Acne could be extremely stubborn and bothersome, and depending on its specific type, it could be immensely challenging to treat. The most crucial thing, however, is to stop yourself from picking at it, because the more you disturb it, the slower it will heal. In most cases, mild acne can be controlled without professional treatment.
For more severe cases, however, particularly when it involves painful nodules or cysts, you will need help from your dermatologist, Dr. Jeffrey Heller of Heller Dermatology Center in Daytona Beach, FL, to get your acne under control. Until then, these simple at-home care tips might help:
- Wash your face two times daily and after sweating. Sweating, particularly when wearing a helmet or hat could worsen existing acne and further clog your pores.
- When cleansing your face, opt for your fingertips. A mesh sponge or washcloth might irritate your skin and aggravate your acne. Avoid scrubbing as much as possible.
- Treat your skin gently. Opt for gentle products that clean your face but leave it hydrated. Avoid products that can irritate your skin, especially strong acids or exfoliants. These should only be used under the guidance of your dermatologist. Always rinse your face using lukewarm water.
- Allow your skin to heal naturally. Squeezing, picking, or popping acne will make them heal more slowly and increase your risk of developing scars.
- Avoid touching your face. Your hands touch numerous things throughout the day, so you’re never really sure how dirty they are.
- Wash your hair regularly. If your scalp is excessively oily, use a mild shampoo for cleaning it daily.
- Never expose your unprotected face to the sun. This also applies to tanning beds. Tanning, whether basking on a tanning bed or under the sun, damages your skin. Likewise, certain acne treatments make the face very sensitive to UV or ultraviolet light. Additionally, the American Academy of Dermatology Association states that tanning beds can raise your risk of developing the deadliest skin cancer type, melanoma.
Most importantly, if these care tips fail to control your acne after diligently doing them for a month or so, seek help from your dermatologist in our Daytona Beach, FL, office. Delaying acne treatment will just increase your risk of scarring.
Contact Us For Help Managing Your Acne
Schedule a consultation in our Daytona Beach, FL, office with Dr. Jeffrey Heller here at Heller Dermatology Center by calling (386) 239-8700.