Having acne can be frustrating. Blackheads and whiteheads can be painful, and they can make you feel self-conscious about the way you look. If you struggle with acne, you know how difficult it can be to try and address this skin condition.
Many people deal with acne, and while not all treatments work for everyone, there are ways to help lessen your acne.
For more severe acne issues, especially cystic acne, you may need to work with a dermatologist who offers acne treatment options. But, for those who only have more minor acne, there are some tips you can follow.
If you need some relief from painful pimples, this guide is here to help you with resources and guidance on addressing acne-prone skin.
Basic Tips To Get You Started
The American Academy of Dermatology Association offers tips for treating your skin to keep it healthy. Here are some general skincare tips to follow:
- Wash your face when you wake up and before bed. You should also wash your skin, including your body after you’ve been sweating.
- When applying cleanser to your face, use your fingertips as other methods could irritate the skin.
- Be careful not to use products that dry out the skin, as this can actually make acne even worse and lead to red, flaky skin, too.
- When you rinse your skin, make sure the water is lukewarm. If it’s too hot or cold, it can be bad for the skin.
- Contrary to popular belief, rubbing your skin vigorously can worsen acne.
- If you deal with scalp acne or have oily hair, use shampoo daily.
- Do your best not to pop or squeeze acne, as this can lead to scarring.
- Try not to touch your skin as the oils on your fingers can clog your pores.
While some of these steps might seem rather basic, it’s easy to forget simple ways you could be making acne worse without realizing it.
What Products Help Acne?
Skincare is more popular than ever these days. You’ll see many people on social media talking about various products they use to treat their acne, but the truth is that many of these products have no scientific backing.
While some might work for some people, you’re better off using products with active ingredients proven to help acne-prone skin. Here are some ingredients to try:
- Salicylic acid: This ingredient helps treat blackheads and whiteheads by unclogging pores and lessening inflammation.
- Benzoyl peroxide: This product is best for types of acne like cysts that are caused by bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide kills this kind of bacteria.
- Sulfur: This lesser-known ingredient is a good option because it can unclog pores and reduce sebum. It’s often less harsh on the skin than other options, too.
There are still many options out there, so to find the best product with the best active ingredients for you, it’s best to talk to a dermatologist.
Some Final Tips On Reducing Acne
Acne is caused by many factors such as hormones, genetics, medications, etc. What works for one person might not work for everyone. It’s also essential to keep your skin moisturized with a high-quality moisturizer as you don’t want to damage the natural protective barrier in your skin with too many harsh products.
It’s important to give your skin time to adapt. You will likely need to use a new product for at least a month before seeing any results. If you notice any concerning problems like rashes or irritation, get help from a medical professional.