Acne is a common skin condition affecting millions of people worldwide, regardless of age, gender, and skin color. Everybody who has experienced it understands how this substantially affects their lifestyle. While mild cases can usually be managed with topical treatments, severe acne might need special attention from a dermatologist or other certified skin professional for appropriate treatment.
What Triggers Acne?
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition with swelling, redness, and pus-filled bumps that vary in severity. It is caused by sebum overproduction, an oily compound released by the skin’s sebaceous glands. This excess oil combines with dead skin cells to block pores, which results in infection of the surrounding area.
Acne can result in inflammation, acne sores, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and nodules.
Other reasons for acne include:
- Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy
- Certain medications, such as lithium and corticosteroids
- Genetics
- Stress
- Processed foods and a diet high in refined sugars
What Should You Do to Manage Severe Acne?
Here are tips for managing severe acne:
Seek the Help of an Expert
Visiting a dermatologist is your best bet. They can examine any hidden conditions causing acne breakouts through physical evaluations and tests.
For instance, they can determine if you suffer from hormonal imbalance. This allows them to prescribe appropriate medications to change your hormone levels accordingly. They might also suggest oral or topical medications to minimize inflammation and bacterial growth.
Ensure to choose a center that’s already geared up with the newest technology and materials for addressing acne. Note that some dermatologists only diagnose and recommend medications but don’t perform advanced cosmetic procedures.
Visit a Professional Esthetician
Many individuals don’t realize that acne can be managed from the inside out. Professional estheticians can help you learn how to prevent breakouts and manage existing ones.
They can teach you about appropriate skin care and cleaning techniques. They can also perform treatments such as light therapy for acne, luxury facial and peel, etc. In most cases, they also have certain products specifically formulated to help with acne.
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Practice Good Hygiene
Regularly washing your face two times daily with warm water and a gentle cleanser is important for treating acne. This helps remove excess dirt, oil, and bacteria from the skin’s surface. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this might further aggravate your skin. Remember to moisturize afterward, as this can help keep the skin hydrated and reduce dryness or flaking.
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Follow a Skin Care Regimen
It is essential to maintain a routine skin-care regimen to lessen acne breakouts and keep your skin healthy. As mentioned, clean your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day, apply an oil-free moisturizer after washing, and use sun protection of SPF 30 or higher during the day.
It also helps to use products particularly designed for acne-prone skin and prevent those that contain harsh ingredients.
What You Should Avoid
Avoid Aggravating Factors
Be aware of certain factors, such as stress and diet, that can intensify acne breakouts. While stress might not directly cause acne, it increases cortisol levels which can worsen flare-ups. Similarly, consuming a balanced diet with fewer processed foods may reduce the risk of breakouts.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), a high-glycemic diet (high in refined sugars and carbs) may intensify acne. These include:
- White rice
- White bread
- Potatoes
Avoid Too Much Sun Exposure
While some believe the sun can improve acne because it can dry up some of the oil, it can further inflame the skin. It can also cause hyperpigmentation and worsen existing blemishes. To reduce your chances of developing skin damage or burns, always protect yourself by wearing a hat and using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Avoid Picking or Squeezing Your Pimples
Picking or squeezing on pimples can result in infection, scarring, scabbing, and other problems. Instead, use gentle extractions from an expert esthetician for better results.
Avoid Harsh Products
Some harsh products have irritants that can further aggravate acne breakouts. These include:
- Alcohol
- Astringents
- Abrasives
- Fragrance
- Exfoliants
- Toners
Note that some of these substances can be present in the products or procedures performed by professionals but will be in a much lower concentration. Also, they are highly trained and use cutting-edge equipment to minimize any risk of harm or irritation.
Avoid Inappropriate Treatments
Many spa clinics offer complete cosmetic procedures, such as chemical peels, lasers, cellulite reduction therapy, and more. While it’s a breath of fresh air to have these services available whenever you need them, they might not be the effective treatment for you.
That’s why you must educate yourself on acne, its causes, and the possible treatments available according to your skin type and condition.
The Bottom Line
Acne can be problematic, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. You can handle acne breakouts and restore your confidence with the right treatment plan. Remember to follow a tidy skin care regimen, practice good hygiene, and visit your dermatologist or qualified aesthetician for help.
