anthony Bule has suffered from acne, as have his two daughters. He writes on acne treatments at www.understand-acne.com | |
