Tips to Rid Your Skin from Acne

It’s that time of year again – Time for kids and young adults far and wide to head back to the land of academia. That is to say, school days are upon us once again.

Teenagers around the country are looking in the mirror and all thinking the same exact thought: How do I get rid of these zits.

Ah, yes. Acne – the most common skin condition in the United States. It’s a wonder it’s a wonder at all. But alas, clear skin is an important feature to not only teenagers, but also many people struggling to keep their skin clear of the condition. In short, if you’re reeling from the development of acne on your face, rest assured, you’re not alone.

Common Truths about Treating Acne:

The most certain truth about pesky pimples is the myths that surround them. The most common myth is the idea that you simply have to let acne “run its course.”

False.

Dermatologists exist (in small part) to steer you away from this “lack” of action. The truth is; it’s important to treat acne so it doesn’t develop into a larger issue.

Here’s why:

• Without treatment, dark spots and permanent scars can appear on the skin as acne clears.
• Treating acne often boosts a person’s self-esteem – which is precisely what students are looking for, quite honestly.
• Many effective treatments are available. If you don’t ask, you can’t know.

Let’s take a note from the American Academy of Dermatology:

You can reduce your acne by following these skin care tips:

• Wash twice a day and after sweating. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, can make acne worse, so wash your skin as soon as possible after sweating.
• Use your fingertips to apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Using a washcloth, mesh sponge or anything else can irritate the skin.
• Be gentle with your skin. Use gentle products, such as those that are alcohol-free. Do not use products that irritate your skin, which may include astringents, toners and exfoliants. Dry, red skin makes acne appear worse.
• Scrubbing your skin can make acne worse. Avoid the temptation to scrub your skin.
• Rinse with lukewarm water.
• Shampoo regularly. If you have oily hair, shampoo daily.
• Let your skin heal naturally. If you pick, pop or squeeze your acne, your skin will take longer to clear and you increase the risk of getting acne scars.
• Keep your hands off your face. Touching your skin throughout the day can cause flare-ups.
• Stay out of the sun and tanning beds. Tanning damages your skin. Seriously. It’s a terrible, terrible thing. In addition, some acne medications make the skin very sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light, which you get from both the sun and indoor tanning devices.
  • Using tanning beds increases your risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 75 percent.
• Consult a dermatologist if:
  • Your acne makes you shy or embarrassed.
  • The products you've tried have not worked.
  • Your acne is leaving scars or darkening your skin.

Today, virtually every case of acne can be successfully treated. Dermatologists like us here at Dermatology & Skin Health in Dover, NH, can help treat existing acne, prevent new breakouts and reduce your chance of developing scars. If you have questions or concerns about caring for your skin, you should make an appointment or schedule a quick consultation today!