Acne is a common skin problem affecting millions of people worldwide, regardless of age, gender, and skin color. Everyone who has experienced it understands how this dramatically affects their quality of life. While mild cases can usually be managed with topical treatments, severe acne may require special attention from a dermatologist or other qualified skin professional for appropriate treatment.
What Causes Acne?
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition with redness, swelling, and pus-filled bumps that vary in severity. It is caused by sebum overproduction, an oily compound released by the skin’s sebaceous glands. This excess oil integrates with dead skin cells to clog pores, which causes infection of the surrounding area.
Acne can result in inflammation, acne sores, blackheads, cysts, whiteheads, and nodules.
Other reasons for acne include:
- Hormonal changes during adolescence, menstruation, and pregnancy
- Certain medications, such as lithium and corticosteroids
- Genetics
- Stress
- Processed foods and a diet high in refined sugars
What Should You Do to Manage Severe Acne?
Here are tips for managing severe acne:
Seek the Help of an Expert
Going to a dermatologist is your best bet. They can check any underlying conditions causing acne breakouts through physical assessments and tests.
For instance, they can determine if you suffer from hormonal imbalance. This allows them to prescribe proper medications to change your hormone levels accordingly. They might also recommend oral or topical medications to decrease inflammation and bacterial growth.
Ensure to choose a facility already geared up with the latest technology and materials for addressing acne. Note that some dermatologists only diagnose and recommend medications but don’t perform advanced cosmetic treatments.
Visit a Professional Esthetician
Many people do not realize that acne can be managed from the inside out. A lux facial spa can help you learn how to prevent breakouts and manage existing ones.
They can teach you about proper skin care and cleaning techniques. They can also perform treatments such as light therapy for acne, chemical peels, hair removal treatment, etc. In many cases, they also have particular products specifically formulated to help with acne.
Practice Good Hygiene
Regularly washing your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser and warm water is essential for treating acne. This helps eliminate excess oil, dirt, and bacteria from the skin’s surface. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this might further aggravate your skin. Remember to moisturize afterward, as this can help keep the skin hydrated and reduce dryness or flaking.
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Follow a Skin Care Regimen
Maintaining a regular skin-care routine is important to lessen acne breakouts and keep your skin healthy. As mentioned, clean your face with a gentle cleanser two times a day, use an oil-free moisturizer after washing, and use sun protection of SPF 30 or higher during the day.
It also helps to use products particularly designed for acne-prone skin and prevent those that contain potent ingredients.
What You Need to Avoid
Avoid Aggravating Factors
Beware of certain factors, such as stress and diet, that can aggravate acne breakouts. While stress might not directly trigger acne, it increases cortisol levels which can worsen flare-ups. Similarly, eating a balanced diet with fewer processed foods might reduce the risk of breakouts.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), a high-glycemic diet (high in refined sugars and carbs) might worsen acne. These include:
- White rice
- White bread
- Potatoes
Avoid Too Much Sun Exposure
While some think the sun can improve acne since it can dry up some of the oil, it can further irritate the skin. It can also cause scarring and hyperpigmentation and worsen existing blemishes. To reduce your chances of developing skin damage or burns, always protect yourself by wearing a hat and applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Avoid Picking or Squeezing Your Pimples
Picking or squeezing on pimples can result in infection, scarring, scabbing, and other issues. Instead, use gentle extractions from an expert esthetician for better results.
Avoid Harsh Products
Some harsh products can contain irritants that can further exacerbate acne breakouts. These include:
- Alcohol
- Astringents
- Abrasives
- Fragrance
- Exfoliants
- Toners
Note that some of these substances can be present in the products or procedures performed by professionals but will be in a much lower concentration. Also, they are highly trained and use advanced equipment to reduce any risk of harm or inflammation.
Avoid Inappropriate Treatments
Numerous spa clinics offer complete cosmetic treatments, such as chemical peels, lasers, cellulite reduction therapy, and more. While it’s a breath of fresh air to have these services available whenever you want them, they may not be the proper treatment for you.
That’s why you should educate yourself on acne, its causes, and the possible treatments available according to your skin type and condition.
The Bottom Line
Acne can be bothersome, but it doesn’t have to take over your life. You can manage your acne breakouts and restore your confidence with the right treatment plan. Remember to follow a tidy skin care regimen, practice good hygiene, and visit your dermatologist or certified aesthetician for help.
