Acne Vulgaris
The most common skin condition in the United States, it is believed that nearly all individuals experience acne at some point in their life. This classically presents as whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, and/or nodules initially in adolescence but often persisting to adulthood. In fact, nearly 15% of all adults continue to suffer breakouts multiple times each week. Acne is caused by the clogging of pores which are the openings of your oil glands just underneath the skin. These clogs can occur for a variety of reasons, including excess oil production from hormonal surges (e.g. puberty or pregnancy) or imbalance (e.g. adult acne or polycystic ovarian syndrome).
Today, virtually every case of acne can be successfully treated or managed. As dermatologists, we can help resolve your existing acne, prevent new breakouts, and reduce the chance of developing permanent scars. If you have any questions or concerns, schedule your appointment to come see us as soon as possible.
Management
The complexities of acne make it challenging to treat. And worse, the millions of over-the-counter products make it overwhelming to try. Skincare in this country is a trillion-dollar industry, which has unfortunately led to deceptive marketing strategies and outright misinformation. I’m sure you’ve seen the countless celebrity endorsements, with “life-changing” products that seem too good to be true (and spoiler alert: they are). Because of this, we recommend speaking with a dermatologist as the official expert in skincare. While treatment will vary greatly amongst individuals and skin types, here are some basic principles that can be beneficial for most.
- Wash twice daily (morning and night) to remove routine oil and debris. Also wash immediately after exercise or other perspiration. Dirty, sweaty skin will be prone to frequent breakouts – especially if combined with hats, helmets, or other occlusive clothing.
- Choose a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Apply using your fingertips, and gently massage into the skin. Rinse with lukewarm water. Pat-dry with towel.
- Avoid washcloths, scrubs, and loofahs. Same for alcohol-based astringents. Be careful with exfoliant products such as toner, brightener, or polish. In general, gentle care is best. Dryness and irritation will make acne appearance worse.
- Shampoo regularly, based on your individual hair type. For oily hair, this means daily, especially if acne involves the forehead or along the sides of face.
- Let your skin heal naturally – do NOT pop or pick! Traumatizing your skin only takes it longer to clear, and more importantly, it increases the risk of creating permanent scars.
- Only use makeup that is labeled “non-comedogenic.” Clean your brushes regularly and never share with others. Avoid any oils and skin/hair products that may be contributing to your acne.