If you or your child have been struggling with acne, it does not have to be an uphill battle. While an occasional breakout may not require treatment from a dermatologist, if acne tends to persist or reappear after at home treatments, it's best to make an appointment with a skin doctor. Listen to the dermatologist, and consider the following "Dos and Don'ts" for controlling acne-prone skin:
1. DO Understand That Acne May Begin at an Early Age
Although it's more common for adolescents and young adults to develop acne, children may also develop this skin condition. Doctors do treat pre-teens with acne problems as well. As a parent, you should recognize the symptoms of a potential problem, such as skin blemishes that do not clear up or that keep coming back. Don't dismiss this as a "one time thing." If your 11-year old child has shown signs of acne, make an appointment with a dermatologist that treats patients of all ages.
2. DON'T Delay In Seeking Treatment for Adult Acne
A severe case of acne is not likely to clear up or go away without following some type of treatment program. If your stubborn acne is not treated at the onset, you could develop some nasty scarring later. This is especially true for those individuals who tend to pick at their blemishes. Seeking early professional dermatological treatment is the best course of action in order to prevent future breakouts and possible complications later on.
3. DO Give Your Medication a Chance to Work
It is not unusual for prescription acne medication to take a while to work. You shouldn't expect to see results after only a few applications or even a week. Most experts will tell you it may take several weeks for the results to kick in. If you become discouraged and stop your recommended treatment in favor of something new, it could be detrimental in the long run. Discuss this with your doctor and ask how long it should take before you notice an improvement.
4. DON'T Become Overly Stressed
Many experts believe that emotional stress may be tied to acne breakouts. For one thing, being overly stressed may lead to depression and lower your self esteem when battling acne. It's equally important to note that research shows that stress may contribute to acne breakouts. This may be due to a higher level of an oily substance known as sebum, which is produced when a person is under stress. In any case, it is a good idea to reduce stress, especially when the person is prone to acne.
5. DO Read Labels On Cosmetics and All Skin Care Products
Did you know that the skin care products and makeup you use may be contributing to your acne issues? At the very least, some skin care products may clog pores and worsen your condition. Oils and harsh chemicals should be avoided. Look for makeup, soap, and beauty products that are dermatologist-approved. Be sure the label states that it will not clog the pores and is safe for sensitive skin types. This goes for sunscreen products as well as cosmetics and soaps. You might want to avoid using perfume or cologne as well.
6. DON'T Go To Bed Without Cleansing Your Face and Removing Make Up
If you fail to remove all traces of makeup before going to sleep at night, you could potentially risk a serious case of clogged pores. A thorough cleansing will remove makeup and bacteria which may also lead to blemishes. For a quick cleansing, use a towelette that is formulated for makeup removal and that will not clog the pores.
Share16 August 2017
While I wasn't fond the reason I had to visit a dermatologist when I was a teenager (I had severe acne that she helped me manage), I feel lucky to have had the experience of visiting a dermatologist and learning just what they can do to help me have great-looking skin. I wasn't happy when I got my first wrinkle at about 30; my acne had just cleared up, and I wanted to enjoy having skin I finally loved for at least a few years! With a little more help from my dermatologist, I am now in my 50s, and many people think I am much younger than I am due to the amazing anti-aging treatments my dermatologist gives me. I want to teach what I have learned about skincare to others who need the advice, so please come back often for new skincare tips!
