Goodbye, breakouts! A dermatologist’s guide to clearer skin
Are blemishes and breakouts ruining your selfies? Pesky pimples plaguing your thirties? Battling bad skin while trying to live your best life? What even is acne, and why is it happening to you? There is hope! Get the Skinny on preventing breakouts and achieving clearer skin.
What is acne?
Pimples and breakouts, medically known as acne, are common skin conditions that occur when pores in the skin become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and sometimes, build-up of skin care products and cosmetics. Acne is most commonly seen in adolescents and young adults, but it can affect people of all ages.
What causes acne?
There are several factors that can contribute to the development of acne, including hormonal changes, genetics, and in some cases, the use of pore-clogging skincare products and cosmetics. In some cases, acne may also be exacerbated by stress, lack of sleep, some medications. While there is some evidence to suggest that diets high in dairy products and simple sugars may play a role in the development of acne, the exact relationship between these foods and acne is not fully understood.
What does acne look like?
Acne commonly presents as small skin colored or black bumps on the skin (commonly known as whiteheads and blackheads), red, inflamed bumps, and deep-seated painful cysts that grow under the skin. Severe cases of acne leads to scarring. Scars are permanent without treatment, and their presence may be emotional distressing to the bearer.
How is acne treated?
While there are a number of over the counter products to treat one’s acne, it is best to consult with a dermatologist for an individualized treatment regimen for acne, especially when scarring from acne is present. Treatment options typically include a combination of topical and oral medications that work to unclog the pores, improve skin renewal/exfoliation, kill bacteria trapped within clogged pores, shrink enlarged oil glands, and decrease the activity of certain acne-causing hormones in the skin. In persons with richly pigmented skin, the presence of acne may lead to dark spots and blemishes in the skin, which may require removal with skin brightening or fade creams. Finally, after acne has been improved, scarring may be treated with a number of different methods, including but not limited to chemical peels, surgery, dermabrasion, and energy devices such as lasers microneedling devices.
What steps can I take to achieve clear skin?
Wash your face twice a day with a gentle, oil-free cleanser to remove excess oil and dirt from your skin. Avoid using hot water, which can strip your skin of its natural oils, and instead opt for lukewarm water
Use a toner after cleansing to balance the pH of your skin and tighten your pores. Look for toners that contain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), which can help exfoliate your skin and unclog pores
Avoid picking at or squeezing pimples, as this can cause further irritation and potentially lead to scarring. Instead, consult a dermatologist for treatment of your acne, particularly when scarring is present
Keep your hair clean and away from your face, as oils and dirt from your hair can contribute to acne
Wear non-comedogenic makeup and skincare products, which do not clog pores. Remove your makeup by washing your face with a gentle cleanser
Use a sunscreen daily as part of your skin care routine to help prevent existing blemishes from getting darker
Eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and try to limit your intake of sugary and processed foods.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps flush toxins from your body and keep your skin looking healthy and radiant
Consult with your dermatologist, the ultimate expert on all things Skin to help you develop an individualized skin care routine that is right for you and your skin. If you are in San Francisco or the surrounding bay area, visit us at the California Center for Dermatologic Surgery for treatment of your acne and scarring. We can help, and would love to see you!