Normally considered an intrinsic part of the teenage experience, spots and pimples can occur at any age. Facial blemishes in particular are hard to conceal – makeup can only do so much. Some people feel particularly embarrassed about breakouts and may avoid social occasions or go to any lengths to try and remove them. Unfortunately, a number of these methods may in fact exacerbate the problem.
At Medical Dermatology Specialists, we encounter all manner of skin complaints, from mild blackheads to severe acne. We recommend the following lifestyle changes to reduce the chance and severity of spots.
Properly Wash and Cleanse Your Face
It may seem obvious that removing excess dirt, oil and sweat from your skin will reduce the chance of pores becoming clogged and stopping spots from forming. However, washing your face too much strips the natural sebum, causing an overproduction that disrupts rebalance. This ultimately makes acne worse. Medical Dermatology Specialists recommends washing your face no more than twice a day.
Skin type awareness is important, be it oily, dry or a combination. Using the wrong cleansing products is often ineffectual or worsens symptoms. For example, a moisturizer formulated for dry skin will clog the pores of oily skin. Products with many active ingredients, like salicylic acid, damage dry or sensitive skin and produce more pimples.
Treat Your Skin Well, Inside and Out
It can be tempting to cover an outbreak with a layer of makeup, but this will ultimately add more debris to pores. Go light with foundation and concealer, and choose fragrance-free products. Gently remove cosmetics before sleeping, and apply moisturizer to keep skin hydrated without becoming oily.
Pay attention to what you put in your body – processed foods, dairy, refined sugars and alcohol are all known to cause pimples. Ensure that you are drinking enough water, as dehydrated skin will look dull and become inflamed.
Stop the Pop!
Squeezing a spot or pimple can be very tempting, but exacerbates your problem in the long run. Popping spots leads to inflammation and infection, and causes scarring. Try a drop of tea tree oil instead.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your acne problem will become unmanageable. Medical Dermatology Specialists is here to help. From prescription cleansers to laser treatments, we can help you find the way to clear skin. Contact our Atlanta offices today for an appointment.
Medical Dermatology Specialists
5730 Glenridge Dr, Suite T-100
Atlanta, GA 30328
(404) 939-9220
Monday – Thursday 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Posted on behalf of
5730 Glenridge Drive, Suite T-100
Atlanta, GA 30328
Phone: Call (404) 939-9220
FAX: (470) 312-2157
Email: jstalls@atlmedderm.com
