Acne

Acne is from skin irritation, blocked pores, bacteria and oil secretion in the skin. If your outbreak is sudden, go back and look at any predisposing factors such as oil containing skin products, a new exercise regimen with excessive sweating, or even a new hair style with hair rubbing on your skin. The answer may be simple elimination of an irritation.

Sometimes acne will present with no apparent reason. The treatment is then daily maintenance. Face washing 2-3 times a day is a must. Use of over-the-counter topical acid products and benzoyl peroxides are very helpful. It takes six weeks for acne treatments to start working. As acne is improving, it will leave a temporary "dark area" in the skin. This "dark area" is not scar and will disappear with time - usually many months. If you continue to get new acne despite daily maintenance, you should consult your dermatologist.

"Clogged pores" are called comedones. This is a type of acne that can be controlled with daily maintenance. Hydroxy acids and retinols are a good place to start. Many people benefit from facials. The cosmetologist will extract all the debris. Have the cosmetologist teach you how to clean the pores at home.

Your problem is very common and not really complicated. Combination skin is always a challenge. It is important that the basics are covered as far as washing and make-up. If the wash is drying you out, then it's time to switch. Gentle cleansing or glycerin bars are always a nice start. Use your hands and no wash rag or buff puff. Make sure that all your make-up is oil free. It cannot say water based. Also, do your hair styling first before you wash your face. This is so the hair care products do not get on your face. The term non-comedogenic is also acceptable. Retinols (Retin - A) is excellent for acne. Sometimes people will breakout before they get better and I encourage them to stick with it (good or bad) for six weeks. That is the time required to see if the acne is going to clear. In the oily areas we encourage the retinol to be applied a little more liberal. Conversely, in the dry areas, the retinol is applied sparingly. A moisturizer can also be applied to the dry areas as long as it is oil free. Moisturizers are most effective when used twice a day. Before you start adding new products, see how you do with what you have.

In some people, acne will get worse before it gets better. As a rule of thumb, it takes six to eight weeks before significant improvement is seen. If after two months, the acne is as bad or worse, then it is time to switch treatment programs. Remember, most acne treatment is designed to suppress acne and not cure it. You must continue with your medications until your physician prescribes otherwise.