
Troubled by acne? You might be worsening it unknowingly with some of these treatment myths. Find out what you’re doing wrong, and what you should do to treat acne instead.
Acne can be a chronic condition which without remedies such as lifestyle changes or treatment, can progress or worsen, lasting for a few years to a few decades.
You may be tempted to replicate what your beautician might have done for you during one of the facial sessions, but popping pimples on your own in an unsterile environment can actually worsen your acne. When a pimple is popped and is not properly cleaned, bacteria are released within the skin which can cause additional breakouts. There is also the risk of causing scars as popping a pimple disrupts the skin’s normal healing process.
While toothpaste may dry up an existing pimple, toothpaste also contains many other ingredients which may be harsh for the skin or clog your pores and worsen the acne.
As a general rule, it is important to keep your face free of excess oil which may cause a skin pore to be clogged, leading to acne. However, washing or exfoliating your face too often can dry out and irritate your skin, resulting in more acne. It is advisable to wash your face only twice a day with a gentle cleanser.
Effective Treatment for Acne & Pimples
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments involve the use of ointments and creams that are applied directly to your skin. Products containing benzoyl peroxide works by killing the bacteria underneath the skin. It is particularly effective for inflammatory acne, characterized by red bumps that contain pus. Benzoyl Peroxide can be found in products such as creams, lotions, face washes with varying concentrations and should be used according to product recommendations.
Oral medications
Doctors may prescribe oral antibiotics if topical treatments are not improving the condition. An oral antibiotic such as tetracycline helps to fight the bacteria infection inside out. For severe acne, oral Isotretinoin is an effective treatment option. However, due to the potential side effects and allergies to the ingredients, it can only be prescribed by a doctor.
If you have stubborn acne that doesn’t seem to respond to over-the-counter creams, speak to a doctor for effective and targeted treatment options.