Unfortunately, not all acne breakouts will improve with only using anti acne face wash, detoxifying face masks, and a toner. This is because some breakouts aren’t just a result of poor facial hygiene, sometimes it can result from deeper issues that need to be addressed by a dermatologist.
If your acne breakout doesn’t go away with your regular anti-acne routines, such as washing your face regularly and avoiding some specific food types, it’s best to see a dermatologist immediately. Sometimes, acne treatments don’t work because it does not address the underlying issues that are causing the breakout in the first place.
To help you clear your face, here are nine helpful acne treatment tips that you need to know today:
1. Ensure that it isn’t a hormonal imbalance
In both men and women, acne breakouts are a basic indication of puberty, particularly because it’s a time of extreme hormonal fluctuations. However, women often have it worse, as acne can also worsen during menstruation and menopause.
There is also the possibility of certain females who have a condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Women with this syndrome can have prolonged menstrual cycles that last a few months or even have ones that are few and far between. As such, women with PCOS also have frequent acne flare-ups, as they produce more androgens—which encourages skin oil production.
PCOS acne typically doesn’t go away with skincare alone because a hormonal imbalance causes it. For those who are suffering from the syndrome and are concerned about their acne breakouts, it’s best to see a dermatologist for an even more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
2. Stick to your dermatologist’s advice
Acne is not a disease, so there is no actual cure.
Acne treatment will only work if you stick to it consistently because they are often long-term strategies to control breakouts. To make the process easier, try to determine and eliminate anything about the treatment that doesn’t sit well with you. For example, if you don’t like putting things on your face or swallowing a pill, communicate this to your dermatologist to adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Be aware that the treatments may take time to kick in. In fact, experts say that it can take as long as six to eight weeks before your acne treatment starts to show noticeable results. Some changes, such as skin dryness and redness, may come up due to the acne treatment, but your skin may not show any noticeable improvement before the six to eight weeks mark.
3. Stick to one product at a time
Everybody’s skin works a little differently, so you may need to experiment with skincare products if you don’t achieve the results. To ensure that you are not wasting your money, don’t use numerous skin care products all at the same time. You must give each product the necessary time to do its work.
Besides wasting money, using different products every few days can irritate your skin, causing new breakouts—which completely defeat the purpose of you using them in the first place.
4. Be open to all suggestions
Unless you have a medical reason for avoiding certain treatment types, it’s best to be open to your dermatologist’s suggestions.
Because acne is often a result of several factors, it’s also best treated with a multi-pronged approach. Depending on your specific condition, your dermatologist may suggest a combination of hormonal treatments, antibiotics, and topical treatments.
5. Get clearance from your dermatologist before trying other medspa treatments
Treatments such as peels and Microdermabrasion can be effective acne treatments, depending on the nature of your breakouts. This means that you should get clearance from a physician, before undergoing such procedures. Whenever possible, get those treatments from the same clinic as your dermatologist to ensure that you are getting appropriate care.
6. Use an effective topical anti- acne recommended by your dermatologist
There are various types anti-acne topical medications in the market , it can come in the form of ointment or cream. Do consult your skin practitioner prior to usage of such medication as some may cause worsening of the breakout it is incompatible with your skin types. Avoid purchasing such medication online with the recommendation of your doctor.
7. Avoid excessive antibiotic use
Moderate and severe acne treatments may consist of oral antibiotic treatments to reduce bacterial presence. Physicians may prescribe an antibiotics for certain types of acne condition .
It’s worth noting that you should not take antibiotics unless prescribed by your dermatologist or attending physician. Misuse of antibiotics is a grave concern in the medical community because it leads to antibiotic resistance. Your dermatologist or physician may combine it with a topical medication, and should be administered in the shortest time possible to prevent antibiotic resistance.
Long-term antibiotic use can also harm your natural and protective microbiome. While it may come as a surprise to you, your gut contains many beneficial bacteria that aids in your digestion process. Prolonged and unnecessary antibiotic use can kill these helpful bacteria and cause digestive problems.
8. Get ready to face the worst before it gets better
Some kinds of medication may cause your skin to dry or flake. Others may purge your pores and worsen your acne initially due to inflammation.
Unless your dermatologist tells you to put a stop to the treatment, stick to it. If the drying or flaking gets unbearable, you can decrease the frequency of using products that may contribute to the discomfort.
9. Be prepared for future breakouts
As mentioned earlier, acne is not a disease per se, so it doesn’t have a cure. Your breakouts may still return due to triggers such as stress, hormonal changes, and eating certain food groups. You may also need additional acne treatment if you fail to keep up your skincare routine.
Like everything else in health, taking care of your skin is a continuous process. Just because it has cleared doesn’t mean it won’t come back. For this reason, it’s essential to continue taking care of your skin long after the initial round of acne treatment.
Conclusion
As mentioned earlier, there is no one-size-fits-all acne treatment. While one solution may work for others, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will work for you. This is where little knowledge about one thing can be dangerous. Before using a new product or trying a type of acne treatment, it’s best to contact your dermatologist first.
CLÉO Clinic is a respected name when it comes to acne treatment in Kuala Lumpur. Our clinic will look at the underlying cause of your breakouts and treat them accordingly. We also offer medical aesthetic treatments, such as micro-needling, dermal fillers, and face thread lifts, among others. Contact us today to book a free consultation!
