How to Get Rid of Acne
Acne is a broad term covering blemishes, pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. Even though acne is more known to be a problem amongst teenagers, this condition can strike at any age. While there are many preventative measures you can take to avoid acne, here's how to treat existing acne.
Steps
- Unclog your pores with salicylic acid. Acne begins to form when pores get clogged with a "plug" of keratin and sebum. Salicylic acid loosens the plug by softening the keratin (it's a keratolytic). Make sure you use sunblock simultaneously, however, because salicylic acid makes your skin more sensitive to UV light.
- This is also why it's not good to wash or exfoliate your face too much. Not only does it irritate your skin, but it also creates extra dead skin, which can plug up your pores.
- Kill the bacteria that aggravates acne. Bacteria naturally occurs on your skin and throughout your body; one such bacterium is Propionibacterium acnes, which is normally harmless. When your pores get clogged, however, more of these bacteria start to grow in there, producing chemicals that break down the wall of the pore and play a big role in the formation of what we recognize is a pimple. By wiping out these bacteria, you can also get rid of acne. Here are some ways to do that:
- Use a gel, cream, or soap containing benzoyl peroxide twice a day. Benzoyl peroxide is a "bactericide" that's particularly effective against Propionibacterium acnes. The drawback is that it often irritates your skin, resulting in dryness and redness, so you should supplement this treatment with a non-comedogenic moisturizer. If your skin still gets irritated, use a product with a lower concentration. Also be careful when using it, as benzoyl peroxide bleaches fabric and hair.
- Look for products with triclosan or chlorhexidine gluconate, which also kill Propionibacterium acnes. They are less effective than benzoyl peroxide, but they are gentler on your skin.
- Clove oil has also been shown to be effective against Propionibacterium acnes.
- Look for treatments with sulfur and sodium sulfacetamide as their active ingredients. This combination (in concentrations of 5% and 10% respectively) has been shown to reduce acne with only mild side effects. While the exact way in which sulfur reduces acne is unknown, it is known to be a keratolytic, like salicylic acid.
- Be consistent and patient. Most acne treatments take time to work. It usually takes between two and eight weeks before you see any significant improvement, so you are going to have to maintain a routine.
- Acne medications may cause your skin to initially break out worse than before because all FDA-approved acne medications (benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur) are causing your skin to regenerate faster. This brings existing acne pimples already under your skin (but not visible yet) to the surface, which in turn causes a massive but fortunately temporary break out. Give the medications time to work and stick with them through this potentially discouraging phase.
- If you're going to pop your pimples, learn how to pop them correctly. The reason you're not supposed to pop pimples is that anytime you deliberately break your skin, you risk creating a scar or infection through the break in the skin. If a pimple appears in a particularly bothersome place, learn how to target a single pimple. But if you're determined to pop, learn how to pop a pimple safely and properly.
- Consult a dermatologist. There are many effective treatments which are only available with a prescription, since the side effects can be harmful. For example, mild antibiotics can help reduce acne but its overuse (taking antibiotics when you really don't need them or for something they don't treat) and misuse (not taking medication for the specified amount of time) can lead to the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria (which translates into especially stubborn, untreatable acne).
Tips
- While it's true that UV light can be effective against acne (particularly against bacteria) it is also effective in creating skin cancer and wrinkles! So don't use tanning as acne treatment (especially in combination with salicylic acid!). There is a form of phototherapy that is effective against acne without exposing your skin to UV rays. Ask your dermatologist about it.
- Also make sure to change your pillowcase every couple of days. Dirt, oil and germs stick to pillowcases just like they would to a paper towel. And since you spend a third of your day with your face on that fabric, you definitely want it to be clean.
Warnings
- If you are pregnant (and pregnant women often get acne) consult your doctor before using any over-the-counter product.
