5 Tips to Keep Acne Under Control
Whether you are an adult or a teenager, nothing is as frustrating as waking up to blemishes and pimples on the face. Acne may not be a serious health condition, but it can take a toll on you emotionally and socially.
Some things that cause acne to break out are hormonal fluctuations resulting in excess oil secretion, bacterial infection leading to skin inflammation, or clogged hair follicles. Acne can come in the form of cysts, blackheads, or whiteheads.
Here are several tips to help you keep acne under control.
1. Wash Your Face Properly
Whether you have acne or not, you should wash your face twice daily to get rid of dirt, excess oil, dead skin, sweat, and other impurities on the skin surface. If you don’t wash your face, dirt may build up and clog the skin’s pores. Stick to washing your face twice daily as doing it more frequently can worsen the acne.
Use tepid water and an appropriate cleanser to wash your face. The cleanser should be mild to avoid causing more damage to the already inflamed skin. Gently wash your face with your fingers, and then use a clean towel to pat your skin dry.
2. Moisturize Your Skin
Most body lotions contain synthetic fragrances, oils, and other ingredients that dry the skin and cause acne. Always moisturize your skin to keep the skin hydrated and prevent peeling. An oil-free moisturizer keeps the skin balanced and reduces the risk of pimples.
Don’t forget to check for products labeled “non-comedogenic,” which means they do not cause acne. These products are best for dry and oily skin and will work wonders if you use them every time you wash your face.
3. Keep Off the Sun
While basking in the sun may seem harmless, you must not overdo it to protect your skin against the sun’s UV rays. Too much exposure may lead to dry skin and trigger more oil production that blocks the skin pores. Ideally, limit your sun’s exposure to hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Clothes that cover the skin, such as long-sleeved shirts, shirts, and hats, also go a long way in protecting the skin. Also, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains an SPF of 30 or more, at least 15 to 30 minutes before stepping outdoors.
Anti-fungal medications and certain antibiotics raise the skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so try as much as you can to limit your exposure to the sun when you are using these drugs. The sun is also not a good idea when you are taking tretinoin, the acne treatment medication. If you must go into the sun, ensure that you combine it with sunscreen.
Speaking of sunscreen, always look for “non-comedogenic” on the sunscreen label.
4. Eat a Healthy Diet
Less consumption of refined carbohydrates and sugars suppresses acne breakouts. Keep off white flour baked goods, soft drinks, and fast foods if you want to combat acne successfully. Also, consume dairy products less often to avoid worsening the acne condition. Eat your way to clearer skin by consuming more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
5. Use Antibiotic
Antibiotics help reduce skin inflammation. Fortunately, they don’t require any prescription. Most over-the-counter acne drugs usually comprise glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide and help prevent bacteria and skin dehydration. You can take the antibiotics orally or apply them topically on the skin. Proceed with caution if you have sensitive skin, though.
If you need more information on acne prevention or treatment, contact East Carolina Dermatology and Skin Surgery, PLLC. We have the expertise to clear up acne and restore smooth, radiant, and beautiful skin.