Solutions for Acne-Prone Skin

If you’re tired of dealing with pimples, whiteheads and blackheads and don’t know what to do about your oily, acne-prone skin, this article is for you. 

What causes acne?

Before we talk about how to clear up your skin, let’s clear up a few myths about acne and really understand what’s going on here. Acne is a skin condition that can affect people of all ages but is most common among teenagers and young adults due to excessive hormones.

Acne occurs when the tiny hair follicles on your face, chest, shoulders or back become clogged with dead skin cells and oil, causing whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. Acne can be persistent, with new blemishes cropping up as soon as the last cycle finally subsides. Not only can acne cause physical scarring on your skin, but it can also cause some pretty deep emotional scarring. Many people with acne report lower self-confidence and an increase in self-consciousness and embarrassment. 

Despite persistent myths, acne is not caused by chocolate, greasy foods, dirty skin, or cosmetics, as long as you stick with non-comedogenic, or non-pore clogging, brands. Acne-prone skin can become more susceptible to blemishes due to hormonal changes, stress and certain medications containing testosterone, corticosteroids and lithium. Research shows that it may also flare up as an result of eating carbohydrate-rich foods.

Now let’s talk about what you can do to say goodbye to acne and face the world with renewed self-esteem thanks to these solutions for acne-prone skin.

How do I get rid of my acne for good?

While there’s no magical cure for acne, there are plenty of effective acne treatments available to help you get the clear, healthy skin you deserve. Here are some of the top solutions to keep acne at bay:

Salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a chemical exfoliator that helps shed the top layer of dead skin. This exfoliation process can help with inflammation and also unclog pores as well as remove excess oils. Dermatologists recommend using products containing salicylic acid no more than every other day since it can have a drying effect and irritate sensitive skin.

Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide works by inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation and putting a stop to the cyclical nature of blemishes. Many products that include benzoyl peroxide contain 10% of the ingredient, but you should try to look for it in a lower strength, which will still be effective without irritating the skin. Also, don’t use a product containing benzoyl peroxide if you suffer from rosacea, eczema or a similar skin condition, as it will cause irritation.

Professional skincare treatments

If you’ve already tried salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide with few to no results, it may be time for a more advanced acne treatment at the hands of an aesthetics OKC professional. Laser treatments, peels and facials are available to treat your acne and get you the results you’ve been looking for.

Don’t let acne take away your self-confidence. It’s time to stop acne in its tracks and face the world with clear, beautiful skin that looks just as good as you feel!