Acne is a common skin problem in adolescence that sometimes persists into adulthood. Depending on its severity, it is treated with over-the-counter products or drugs. To maximize the effect of the treatment, it is important to take good care of your skin, using the right products to cleanse and moisturize it.
Cleansing
Thoroughly cleaning your skin is essential to keep it healthy, but you still have to do it properly, especially when you have acne. Indeed, as acne treatments tend to dry the skin, avoid drying it even more when cleaning it. Choose a soap-free, pH-balanced cleaner, oil-free and abrasive-free (watch out for exfoliators). Also avoid products that contain alcohol. Using the Acne cream is essential there.
- Since acne skin is generally oily, some people believe that you should not use moisturizer. They are wrong! As with cleaners, however, choose the right product (including “oil-free”, “non comedogenic”).
Cosmetic products can be used to camouflage pimples. You can use a foundation, or even a correction stick, as long as it is oil-free and non-comedogenic. Correctors containing green pigments are very useful in masking redness. Mineral powders are also a great choice. Don’t forget to remove your makeup at the end of the day!
Finally, as several acne treatments make the skin more sensitive to the sun, sunscreen should be applied when exposed to the sun.
Although acne mainly appears on the face, it can also be found in other places such as the chest, back and upper arms. In severe cases, or if the pimples have been scratched or broken, acne can leave permanent scars.
Causes and aggravating factors
Acne often occurs at puberty and can persist for 5-10 years. It can sometimes continue into adulthood; some women also observe the appearance of acne pimples in the days preceding their menstruation.
Contrary to popular belief, acne is not caused by dirt or the consumption of chocolate or fatty foods. Several factors can promote the appearance of pimples or worsen acne, including:
- Hormonal changes
- The stress
- The manipulation of buttons
- Excessive cleaning
- The hair that covers the face
Heredity (genes) can also explain why some people have acne; in fact, those whose at least one parent has had acne are more likely to have it in turn. Finally, some medications can cause acne, including cortisone derivatives taken by mouth, some oral contraceptives (birth control pills), and some medications used to treat epilepsy.
Treatment
Mild acne can be treated with over the counter medications such as benzoyl peroxide. For more severe cases, there are treatments that must be prescribed by a health professional. Sometimes a combination of several drugs may be recommended. Here are some tips for optimizing treatment:
- Apply the product on the entire affected area rather than on each lesion.
- Start with a lower concentration and apply the medication preferably in the evening to improve tolerance.
- Use non-comedogenic moisturizers, that is to say that do not clog pores, at the first signs of dryness.
