How to Guide: Let’s Get Rid of Acne!!
Acne is a problem that a lot of us dealt with as teens (75% of teens are affected). We all probably still can remember the zits and bumps popping up and the worse times. (Picture day)
Acne is not just a problem that teens deal with, but it is a problem that adults also deal with.
Why do we get acne?
Acne development is a 4 step process:
- Sebum (oily substance) is produced in excess because of sex hormones.
- A hair follicle becomes clogged from the sebum an obstruction forms.
- This obstruction leads to a comedome (pimple). There are two types of comedomes open (blackheads) and closed (whiteheads). These comedomes contain sebum (oil) and bacteria.
- The bacteria in the comedome leads to inflammation. The inflammation can lead to further infection if skin is scratched
What causes acne?
- Hormones
- Fatty greasy foods
- Tobacco
- Stress
- Tight fitting objects (chinstrap, helmet, mask straps)
- Yes refined sugars (chocolate, sweets, and pizza)
ACNE DOES NOT RESULT BECAUSE OF POOR PERSONAL HYGIENE.
Too much washing and rubbing your face can cause drying and irritation.
What to do to treat your acne?
- Do not over wash your face. 2-3 times a day is good.
- Do not squeeze pimples. It will cause acne to spread and scaring. Use the right type of soap. If you have dry skin use Purpose Soap. If you have oily skin use Dial Soap.
If you need a more advanced treatment:
- Benzo peroxide: Start with a 2.5 or 5%. Benzo peroxide kills acne bacteria. Use the lotion or cream daily for 3 days. Make sure to apply the benzo to the skin surrounding the comedome and the comedome. If the 5% is not helping you can go up to 10%. Do not use anything above 10% causes irritation with not much improvement.
Product can bleach clothing.
Available over the counter
- Retnoids:This is your next step up. This medication can be used with the benzo peroxide. I recommend using this product at nighttime and the benzo at daytime if both are needed. Retinoids are vitamin A products. They stop the comedome from forming. It also helps eliminate existing comedomes. Get the 0.025% cream cheaper and just as good.
Available OTC, Prescription strength available contact your provider
If you are a person of color you may want to start all of your skin care treatments at lower dosages or less frequently. Our skin tends to be more sensitive to skin products.
Example:
Start benzo peroxide at 2.5%
Do Retinoid 0.025% cream every other day
If you are currently trying both of these over the counter treatments. You may want to contact your provider they can order you some skin antibiotic cream.
They may even order you a dose of oral antibiotics.
Remember that improvement of acne can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. Do not expect instant results.
Remember that our skin is an important barrier. We need to keep it healthy. So make sure that you deal with acne. Take this information and spread it to anyone who can use it, including our junior teen men of health guys. Because we know at their age acne can be the worse.
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