I wash my face several times a day. Why do I still get acne?

Dirty skin is not the sole cause of acne. Washing your face helps to keep it clean of surface oils and dead skin cells, but it is not sufficient to treat and remove acne. Overwashing and vigorous scrubbing can actually make acne worse. To keep skin clean, wash it gently twice a day with a mild soap or cleanser.

I never suffered from acne as a teenager. Why am I getting it now, as an adult?

It is true that acne generally starts at puberty and clears up by the early 20s. However, acne can affect adults as well, and sometimes even those who never suffered from it as teenagers. In adults, acne is more common in females than in males. It is important to understand the underlying cause of adult acne, and this can differ from case to case. Birth control pills and comedogenic cosmetics are two reasons of adult acne.

Is teen acne different from acne that appears for the first time in adulthood?

Acne can be caused by several factors, including but not limited to: the overproduction of sebum (oil) by the sebaceous gland, the overactivity of cells in the hair follicles and the clogging of skin pores. Androgenic hormones – which stimulate the sebaceous gland and cause other physical changes in the body, especially in males – are in large part responsible for teenage acne.

The cause of adult acne is usually more complicated and difficult to treat, especially if there was no acne during puberty. Some causes of adult acne are birth control pills, anti-epileptic drugs, certain anti-tuberculosis drugs and chlorinated industrial chemicals. Skin lesions in adult are sometimes thought to be acne when in fact they may be folliculitis, which needs to be treated differently. It is important to understand the underlying causes of adult-only acne, and to treat the condition accordingly.

Is acne contagious?

Certain types of acne contain bacteria, but acne is not contagious and cannot be passed on through contact.

Is acne hereditary?

Case studies demonstrate that heredity is a major factor in determining a person’s susceptibility to acne. Children of parents who had or have acne are at greater risk of developing acne, but heredity is only one of several factors. There is no guarantee that such children will develop acne, or that offspring of parents who never suffered from acne will never develop it.

Can stress cause acne?

Stress may cause changes in hormones and thus have an indirect effect on acne. However, stress is not a major factor and is not likely to hinder proper treatment through medication.

Is diet a factor in causing acne?

There has been no scientific evidence linking diet or certain foods to the presence of acne. Some people report that their acne is aggravated by the consumption of oily or sugary foods. While there is no proof to this effect, if you feel that certain foods make your acne worse, it is best to refrain from consuming them.

Can exercise affect acne?

There is no scientific evidence linking exercise to acne. Some people feel that their acne is worsened by exercise, which may be caused by the extra heat and sweat produced in the body through exercise.

Can sunlight affect acne?

There is no scientific evidence proving the benefits of sunlight for treating or reducing acne. Exposure to ultraviolet rays has not been demonstrated to reduce acne, and may have other negative side-effects such as premature aging of the skin and increased risk of cancer.

Can I squeeze my pimples?

It is always a bad idea to squeeze pimples and acne. Inflammatory acne should especially not be picked or squeezed, as they may spread the infection and cause scarring. There are certain safer ways to squeeze a non-inflammatory pimple, but squeezing any zit or pimple should be avoided as far as possible.

What things or activities can make my acne worse?

There are several activities and things that can make acne worse. Applying oil-based make-up, squeezing or picking at pimples, scrubbing the skin too hard and over-exposure to the sun can make acne worse. Menstruation in females and too much stress have also been linked to increase in acne. Certain other things – such as dirt, sugary and oily food, sexual activity and masturbation – have not been proven to affect acne in any way. Still, if you strongly feel that a particular activity or condition makes your acne worse, it is advisable to refrain from it.

I suffer from acne – what type of cosmetics should I use?

Cosmetics and toiletries sometimes have harsh ingredients that can aggravate acne. Look for cosmetics and cleansers that are ‘noncomedogenic’ – such products are less likely to produce acne. It is also advisable to choose products in consultation with your dermatologist.

What is the best way of treating acne?

