It doesn’t matter how old you are, acne can hit at the most inopportune times. However, adult acne is just no fun, as some people get it so bad they don’t want to leave home. The dermatologists at Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD, offer a variety of adult acne treatments.
Adult acne can be caused by any number of things, including stress, hormone changes, menopause, and more. Here are a few things you can do to treat and prevent adult acne.
To treat and prevent acne, one of the best things you can do is keep your face clean. You should wash your face in the morning and at night before bed. This will help to kill acne-causing bacteria while reducing inflammation. However, you must use the right product. Look for products that contain acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid.
When your face is riddled with acne, the last thing you want to do is scrub your face with a washcloth or an exfoliating brush. This can cause the acne to get worse. Instead, you should always use your hands while cleansing your face, and make sure to pat your skin dry afterward (don’t rub!).
For women, it is common to use makeup to cover up those acne blemishes and make them less noticeable or hide them completely. Unfortunately, makeup could potentially make your breakouts worse. Certain products, such as those with mineral oil or cocoa butter, could aggravate your acne. Therefore, opt for makeup products that are hypoallergenic, oil-free, and water-based. Products with silica or zinc oxide can help minimize the redness of your acne while also absorbing the oil on your face.
Each time you touch your face, your fingers are transferring oil, dirt, and more to your skin. While it can be difficult to minimize touching your face, it is important to do so. Also, keep your hands washed with warm water and soap often to ensure your hands are always as clean as possible.
You can reduce your breakouts by eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong foods. For instance, greasy foods and chocolate have long been said to aggravate acne. Therefore, avoiding these foods (carbs and sugars) can decrease your breakouts. A healthier diet may be able to improve the appearance of your skin.
The professionals at Shady Grove Dermatology in Rockville, MD, can help you identify the best adult acne treatments for your skin. Call (240) 246-7417 to schedule an initial consultation with one of our dermatologists.