Common Acne Myths and Possible Treatment Solutions

Jun 01, 2020

When treating acne, every procedure will vary according to your skin. Acne may leave scars on your face. Consulting your dermatologist at the early stages of your skin breakouts can prevent future scarring on your skin.

Skincare is not as complicated as many people think. With the right products and a skin specialist, you can have radiant and acne-free skin. These breakouts can appear on your chest, face, neck, or back and interfere with your self-confidence, moods, and they can also be painful.

Acne Treatment Myths

Use of Toothpaste

Applying toothpaste on your pimple does not treat where the acne is forming. It takes about 2 months for it to develop. Toothpaste only blocks the pores from opening.

Long Hours in The Sun

Sitting in the sun for extended periods decreases your skin immunity. Too much sunlight increases the production of sebum, which may lead to increased acne production. It may also cause other forms of skin defects, such as skin cancer.

Cleaning Your Face

Most people believe that washing your face a few times a day will prevent acne formation. Acne is caused by various factors such as hormonal imbalance, stress, and genes. Washing your face only removes bacteria. Treating acne from its source is the most effective method.

Treatment Solutions

A treatment solution for your skin depends on the acne condition. It could range from mild, moderate to inflammatory acne. Mild acne comprises of black and white heads, but with moderate acne, the pimples are more pronounced. Inflammatory acne is more extensive, painful, and filled with pus.

Before the treatment, our dermatologists at Marta Recansen’s MediSpa examine your type of acne.

Mild Acne

One can use over counter drugs to treat the condition. You can also seek help from your dermatologist. Management options include the use of creams, soaps, and lotions used on the skin. While choosing over the counter drugs, select those that go with your skin type.

For those with sensitive skin, avoid alcohol-based products on dry skin. However, they are good for oily skin. Other ingredients to watch out for include the following:

  • Sulfur eradicates dead cells.
  • Resorcinol breaks down whiteheads and blackheads and disinfects the skin. Before using it, inform your dermatologist of any allergies, and, if used on children, it should be in small doses.
  • Spironolactone lowers the production of androgen, thus controlling acne breakouts. The pills are taken at specific time.
  • Salicylic acid opens skin pores and stops lesions from forming. It can cause dry skin if overused and is more effective when used with a toner or a moisturizer.
  • Benzoyl peroxide removes excess skin oil and terminates bacteria. You are supposed to use products that have this compound at 2 percent or less. Small concentrations are usually preferred since it may be tougher on your skin if used in stronger concentrations.
  • Azelaic acid reduces bacteria development and prevents sebum ejections. It can be used on sensitive skin or when you are pregnant.

When using these products, avoid those that irritate your skin. It’s advisable you start with less concentrated products before moving up to stronger ones. Check for any side effects that may occur, and visit your dermatologist if they become serious.

Moderate and Severe Acne

These types of acne have to be treated by a dermatologist. They may prescribe stronger over counter drugs or perform other treatment procedures. Some of these procedures are as follows,

Antibiotics Prescription

They are usually prescribed for about six months. The antibiotics used are oral, and they decrease inflammation and prevent bacteria growth. As the acne reduces, the dosage also has to be reduced. If the first prescription proves not to be effective, another antibiotic is introduced.

Topical Antimicrobials

They include topical retinoids, which are removed from Vitamin A. Topical antimicrobials open up the skin pores and stop the development of whiteheads and blackheads. Some of the retinoids that are usually prescribed include tretinoins, adapalene, and tazarotene.

Oral Contraceptives

They help by restraining the over-reactive gland. Before settling for this treatment, visit your gynecologist for examination. Women who have records of migraines, smoking habits, are above 35 years or have a blood clot disorder are advised not to use this treatment.

Corticosteroid Injection

This method is used mostly when the acne becomes inflamed to the point of rapturing, such that it may cause scarring. This may be treated by injecting diluted corticosteroid. It stops scarring and speeds up the healing process.

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