Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting an estimated 50 million Americans each year. While this condition can be frustrating and persistent, it doesn’t have to define your skin health. Here, our team of knowledgeable skincare providers at Sarasota Facial Aesthetics shares some of our top tips for treating and preventing acne so you can enjoy clear, healthy-looking skin.
1. Use the Right Cleanser
It is important to wash your face regularly, especially before going to bed, to prevent acne. But using the wrong cleanser could be making matters worse. Foaming cleansers can overly dry your skin, causing inflammation and clogged pores, potentially creating more acne. You should also avoid abrasive scrubs that can damage your skin and contribute to inflammation and redness. Instead, choose a gentle cleanser that is a match for your skin type. Foaming cleansers can be fine if you have oily skin, but if you have dry skin, look for a non-comedogenic creamy cleanser instead.
2. Get a Customized Acne Regimen and Stick to It
It can take up to 8 weeks to see a noticeable improvement in acne when starting a new anti-acne skincare regimen. So stick with it, even if you don’t see results overnight. It is best to get a customized medical-grade skincare regimen from our skincare experts so you know that the products you are using are right for your skin and won’t make acne worse.
3. Avoid Touching Your Face
Frequently touching your face can transfer dirt and bacteria, which can become trapped inside pores and lead to breakouts. Additionally, avoid picking at or popping any pimples that you do get – while this might temporarily make your skin look better, it can prolong your skin’s healing process in the long run and can also increase the risk of developing acne scars.
4. Rinse Your Shampoo before Washing Your Face
Many ingredients in shampoos and conditioners can contribute to acne on the face, neck and chest. If these are problem areas for you, try rinsing out your shampoo first, then use a cleanser to wash your face, neck and chest. That way, you will remove any residue left on your skin from your hair products that could be causing breakouts.
5. Consider BBL Treatments for Persistent Acne
If you are struggling with persistent acne that keeps coming back, talk to our team about broadband light (BBL) treatments. BBL therapy can kill acne-causing bacteria and also reduce redness caused by persistent acne. BBL works by delivering light energy deep into the skin, targeting and eliminating acne-causing bacteria while stimulating your skin’s natural healing processes.
Bottom Line
Acne doesn’t have to be a skin condition that you simply have to live with. There are a number of ways you can effectively treat and prevent acne breakouts to achieve the clear skin you’ve always wanted. Call our Sarasota office at 941-955-8384 or contact us online to schedule your consultation with one of our acne experts to create a customized treatment and prevention plan for you.
