Pre-teens and teenagers are often faced with the task of managing their skin care to treat and prevent acne. For many people, this ongoing maintenance continues into adulthood. Early treatment and prevention are the best ways to keep acne concerns under control, but picking at bumps and popping pimples can further worsen the appearance of the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) offers many tips on managing acne at home for the average person.
One of the first steps to treating acne is keeping the skin clean; it is recommended to wash your face twice daily and after sweating (such as exercise) with a gentle cleanser. When washing, use your finger tips to gently clean, but avoid frequent and aggressive scrubbing as this may lead to further irritation. Using a daily moisturizer on the face can prevent oil build up and including a product with SPF will protect from skin damage caused by UV rays, even on cloudy days. Cleaning and/or changing your pillow case and sheets at least once a week will prevent build up of bacteria, oils, and dirt that can lead to worsening acne. If there are blackheads or pimples affecting the back and shoulders, wear loose fighting and sweat wicking clothes when working out, and be sure to shower after sweating to prevent buildup. Objects frequently rubbing against or touching the back (such as heavy backpacks) can cause more irritation and lesions.
When selecting products for daily skin maintenance, look for products specifically labeled that don’t cause acne: “non-comedogenic” “non-acnegenic” “oil-free” and “won’t clog pores” are some of the labels you may see on these products. For acne treatment, there are three main ingredients to look for according to the AAD:
Benzoyl peroxide - helps decrease specific bacteria that may cause pimples and acne
Retinoids (such as adapalene) - unclogs pores and decreases excessive oiliness
Salicylic acid - decreases inflammation and unclogs pores.
Start with one product to focus on your biggest skin concern. It may take up to 4-6 weeks to see significant improvement; if needed you may add a second product if at that time you are still having concerns. Some people may have sensitive skin and may experience dryness or discomfort; if this occurs, please decrease use of the product or may be seen by your medical provider for further evaluation. If you are still experiencing skin care or acne concerns despite at home management, there are other medications and evaluations that may be needed. Call our office to set up a consult, or see your dermatologist for further assistance!
American Academy of Dermatology. (November 16, 2022). Acne: Tips for managing. Source: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/skin-care/tips