Top 9 Ways to Get Rid of Irritating Acne Problems

Acne is one of the most irritating problems you can have. Seriously, who wants to battle with acne? We all pray that we go through life without any acne issues. And let’s be honest, while you can contribute to acne-free life, mainly by sticking to a healthy diet, hormones play a huge role. And your hormones can go off the rail, causing acne breakouts at any moment.

What is the reason acne appears on your face? They form when the oil on your face and dead skin cells on your skin surface combine to form a plug blocking the pores. And because acne-causing bacteria naturally live on the skin, the area becomes inflamed and you start to see pimples and cystic lesions. Now, what can you do? Well, here are some of the best “treatments” you can give to your face when you are battling an acne problem.

Salicylic acid

One of the most common ingredients in acne products is salicylic acid. It is the go-to fix for teenagers and people before teenage years. The active ingredient is present in most of the products that are designed for spot treatment or “acne wash”.

This acid works by dissolving the excess oil on your face and gently exfoliating dead skin cells. And it also has anti-inflammatory properties that will help with inflammation and irritation of your skin due to acne breakouts. You can apply salicylic acid as a toner, as a moisturizer, or as a spot treatment.

Glycolic acid

This is another acid that helps exfoliate the sin and helps to get rid of dead skin cells. If you are looking for a good toner for acne, look for one that contains both salicylic and glycolic acid. In a matter of fact, this treatment is best used as a toner. But some use it as a face wash as well.

Benzoyl peroxide

This antibacterial ingredient is effective in killing acne-causing bacteria on your skin. However, there are downsides to using this ingredient. Most of the products with this ingredient can dry out your sensitive skin. And if you are not clothing while applying creams, you might bleach your clothes. If you want to get rid of the bacteria, we recommend sticking to treatments and products with no more than 2% of benzoyl peroxide.

Retinol

Known as the best anti-aging ingredient, retinol is also effective in treating acne. That is thanks to the vitamin A in its formula. The compound works by causing skin cells to turn over at a faster rate, decrease oil production, and speed up the skin exfoliation process.

You can find many over-the-counter retinol products for acne problems. The best part about retinol is it helps with acne, but also prevents future breakouts, and prevents the follicle getting clogged. And best of all, retinol helps with post-acne treatment such as hyperpigmentation.

Cortisone shot

If you have a more severe acne problem, you should be seeking an appropriate treatment. One of the more popular treatments for severe acne problem is a cortisone shot. This is a quick fix for your acne emergency. For example, you have a big and important meeting tomorrow, and you get an acne breakout. Just go to a dermatologist office and look for a cortisone shot. Your acne should disappear within 24 hours.

Birth control pills

We mentioned that one of the problems causing acne is a hormonal imbalance. If you are experiencing acne breakouts just before your period, that means the cause might be hormonal. Sensitivity to the hormones called androgens manifests in the form of cystic acne, and it is one of the worst acne problems. Birth control pills help keep hormones balanced, and your skin clear. Of course, there are downsides to using birth control pills on a regular basis, but it is your choice.

Accutane

This is a compound used for the treatment of severe acne in a dermatologist office. If the patient does not respond to anything, Accutane is the last resort you can try. The ingredient is particularly good for cystic acne in women and body acne in men. The problem is, this orally prescribed treatment can make your skin dry and sensitive. That is why you have to keep applying moisturizer to balance things out.

Azelaic acid

Salicylic and glycolic acid are good for moderate acne problems, but if you have severe breakouts, you need to turn to azelaic acid. Most commonly, this treatment is prescribed to patients with sensitive skin and pregnant patients. Usually, dermatologists prescribe it as a foam product.

Antibiotics

You might be surprised, but antibiotics help with acne as well. Oral antibiotics are particularly effective as a quick fix. But they are not usually a person’s first choice. The problem is, once you stop taking antibiotics, the acne will return. And while you are taking oral antibiotics, you might get a yeast infection or an upset stomach.

Besides, there are some good face washes for hormonal acne which can perform the above treatments when you are facing an acne problem. Try above suggestions and we hope that soon you will get an acne free beautiful face.