January 24, 2023
Acne top tips
- Try not to pick or squeeze your spots as this usually aggravates them and may cause scarring and infection.
- If your self-confidence has been affected by acne or if you are feeling distressed, it is important to reach out to others for support. This includes friends, family members and support groups. You may also be able to access a counsellor through school, university or work.
- Let your GP or Dermatologist know if your acne is making you feel depressed or anxious. They will be able to speak with you about how you are feeling and help you to form a treatment plan, which may involve input from other specialists, such as psychologists or psychiatrists, if necessary.
- Expect to use your treatments for at least two months before you see much improvement. Make sure that you understand how to use them correctly so you get the maximum benefit.
- Some topical treatments may dry or irritate the skin when you start using them. If your face goes red and is irritated by a lotion or cream, stop treatment for a few days and try using the treatment less often and then building up gradually.
- Make-up may help your confidence. Choose products that are labelled as being ‘non- comedogenic’ (should not cause blackheads or whiteheads) or non-acnegenic (should not cause acne).
- Cleanse your skin and remove make-up with a gentle cleanser and water, or an oil-free soap substitute. Scrubbing too hard can irritate the skin and make your acne worse. Remember blackheads are not due to poor washing.
- Think about whether you get more spots after consuming high GI foods or dairy. If something seems to consistently trigger a breakout, what happens when you don’t have that food or drink for a few days, weeks or a month? Discuss with your doctor before permanently cutting any foods out of your diet as this can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Whilst diet may play a role in causing your spots, keeping your skin clear usually requires more than a diet change.