Almost all of the boys who have it at some point between the ages of 12 and 18 are prone to it, but that doesn't make it any easier to deal with.Fortunately, there are a lot of options to help you clear up your skin.
Step 1: There are over-the-counter products that contain salicylic acid.
These ingredients are approved by a dermatologist.One or a combination of these three ingredients will be used in the best commercial products.Some people can be allergic to these ingredients, which can cause dry or irritated skin.If you are concerned about having an allergic reaction to any of these ingredients, talk to your dermatologist.If you have normal or oily skin, you can use products with a high concentration of salicylic acid.Within two to three months, using products that contain all three ingredients will clear up mildAcne.You could use a leave-on cream with one or two of the ingredients.If you have sensitive skin that is prone to chapping and dry, you can still use products that contain a combination of both.There are some people who are sensitive to benzoyl peroxide.If your skin gets extra-dry using these products, look for milder strengths, such as 2.5% benzoyl peroxide instead of 10%.Clean & Clear is one of the possible over-the-counter brands.The products can be in the form of creams, cleansers, gels, and lotions.As your skin adjusts to the products, you may experience redness and dryness.If your skin is dry, apply an oil-free facial moisturizer.
Step 2: Talk to your doctor about prescription drugs.
If you use over-the-counter products for two to three months and your acne doesn't clear up, you can ask your doctor about a prescription.There are washes, wipes, masks, and leave-on gels that can be used for this treatment.Your dermatologist will suggest an application two to three times a week until you work up to once a night.Make sure your skin is clean and dry before you use the wipes on the prone areas of your back or chest.If you use a small amount of the product on your face, be prepared for it to dry out your skin as it gets used to.If your skin becomes very dry and starts to peel, you should cut down on the number of days you use the product.White pillowcases and white towels can leave white marks on colored fabrics, which is why you should buy them.After using benzoyl peroxide products, rinse your face and body.
Step 3: Ask your doctor about taking retinoids.
After two to three months of over-the-counter treatment, it is possible to take a prescription strength formula for acne, such as retinoids.Your doctor can prescribe retinoids in pill or cream form and give you information on how often you should apply them.It is possible to even out the outer layer of your skin by using retinoid products.You may be asked by your doctor to use retinoids along with prescription products to treat your skin problems.retinoids should be used every other day or twice a week to get your body used to them.If you use retinoids three to seven times a week for four to six weeks, your skin should appear more clear and even after you experience peeling on the surface.The retinoid should help with dry skin.The Differin gel is an over-the-counter retinoid.If you start treatment slowly, your body will get used to the product.
Step 4: Adding antibiotics to your treatment could be beneficial.
Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic for you.The antibiotics will kill excessbacteria and reduce redness, and can be prescribed along with a retinoid.Long-term use of antibiotics is safe, but oral antibiotics can be used just for the first few months.
Step 5: Talk to your doctor if you are taking oral medications.
If you don't see improvement with your prescription medication, your primary care doctor or dermatologist may suggest that you try an oral medication.The purpose of these products is to stop the production of oil in your skin and to prevent the growth ofbacteria that can causeAcne.There are several adverse effects for these products and you must be monitored by your dermatologist when taking this medication.Your body weight will affect the exact amount of oral medications you need.You should always wear 30 SPF or higher when going outside and avoid the sun as much as possible.Schedule regular check ups with your doctor to make sure the medication is working and not causing any adverse effects.Your doctor will keep an eye on your blood tests while you take this medication.
Step 6: Discuss other options with your doctor.
Lasers, light treatments, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels are other treatments that can help clear your skin if these methods don't work for you.These can be very effective in treating your skin problems.Ask your doctor if any of these options are right for you.
Step 7: Don't scrub, squeeze, or pick at your skin.
It's tempting to pop a zit or pick at your blemish, but doing so can cause the skin to become more inflammatory and lead to more scars.Make sure you wash the area and apply skin care products that will work to treat and heal your skin.Don't use sharp tools on your skin, even if it's advertised as a tool for removing cysts.This can lead to permanent damage to your skin that can be difficult to treat or that will require more intense skin care treatments to heal.
Step 8: Don't touch your face with your hands.
If you have a habit of resting your chin, cheek, or forehead in your hands, try not to.Try not to touch your face all day.If your hands end up on your face, it will only make your skin worse.If you have long hair or have oily hair, keep it away from your face.Oil from your hair can cause your face and neck to be more oily.Don't wear hats or baseball caps throughout the day as they can causeAcne to develop on your head.If you wear your caps and hats on a daily basis, you should wash them frequently.If your phone rests on your face, make sure it is clean.
Step 9: You should wash your face at least twice a day.
If you want to remove dead skin cells from your skin, you should wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and again at night.Use a cleansing product that contains salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or glycolic acid.When you clean your face, don't use a washcloth.If you want to massage the product into your skin, use your fingers.If you have sensitive skin, you should wash it with a gentle cleanser such as Cetaphil or Eucerin.Oil on your face can make it worse if you sweat, so you should wash it off after exercising or playing sports.
Step 10: Don't shave when necessary.
You may be tempted to start shaving if you are starting to grow facial hair.However, shaving can lead to more skin problems.You could end up nicking a pimple while shaving, which could cause inflammation.Try to shave as lightly as possible on the surface of your skin to avoid irritation.If you are using a safety razor, make your facial hair soft with warm water and soap before you shave so you don't have to press too hard on your skin.
Step 11: Don't use oil-free sunscreen.
After a day in the sun, your skin may appear better, but it can also lead to sun damage on your face.There are many products that can make your skin more vulnerable to burning.Even if it's not sunny, apply oil-free sunscreen before you go outside.If you're still trying to get used to the ingredients in a commercial product, it can dry out your skin.Oil-free and non-comedogenic moisturizers can be used to prevent skin problems.This will make sure the moisturizer doesn't irritate your skin.It's not a good idea to use moisturizers that are heavy in oils.These products will increase the amount of oil and debris on your skin and make it worse.Ask your doctor to recommend an oil-free moisturizer for you based on your skin type.