Acne is a skin disease that is caused when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oil. This can cause pimples and nodules to develop on the skin. Acne doesn’t just impact your skin but can also cause scarring and discoloration. Even mild acne can leave behind some discoloration and facial scars. Hence, it is important to address them.
Understanding Acne Treatments
Acne treatments work by reducing oil production, killing bacteria, and unclogging pores. Some treatments work better than others, so it is important to talk to your dermatologist about the right acne treatment for you. While treatment methods differ among individual cases, common treatments include the following:
- Topical medications:If you have moderate to severe acne, your doctor may prescribe a topical medication that contains sulfur, retinoids, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide to treat your skin. Topical medications are applied directly to your skin.
- Oral medications: Patients with severe acne may benefit from oral antibiotics like doxycycline, minocycline, or tetracycline to reduce the severity of acne.
- Chemical peels: Chemical peels are used to treat acne, particularly acne scarring and discoloration. These peels use trichloroacetic acid (TCA) or salicylic acid (SA) to exfoliate the skin. TCA and SA penetrate the top layer of skin, removing dead skin cells and impurities such as sebum, makeup, and bacteria. Chemical peels are effective in improving the tone and texture of your skin.
- Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion involves gently exfoliating the top layer of your skin with a mechanical device that sprays tiny crystals across the skin. This treatment helps remove dead skin cells and stimulate collagen growth. The treatment promotes skin renewal and refreshes the skin’s appearance.
- Laser Resurfacing:For persistent acne, a laser resurfacing procedure may help treat acne lesions. Laser resurfacing works by vaporizing layers of skin, which can reduce the appearance of acne lesions.
Tips For Acne Skin Care
- Choose gentle cleanser
Like any other skin disease, acne can be aggravated by excessive scrubbing. Avoid using harsh cleansers or products containing alcohol on your acne-prone skin. Products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are usually safe. If acne causes your skin to become excessively dry, try finding a gentle cleanser containing moisturizing ingredients like ceramide, jojoba oil, or hyaluronic acid.
- Apply moisturizer
Skin that is well moisturized will be healthier, smoother, and less prone to wrinkles. Regularly applying moisturizer will also keep your skin hydrated. For acne, the gentlest moisturizer possible is best. Look for a moisturizer that is noncomedogenic. This means it won’t clog your pores, which can help prevent breakouts.
- Avoid picking or popping pimples
When you pop a pimple, you run the risk of spreading bacteria and causing more breakouts. Picking or popping pimples can also cause scars. The best way to treat acne is to visit your dental care provider. They can create an anti-acne treatment plan to address the root cause of your skin issues.
- Wear sunscreen daily
Wear sunscreen daily. This is one of the best ways to protect your skin. Choose a day moisturizer with an SPF of at least 15. Reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating, or directly after toweling off. UV rays can damage the surface of your skin, making it rough and discolored.
- Stop using tanning beds
Tanning beds can cause skin damage, scarring, wrinkles, and skin cancer. Tanning beds are a big no for people with acne. This is because tanning beds cause the skin to inflame, which can lead to breakouts. Tanning beds can also irritate the skin and trigger breakouts.
- Consider cosmetic procedures to fix scars
Cosmetic procedures like microdermabrasion and chemical peels can help to reduce the appearance of acne scars. However, it’s important to know that acne scar removal procedures don’t actually get rid of scars. Instead, they help to lessen their appearance.
- See your dermatologist for regular skin checks
It’s important to take care of your skin. You should visit your dermatologist for regular skin checks. Your dermatologist can help you identify potential skin conditions early before they develop into something that’s harder to treat.
If you have acne, reach out to Arizona Skin today by calling us at (623) 259-4372. We have been serving Surprise, AZ, with state-of-the-art skincare for years. Our compassionate team of seasoned professionals is here to help guide you every step of the way.