Why Acne Treatments?
It’s no secret that acne can be a nightmare for anyone, leaving behind scars and blemishes. However, it’s often difficult to get the treatment you need because of your skin type or your budget. This blog post will take a look at some steps to take when deciding on an acne treatment that is right for you in order to find the suitable one.
We make a distinction between acne prevention and acne treatment. Prevention is about ensuring acne does not occur in the first place, while treatment is about addressing acne that has already happened. This article will be focusing on treatment.
The most-common acne treatments are those with salicylic acid which has been shown to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria associated with breakouts. Certain types of antibiotics have also been found effective in treating mild cases of inflammatory acne due to their anti-inflammatory properties as well as their ability to fight against Propionibacterium acnes (the bacteria that causes pimples).
Adjust Your Basic Skincare Routine
Skincare routines vary from person to person. For an individualised skin care routine based on the state of your skin, we recommend speaking to an experienced doctor or dermatologist. This is because some ingredients in skincare products may not be suitable for certain types of skin, and using the wrong skincare may actually worsen your skin. Some general tips include:
- Washing your face with a gentle cleanser
- Moisturising (once or twice will depend on your skin condition)
- Using an acne treatment with salicylic acid to fight bacteria and reduce excess oil from your pores
Reduce Stress
Many people are frequently surprised by how much stress actually affects the severity of acne, and find that when they eliminate these stress-causing factors (e.g. workload), their acne reduces.
Some opt to sleep early, drop extraneous projects that don’t benefit them, or even meditate in order to ensure that their stress levels are reduced. Others exercise, socialise, and cook/bake to relieve stress and refill their energy gauges.
As a sweet side benefit, not only will your acne reduce but you’ll feel more energised as well!
Refrain From Touching Your Face
Acne is caused by a combination of internal and external factors. While internal factors such as your genetics, amount of sleep, and stress levels are important to factor in, they are slightly more difficult to address than external factors such as what you consume, and whether you touch your face.
Your hands are in contact with many things/surfaces throughout the day. If you touch your face constantly, the bacteria from those things are then transmitted onto your face, and can potentially make your acne worse via either a build-up of bacterial waste or the introduction of external Propionibacterium acnes that increases acne outbreaks.
Even if you wash your hands frequently, you should still avoid touching your face as much as possible.
Speak To An Expert
Unfortunately, the type of skin you have is difficult to gauge from Internet trawling alone. As there are a huge number of factors going into how your skin responds to its innate environment, a very close look is needed to actually determine what type of skin you have and therefore, what kind of treatment and products you may need. With all the misinformation available online, we believe it is always best to simply speak to a certified doctor or dermatologist.
Painful, cystic acne may also require intervention to address, as they may require oral medication on top of topical creams. These oral medications should not be obtained anywhere else other than from a licensed clinic. Furthermore, acne scarring is very difficult to get rid of and is near impossible with over-the-counter products. As such, acne scar treatments may be recommended as necessary for those who desire them. Other treatments such as fillers for acne scars may be recommended as well.
In Summary
Acne is a common skin condition that can be quite frustrating to deal with. However, there are many treatments available from over the counter products to medical treatment options. The most important thing is to find the right type of treatment that fits your skin type and then stick with it until you see results. For moderate to severe cases, your doctor may recommend acne scar treatments or fillers for acne scars.
The best way to decide what acne treatment works best for you is to take an in-depth look at your symptoms and lifestyle habits. Your doctor should have plenty of information about various types of acne treatments so don’t hesitate to ask questions before deciding. It may take some time before you find something that works well for your specific needs, so be patient and keep trying new things!
