If you’re suffering from acne, you’re not alone. Affecting as many as 50 million Americans every year, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Acne can occur at any age and consists of anything from a few pimples to a severe condition that affects your whole body. Common causes of acne include hormones, medications, allergies, and plain old genetics. Here are five of the best ways to get rid of acne.
Establish a Skincare Routine
The first step in treating acne is a good skincare routine. Choose a cleanser with salicylic acid to deep clean pores. Apply an acne-fighting serum like niacinamide, salicylic acid or retinol, and follow up with an oil-free moisturizer to prevent oil overproduction and protect your skin barrier.
Change Your Diet
Did you know that food sensitivities can cause or exacerbate acne? Some common foods that contribute to acne include dairy, sugar and gluten. Consider visiting an allergist to test for food allergies and sensitivities or a dietician to help you plan a nutritious acne-fighting diet.
Get Professional Treatments
Visiting a medical spa or esthetician for professional skin treatments can reduce active breakouts and prevent new ones. A deep pore treatment or chemical peel is a great procedure to start with. Stubborn cases of acne can benefit from extractions, light therapy, or laser treatments like the AviClear Laser.
Try OTC Medications and Supplements
Some vitamins and supplements have been shown to treat and prevent acne. Consider adding a zinc or vitamin C supplement to your daily routine, or try a multivitamin formulated for skin health. There are also plenty of over-the-counter topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, and salicylic acid that are very effective for treating acne.
Ask Your Doctor about Prescription Options
If you have tried everything to treat your acne without success, it’s time to visit a dermatologist. A dermatologist can pinpoint the cause of your acne and prescribe an effective, targeted treatment. Some of the options your dermatologist may recommend are prescription topicals like Tretinoin, oral or topical antibiotics, hormonal contraceptives, or the anti-acne drug called Accutane.
Remember, acne treatment can take weeks or months to produce results, so don’t give up if your acne doesn’t clear right away. It’s important to be consistent with any acne treatment and stick with it. However, discontinue any acne treatments that cause excessive irritation, redness, discomfort, or other unwanted side effects, and give your skin time to recover before trying something new.
About the author:
Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.