Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Although it's common, accurate information about acne can be scarce. This can make it difficult to get clearer skin. 
Why Treat Acne?
Myths about acne are as common as the skin problem. One common myth is that you have to let acne run its course. Letting acne runs its course is not always the best advice. Here's why:
- Without treatment, dark spots and permanent scars can appear on the skin as acne clears.
- Treating acne often boosts a person's self-esteem.
- Many effective treatments are available.
Acne Signs
Many people think that acne is just pimples. But a person who has acne can have any of these blemishes:
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Papule
- Pustules (what many people call pimples)
- Cysts
- Nodules
Acne can appear on the back, chest, neck, shoulders, upper arms and buttocks.
You can reduce your acne by following these skin care tips.
- Wash twice a day and after sweating. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, can make acne worse, so wash your skin as soon as possible after sweating.
- Use your fingertips to apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Using a washcloth, mesh sponge or anything else can irritate the skin.
- Be gentle with your skin. Use gentle products, such as those that are alcohol-free. Do not use products that irritate your skin, which may include astringents, toners and exfoliates. Dry, red skin makes acne appear worse.
- Scrubbing your skin can make acne worse. Avoid the temptation to scrub your skin.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
- Shampoo regularly. If you have oily hair, shampoo daily.
- Let your skin heal naturally. Keep your hands off your face. If you pick, pop or squeeze your acne, your skin will take longer to clear and you increase the risk of getting acne scars. Also, touching your skin throughout the day can cause flare-ups.
- Stay out of the sun and tanning beds. Tanning damages your skin. In addition, some acne medications make the skin very sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light, which you get from both the sun and indoor tanning devices.
- Schedule an appointment if:
- Your acne makes you shy or embarrassed.
- The products you've tried have not worked.
- Your acne is leaving scars or darkening your skin.
Waiting for acne to clear on its own can be frustrating. Without treatment, acne can cause permanent scars, low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.
To avoid these possible outcomes, schedule an appointment to find out what treatment options are available.
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