Acne is sometimes perceived as a condition that only affects teenagers or one that a person grows out of once they reach adulthood. But as it turns out, adult acne breakouts happen quite often, and for many, acne is an ongoing battle.
Fortunately, there are several ways that men and women can get rid of adult acne and prevent it from recurring. Here are 5 things that you can do to banish pesky pimples.
- Cleanse Skin Daily – Using a gentle cleanser with lukewarm water and a baby washcloth can help eliminate oil, dirt, bacteria, and other acne-causing debris from the skin. It’s important that patients commit to cleansing 1-2 times a day, especially after sweating or wearing make-up.
However, avoid scrubbing or washing your face more than twice a day, which can strip skin of its essential oils.
- Treat Breakouts at Home With OTC Creams and Lotions – Patients have several options for treating mild acne and occasional breakouts on their own.
A nightly retinoid cream helps skin cell turnover to fight acne and signs of aging, and sulfur-based products make great spot-treatments.
Additionally, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are two of the most well-known anti-acne ingredients.
- Choose Cosmetics Wisely – If you have acne-prone skin, take care to select make-up and skincare products that are non-comedogenic (which means they don’t clog pores) or non-acnegenic (they don’t cause breakouts).
- Seek Professional Help and Prescription Medication – Despite our best efforts, we may not be able to adequately treat acne at home. This is especially true for cystic acne that’s deeper and more severe than your average pimple.
In this case, a dermatologist has the knowledge and ability to prescribe oral medications such as birth control pills, antibiotics, spironolactone, and isotretinoin.
These pills are usually very effective in getting rid of acne, but require consistency and patience, as they can take several months to take effect.
- Take Advantage of Non-Invasive Cosmetic Treatments – When it comes to adult acne, a multi-disciplinary approach is often best, and includes in-office treatments such as light therapy and lasers. These procedures can zap existing pimples and reduce bacteria to limit future breakouts.
