Many of my adult patients continue to suffer from acne long after they leave their teen years behind. In reality, people of all ages have breakouts. It doesn’t matter when you get it, the question I hear most often is “how do I get rid of it?” You’ve already discovered that wishing it away won’t work. You may not be able to completely eliminate every breakout, but you can minimize them and maintain clearer skin. Keep in mind, it’s not just one and done, but rather controlling acne breakouts requires dedication to a treatment plan.
Daily routine
It is important to have a good daily skin care routine. This includes washing your face twice a day to remove dead skin cells, extra oil, and impurities from your skin. It’s best to use warm water and a gentle, facial cleanser. It’s also important to wash your hands before washing your face. Avoid scrubbing, and don’t use harsh cleansers. Exfoliators are often harsh, which has them causing more damage to your skin than doing you any good. You’ll want to check with us to help you choose the right one for you and to determine how often to use it. Follow with appropriate moisturizer and sunscreen.
Products
Most patients start with over-the-counter topical creams and washes. There are many available products containing benzoyl peroxide, which comes in varying strengths (2% up to 12%). Basically, these help kill bacteria on the skin, unplug oil ducts, and heal some smaller acne lesions. But, when these don’t work or don’t do enough, it’s time to see us.
Consistency is key
Overcoming acne often takes time and may involve trial and error. Some treatments may not work well for your skin while others will give you the desired results if given enough time. Have patience. Work with us to create a complete plan that caters to your unique skin care needs.
Here for your dermatological needs
Talk with us about what you can do to minimize flare ups. To learn more about how to reduce acne breakouts or to schedule a consultation, please feel free to contact us to make an appointment.