There is no surefire acne treatment that works across the board. Every case is different and must be treated on an individual basis. Many people who suffer from acne may need to try different treatments in order to find one that works for them. It is not advisable to use cheap products, and strong drugs should be used only after consultation with a qualified dermatologist or pharmacist.

Are there any acne treatments designed for people with dark skin? Is there any treatment that dark-skinned people should avoid?

There are no special treatments designed for dark skin. Acne treatments are generally equally safe and effective on both dark and fair skin. Temporary lightening of dark skin may be caused by some products. Very dark skin may also be less moisturized than lighter skin, and dehydrating treatments such as benzoyl peroxide should be avoided or taken in consultation with a dermatologist. Dark skin is more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or dark spots in places where acne was produced. This is a temporary condition and can be resolved with the right cosmetics and treatments.

What do I need to know before I buy a medication?

There are three things you should know before buying a medication. First: what is your skin type? Some products have different effects on dry, oily and normal skin. Even in cases where the treatment product is common to all skin types, you may need to combine your medication with other skin-specific cleansers and cosmetics to achieve best results. People with sensitive skin should especially stay away from treatments which contain harsh or concentrated ingredients.

Next, you should know the type and severity of your acne condition. A person suffering from a mild and occasional case of acne will need to be treated differently than one who suffers from severe and chronic acne. Consult your dermatologist to gain a deeper understanding of your acne and skin type.

It is also important to read the formula of the treatment and use high-quality products. Research the ingredients and their suitability to your condition. Your dermatologist will be able to make informed recommendations in this regard.

How can I treat scars caused by acne?

Scars caused by acne, and their corresponding treatment, depends on the individual who suffers from them. The first step in treating acne scars is to bring the acne condition under control. Only then should remedial measures for scarring be undertaken.

When can I expect to see results from my treatment?

That depends on the product you are using, how well it matches your skin type and how far it addresses the underlying problems that have caused your acne. Even with effective products, it can take weeks or a few months to see positive visible results. Most dermatologists recommend a 4-8 week trial period for any medication before deciding whether it’s effective or not. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away, and stick with a medication for the recommended time before moving on to another product.

If I use my treatment or medication more often than prescribed, will my acne clear up faster?

No. It is best to follow your dermatologist’s instructions and the product’s recommended course of treatment. Overmedication can cause irritation, clogging and redness of the skin.

My topical acne treatment clears up acne in the spots where I apply it, but then I break out in other places. What should I do?

Topical treatments are designed to treat sensitive areas, especially those which are at risk of developing lesions. A topical treatment may not be sufficient to treat the underlying or overall causes of acne, and may need to be combined with other medication if acne keeps developing.

My doctor has prescribed a topical retinoid for my acne. Retinoids contain Vitamin A, so can’t I just take a Vitamin A pill?

Vitamin A is not recommended in large doses due to safety reasons. Overdose of Vitamin A can cause blisters and peeling of the skin. Topical retinoid treatments are designed especially for their effectiveness in shedding dead skin cells in hair follicles, and are usually prescribed for moderate to severe acne cases. Topical retinoids, due to their strength, can also cause side-effects. These are mostly dermatological, but should be discussed and monitored properly with your dermatologist.

Why has my treatment stopped working?

Your body may have developed resistance to the medication or natural remedy. This is not unusual, and in such cases it may be a good idea to rotate your treatments in order to break down such resistance and achieve better overall results. Consult your dermatologist before starting a treatment course involving different products.

My acne has cleared up! Can I stop my treatment?

It is not a good idea to stop medication suddenly, as acne may recur with greater intensity. Consult your dermatologist before stopping your treatment. If you are using more than one treatment product, it is advisable to discontinue each treatment one by one and monitor results closely. Also remember that certain medications contain dependence-inducing ingredients which result in a flare-up of acne as soon as medication is stopped. It is highly advisable to research thoroughly and embark on any treatment after consulting with your dermatologist.