Posts for tag: Acne
Are you properly caring for your acne-prone skin?
While acne usually appears during puberty, adults well into their 50s can even develop acne. Acne is one of the most common skin problems, affecting 40 to 50 million Americans. Furthermore, the American Academy of Dermatology also reports that almost 85 percent of all people will experience acne. If you’re dealing with acne, then you are most likely looking for ways to get clearer skin. Along with visiting a dermatologist for medications and other treatment options, here are some helpful tips that could improve your acne from the comfort of home.
Avoid Over-Washing Your Face
At the first sign of a pimple, you might feel the need to scrub your face as clean as possible. However, over-washing can strip skin of the essential oils, making acne worse. Plus, acne washes contain strong chemicals which dry out the skin. Try this approach instead: wash acne twice a day with only a mild face wash and lukewarm water. This will help reduce irritation.
Only Use Oil-Free Products
Oil-free cleansers won’t cause acne or clog pores, so they are the best choice for anyone, particularly those prone to acne. When shopping for acne products, look for words like “oil-free” or “noncomedogenic.”
Limit Sun Exposure
The sun’s rays can dry out the skin and aggravate acne. Not to mention sunbathing can cause wrinkles and even skin cancer. If you are using prescription acne medications, you’ll most certainly want to avoid the sun (medicines often come with warning labels about sun exposure), as it can make you more sensitive to UV rays.
Don’t Pick or Touch Your Face
When you notice a pimple, your first inclination might be to pop or squeeze it; however, think twice before touching your skin. Our fingers and hands carry a lot of germs, which only get transferred to the skin. Plus, popping that pesky pimple could only push bacteria further into the skin, causing infection and scarring. Talk to your dermatologist about extractions.
Know Your Treatment Options
Suppose you aren’t happy with how your acne responds to over-the-counter treatments. In that case, a dermatologist has various options, from effective cleansers to hormonal treatments to extractions and antibiotics. We can get you on the road to clearer skin.
If you are having trouble clearing up acne on your own, then a dermatologist will be the ideal medical specialist to help you determine the cause of your acne and how to treat it effectively. If at-home care isn’t effective enough, call your dermatologist for a consultation.
When you’re dealing with skin problems such as eczema or psoriasis, using the same skincare products that others do may end up being a major no-no. In fact, you need to pay close attention to the products you are currently using. Whether you’re noticing more flare-ups, or you are just concerned about how to care for your delicate skin, a dermatologist can be a helpful doctor to turn to. Here are some other tips that can help.You Have Dry Skin
If you are dealing with very dry, itchy, and flaky skin then baths can actually make dry skin worse. This means that you’ll want to find products that prevent the body’s natural oils from being stripped away. Of course, while you may want to watch the temperature on that bathwater, this doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy a relaxing soak in the tub. Just look for soaps and bath products that contain coconut milk, which is incredibly hydrating. Not to mention, it will make your skin smell pretty great, too!
You Have Eczema
If you have eczema then bath time might be a real challenge; however, if you haven’t tried it yet you need to look for bath products that contain colloidal oatmeal. Instead of using a bubble bath or other products that could exacerbate eczema, use a colloidal oatmeal bath soak instead. This product is great for itchy, dry, and red skin caused by eczema. It can also be ideal for those with sunburns and poison ivy rashes.
You Have Acne-Prone Skin
Acne doesn’t just appear on the face, you may also notice embarrassing breakouts on your shoulders, back, legs, or other parts of the body, too. If you are prone to breakouts, it’s important to find a product that won’t make acne worse while also removing excess oil from the skin. One option is Epsom salts.
Not only are they great for reducing inflammation but they also help to exfoliate the skin to remove the buildup of dead skin cells, which in turn prevents clogged pores. Soaps with tea tree oil, sulfur, or charcoal may also be great for keeping pores clean and removing impurities in the skin.
You Have Psoriasis
When it comes to psoriasis, gentle bath products are key! Look for body wash rather than soap, which can actually alter the pH of the skin and lead to further dryness. Instead, look for a gentle, fragrance-free body wash. You’ll also want to ease off the hot water and instead opt for lukewarm water when bathing or showering. Just like with eczema, colloidal oatmeal can also be soothing for psoriasis plaques.
