Acne can affect people of all ages, but why does acne affect everyone so differently? A successful acne treatment for one person might not be a successful acne treatment for the next. Let us start with why we get acne.
Why do I get acne?
What causes acne, or a single pimple, is, for the most part, the same regardless of how old you are. When you combine the skin’s oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, a pore becomes plugged, and acne appears. It could be limited to one breakout pimple near the surface, multiple surface breakouts, or deeper acne that tends to be more painful and takes a while to disappear. Beyond the basics, two factors affect your odds of getting acne: family history and hormones. If your mom and/or dad had acne, you are very likely to develop it in your teens or even adulthood.
Also, breakouts become more likely if you have surging hormones —which happens during adolescence and during pregnancy. This is a primary reason why, for many people, acne improves after their teenage years and after pregnancy. Your hormones have leveled off and no longer fuel those bad breakouts.
What are the most successful acne treatments?
Acne prevention and acne treatment must go hand-in-hand to become the most successful acne treatment. Here are some acne prevention tips before we get into treatments:
- Only use oil-free cosmetics to prevent pore clogging
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing
- Reduce or eliminate dairy and high glycemic foods while focusing on fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
- Avoid picking or squeezing current pimples
- Most importantly, get into a regular skincare routine including cleanser and moisturizer. Ensure you also clean after sweating, not just waiting for your nightly routine.
- One popular over-the-counter (OTC) product is Differin Retinoid Acne Treatment. This can be purchased at your local drugstore or big box retailer. Differn was previously prescription only until 2016, when it was approved for OTC use.
For many, diligently sticking to preventative measures is a successful acne treatment plan. It won’t be enough for everyone, though, especially those with stubborn cystic acne. Some successful acne treatments prescribed by your dermatologist may include:
- Oral prescription medication
- Topical prescription medication
- Accutane for more severe cases.
Still Struggling?
Not all store-bought acne cleansers and treatments work for everyone. Sometimes prescription medications and topical treatments are necessary. If you, or your child, are struggling with acne, the skin health experts at Forefront Dermatology are ready to help. To find the Forefront dermatologist nearest you, visit the locations page today.
