Acne – we all have to deal with it. From the young, to the not so young. Oily skin? Dry skin? Here are a list of do’s and don’ts to help you deal with acne… and of course, just like anything else, be sure to speak with your skincare doctor!
Do’s
• Use skincare products that will not ‘clog pores’, they are usually described as ‘oil-free’ and/or ‘non-comedogenic’ on the package.
• Skin care should include: a mild cleanser and application of a non-comedogenic sunscreen on sun-exposed surfaces.
• Gently wash your face twice a day using mild face cleanser and pat dry.
• When you are washing your face, be sure you take the time to remove all of your makeup.
• Be patient! Treatment may take a few weeks to start having useful effects.
• Remember that most of the over the counter treatments only work by preventing new comedones, and you may need to wait for your existing acne to subside, rather than truly seen them rapidly treated.
• Some acne products can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight and ultraviolet light, so use protective clothing and sunscreens and avoid tanning booths.
• If irritation, dryness and peeling occur, an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer can be applied before using your treatment cream.
• If your skin is getting too irritated, red or dry while undergoing a topical treatment, then start using them every other day. It takes time for your skin to adapt to your new medicines. You may also consider decreasing the contact time by washing the cream off after a few hours of application.
• If you have long hair that touches your face, be sure to wash it frequently enough to keep oil away. Also wash your face after you’ve been exercising hard and sweating a lot. And try not to touch your face throughout the day.
Dont’s
• Avoid thick, greasy make-up over affected areas. Some make-up is acceptable but try to choose “non-comedogenic” cosmetics if possible.
• Resist the temptation to pick at your acne. This can cause the area to spread and become more inflamed and therefore more likely to scar.
• Do not use harsh soaps when washing your face. Vigorously washing and scrubbing will irritate your skin and only make acne worse.
• Avoid things that may aggravate your acne such as oils, airborne grease, irritating clothing etc…
• Avoid covering yourself with thick layers of make up, and if you do, wash it off as soon as you can, certainly do not leave on overnight.
• Avoid strongly fragranced or alcohol based products.
• Avoid from hair sprays or gels, try to keep them away from your face, as they can also clog up pores.
• Acne isn’t really helped by the sun, either. Although a suntan can temporarily make acne look less severe, it won’t help it go away permanently. So don’t soak up those rays – either under the sun or from a tanning bed – in an effort to help your skin.
• Avoid wearing hats or headbands that rub on your forehead, since this can also make acne worse.
• Avoid touching your face a lot, as your hands have oil on them and this can make acne worse.
IMPORTANT
Individual pimples can take up to 2 or 3 months to form even though they may appear to “pop-up” overnight. Thus, although there is often some initial improvement in the first few weeks after starting a new treatment, it takes at least 2-3 months of regular use before you can assess the full benefit of any acne treatment.
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