Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disorder affecting adolescents and young adults. Patients with acne can experience significant psychological effects, which include embarrassment and anxiety. This can impact the social lives and employment of affected individuals. Scars can be disfiguring and lifelong. In a study of 90 patients with acne, a significant improvement in self-esteem was found with treatment of the acne.
There is no single best treatment for acne, and combinations of treatments are sometimes recommended. Since acne lesions take at least eight weeks to mature, you should use a treatment for a minimum of two to three months before deciding if the treatment is effective.
Acne Skin Care
Skin care is an important aspect of acne treatment.
Acne-Prone Skin Hygiene
Wash your face no more than twice daily using a gentle non-soap facial skin cleanser and warm (not hot) water. Vigorous washing or scrubbing can worsen acne and damage the skin’s surface.
Do not pick or squeeze pimples because this may worsen acne and cause skin swelling and scarring. It can also cause lesions to become infected.
Moisturizers for Acne
Use of a moisturizer minimizes dryness and skin peeling, which are common side effects of some acne treatments. Moisturizers that are labeled as “non-comedogenic” are less likely to block skin pores.
Sun protection and Acne
Some acne treatments increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight (eg, retinol). To minimize skin damage from the sun, avoid excessive sun exposure and use a sunscreen with SPF 45 or higher that is broad spectrum (blocks both UVA and UVB light) before sun exposure.
Speak to your skin care professional for topical skin care recommendations that are right for you.