If in doubt, your dermatologist is a wellspring of information to help you find the ideal products for your skin. A dermatologist will also know what ingredients and products to avoid based on the skin problems you’re facing. Ask your dermatologist today!
Don’t let acne problems cause you distress. It might be easier to treat than you realized.
There are many ways that our Honolulu, HI, dermatologists - Dr. Kevin Dawson, Dr. Douglas Chun, Dr. Sarah Grekin and Dr. Erin Fuller - can help you conquer your acne outbreaks if you aren’t able to get the results you want through over-the-counter remedies. Some of the options we offer for treating your acne include:
- Prescription medications (oral or topical)
- Laser therapy
- Extractions
- Chemical peels
During your consultation, our Honolulu, HI, skin doctors will be able to examine your skin, determine the cause or causes of your outbreaks and then determine the best course of action. We may just recommend taking medication or we may recommend multiple treatment options depending on the type and severity of your acne.
Of course, did you know that there are ways for you to keep skin free from acne? People have a lot of bad habits that they may not even be aware of that could be making them more susceptible to breakouts:
Touching Your Face
How often do you find yourself rubbing your face? Perhaps you like to rest your face in your hands. Now think about where your hands have been and the last time you washed them. You could easily be rubbing bacteria and germs all over your skin, which could be leading to those annoying little pimples along the jawline or hairline.
Using Your Cell Phone
We are about to ask you a potentially gross question. How often do you disinfect your cell phone? We will let your answer sink in for a moment. We know that most people don’t clean their phones at all, let alone every day. Of course, people are often glued to their phones, which harbor tons of bacteria. Make sure to pack those disinfecting wipes and use them on your phone at least once a week.
You Use Too Many Products
That’s right; you can overdo it on acne products. Some people think that if one acne product will work then two or three may be even more effective. Don’t buy into this misconception. You have to use a product for several weeks before deciding that it isn’t working and switching to something new. Using too many harsh products, particularly together, could end up making acne worse. If you aren’t sure which products are good to use we would be happy to provide recommendations.
Acne can be a difficult skin problem to handle on your own. If you feel like you are losing the battle then turn to the medical professionals at Dawson Dermatology in Honolulu, HI, to get one step closer to acne-free skin.
Drs. Kevin Dawson, Douglas Chun, and Sarah Grekin of Dawson Dermatology, in Honolulu, HI, understands the difficulties of acne. About 5% of adults and 80% of adolescents suffer from acne, a confidence-crippling condition.
More About Acne
Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, an oil, that moisturizes the skin. Sebum travels from the root of the hair follicle to the surface of the skin. People suffering from acne have a problem with this process. The sebum doesn't reach the surface of the skin but, instead, creates a blockage of sebum and dead cells.
Whiteheads vs. Blackheads
- Whiteheads are formed when the opening of the hair follicle is completely blocked.
- Blackheads are formed when the hair follicle's pore is still open.
The inflammation of whiteheads and blackheads can produce red pustules that lead to skin scarring when inflamed.
How can you treat acne?
Treating acne isn't easy but your Honolulu dermatologist knows just how to help. Here are a few treatment options your dermatologist provides:
- Benzoyl Peroxide can reduce blocked skin pores for mild acne
- Antibiotics, oral and topical, can help you deal with acne infections
- Vitamin A, like tretinoin, helps exfoliate blocked pores
- Metal instruments extract whiteheads and blackheads manually
What are the acne scars?
Here are some procedures your dermatologist provides:
- Microneedling: This is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that treats skin using collagen induction therapy.
- Chemical peels: This treatment targets different pathophysiological factors to help you deal with photoaging, deep scars, wrinkles, and precancerous skin lesions.
- Laser Skin Treatment: Your dermatologist treats acne scars using laser skin treatment to minimize the appearance of scars by removing people's residual scarring.
Contact Dawson Dermatology
Acne isn't fun for anyone and can deteriorate confidence. Drs. Kevin Dawson, Douglas Chun, and Sarah Grekin of Dawson Dermatology can help you treat acne. For more information on acne, acne scars, and the various acne treatments, call your Honolulu, HI, dermatologists at 808-599-3780.
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions that dermatologists treat. Recommended treatments range from over-the-counter skin products, spot treatment, and light treatment. In reality, the best remedy is prevention. Stopping breakouts before they happen keeps your skin clear and happy. Here are some guidelines to follow for perfect skin.