I’m Ready to clear my ACNE, What do i need to know?
- Angeline Rodriguez
- Apr 17, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 4
As a certified Face Reality Acne Expert, I’m often asked: How can I get clear skin? Acne can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can achieve glowing, clear skin. In this post, I’ll answer some common questions about acne and provide helpful solutions.
SUGGESTED ACNE KITS:
What is Acne?
Acne is an inherited skin condition where pores shed dead skin cells at an accelerated rate, causing buildup inside the pores. This can lead to blackheads, pimples, or cysts. Understanding this process helps us prevent new breakouts while clearing existing ones.
Types of Acne
Acne comes in various forms, each requiring a different approach to treatment. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types:
Whiteheads: These are small, flesh-colored bumps that form when a pore becomes clogged with dead skin cells and oil but remains closed at the surface. Whiteheads are often less noticeable but can still lead to inflammation.
Blackheads: These are open comedones where the clog in the pore is exposed to air, causing it to oxidize and turn black. While not infected, blackheads can still contribute to acne if not properly treated.
Papules: Small, raised, red bumps that are often tender to the touch. These occur when the pores become inflamed due to trapped bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells. They are typically not filled with pus.
Pustules: Similar to papules but filled with white or yellow pus. These types of pimples can be painful and are more likely to cause scarring if not treated properly.
Nodules: Large, painful, hard lumps that form deep within the skin. Nodules occur when acne becomes deeply inflamed and can last for weeks. They are often resistant to over-the-counter treatments and require professional care.
Cysts: These are deep, painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin and are the most severe form of acne. Cysts can lead to significant scarring if not treated promptly and are often caused by a severe infection in the pore.
Each type of acne may require a different treatment approach. Whether you're dealing with blackheads or cystic acne, understanding the type you’re facing is essential for effective treatment.
How Long Will It Take to Get Clear?
It typically takes 3 to 6 months to clear acne, depending on your skin type, acne severity, and treatment commitment. Acne treatments need time to show full results—up to 90 days. Consistency is key for long-term results.
What Are Adjustments to Home Care?
We assess your skin every two weeks to ensure progress. If you can’t make it in for a treatment, contact your Acne Specialist for updated home care instructions.
Common Acne Treatment Mistakes to Avoid
Over-exfoliating: Excessive exfoliation can irritate the skin and worsen acne.
Skipping Sunscreen: Sun exposure can worsen acne and lead to dark spots. Always use sunscreen daily.
Using Harsh Products: Too many active ingredients can strip the skin, causing more breakouts.
Key treatments include:
Personalized Facials
Chemical Peels
Stem Cell Microchanneling
Lasers
Pore Clogging Ingredients:
Be mindful of pore-clogging ingredients, even in “non-comedogenic” products. Some common culprits include:
Coconut oil
Lanolin
Isopropyl myristate
Petrolatum (petroleum jelly)
Food, Supplements, and Acne
Diet & Acne: Some foods, like dairy and high-glycemic foods, may trigger acne. Experiment with your diet to see what works for you.
Supplements: Zinc, Omega-3s, and probiotics can help reduce inflammation. Consult a healthcare provider for recommendations.
Birth Control: Hormonal birth control can impact acne. Estrogen-dominant methods are usually better, while progestin-dominant ones may worsen acne. Talk to your doctor about your options.
Some Lifestyle Choices Affecting Acne
Fabric Softener: Avoid it in both washer and dryer; waxy residue clogs pores. Use anti-static balls instead.
Detergent: Use fragrance-free options like Cheer Free or Tide Free to prevent irritation.
Water Softeners: Avoid water softeners with potassium chloride as they can contribute to acne.
Swimming Pools: Chlorine and iodides in pools can irritate skin. Apply a thin layer of Vaseline before swimming.
Sun Exposure: Sun damage worsens acne and dark spots. Always wear sunscreen, rain or shine.
Hand Lotions: Avoid comedogenic lotions that can transfer to your face from hands.
Breakouts Around Mouth: Check your lip balm, toothpaste, and facial tissues for pore-clogging ingredients like coconut oil or SLS.
Birth Control & Hormones: Estrogen-dominant birth control is less likely to worsen acne; progestin can exacerbate it. Consult your doctor about options.
Drugs: Recreational drugs and some prescription meds (like steroids and anticonvulsants) can trigger breakouts.
Chemicals: Exposure to chemicals (coal tar, grease, industrial chemicals) can irritate skin.
No Picking or Squeezing: Don’t pick or squeeze acne. Instead, apply ice to reduce swelling and avoid scarring.
Feeling overwhelmed by acne? Let’s create a customized plan for you!
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