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Zits, pimples, blemishes, acne. No matter how you phrase it, these nasty little eruptions can ruin our days, weeks, and sometimes even years.
A common misconception is that people who have acne must be doing something wrong to cause it. In some cases, this can be true, but in most cases, it is not. Acne can be hereditary, hormonal, or just plain bad luck. There may be situations that cause acne, like not rinsing hair conditioner off your forehead and shoulders or working out and getting sweaty and not washing your face. However, there are still those people who do everything right, like use expensive skin regimens and never pick their acne, but still suffer from frequent and upsetting breakouts.
How do I know this? Because I am one of those people! The amount of money that my parents spent on my complexion in high school alone would have been enough to buy a pretty sweet used car. I continued to deal with acne well into my 30’s and I still wake up with the occasional unwelcome guest on my chin from time to time.
Should I try the strongest over-the-counter acne products first?
This isn’t the right question. While there are many excellent acne products that you can get at your pharmacy or supermarket that I recommend, the harshest ingredients aren’t always (or usually) the best options.
When you treat the skin with harsh ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, alcohol, and retinols, you dry out the skin and cause inflammation. Your skin is not only the largest organ, but also one of the smartest. It sends a message to your brain to create more oil to protect itself from dryness and irritation.
Balance is key! Gentle cleansers like focus by Vanguard Gentle Foaming Cleanser, La Roche Posay Foaming Cleanser, and Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Cleanser effectively cleanse the skin without stripping the necessary oils. Often, people suffering from acne think that moisturizers will cause more acne when, in fact, they help fortify an environment for clear and healthy skin. I recommend La Roche Posay triple moisturizing cream and Cetaphil moisturizing cream.
The bottom line to trying acne products that you can get without a prescription? If the acne persists/worsens, seek dermatological services!
What can a dermatology professional prescribe for acne?
This is the magic question! Some of the things we take into consideration when deciding what will be best for your skin are:
- How much time do you spend outdoors?
- Do you swim or play sports?
- Is your skin oily or really dry and easily irritated?
- Can you remember to apply products to your face before you go to bed, or will you take your oral medication with food?
Every person is unique and so is their acne regimen. Any time you change your skin regimen, it takes at least 4 weeks to start working, which is why we like to evaluate you 6 weeks after starting or changing your treatment plan. There is an abundance of acne medications-our job is to find the perfect regimen for you!
Talk to a Professional About Your Acne
Remember, acne is not selective. It happens to the best of us and sometimes it feels like nothing will work. You must recognize that it can take time and may require the help of a dermatologist to get the results you are looking for!
To schedule an acne consultation with one of our expert dermatology providers, call us at (719) 355-1585 or fill out our online appointment request form.
Janette Fant, FNP-C is a nurse practitioner specializing in medical and aesthetic dermatology. She enjoys working with patients to create customized treatment regimens for skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and hair and scalp issues.
