Acne

• A family history of acne
• Hormones influence oil production in both sexes and contributes to the onset of acne at puberty. Many women notice acne flares around their period. Using a birth control pill may help control this. Emotional and physical stress can aggravate acne.
• Eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is recommended. Whey and protein supplements can worsen acne.

• Sweating with exercise or exposure to hot/humid environments is normal but may contribute to acne breakouts. This is especially true when there is friction or occlusion/pressure against the skin due to clothing, hats, headbands, straps, backpacks, etc. Shower after increased sweating and wash workout clothing regularly.
• Picking, scratching, and ‘popping’ pimples worsens acne and increases scarring. Avoid touching your face without first washing your hands.

Acne can be managed with over-the-counter and/or prescription medications along with recommended lifestyle changes. There is no cure for acne, but it usually subsides as one ages.  Most treatment regimens take at least six to eight weeks for noticeable improvement. Medications applied to the skin are essential for acne management and require consistent use. When acne improves, continue using topical medications to prevent exacerbations of acne.

• Wash your face twice daily (morning and before bed) with a gentle cleanser (i.e. Cerave hydrating cleanser, Cetaphil gentle cleanser, Neutrogena/Aveeno foam cleansers, Purpose bar, Dove, Vanicream cleanser.)
• Gels, solutions, or liquids are more drying than creams and lotions. Gels and solutions may be needed for oily skin and/or during humid summer months, but these drying products can be too harsh for the cold and dry winter months leading to skin irritation, redness, flaking.  Acne creams/lotions are typically better choices during the winter. If you have sensitive or dry skin, acne creams and lotions can be used throughout the year.
• Choose skin products that are “non-comedogenic” (will not clog pores). Hair products and lip balms may contribute to acne. If you have breakouts around your chin/mouth, avoid using chapstick/lip balm at bedtime.
• For chest or back acne, wash daily. Apply an acne cleanser to a back brush/washcloth/loofah, gently rub onto affected skin, wait five minutes before rinsing thoroughly (i.e. Panoxyl Creamy Wash, Neutrogena Deep Clean gel cleanser or Mederma Aqua glycolic acid wash).

Over-the-counter topical medications

Drying and antibacterial
Dry skin/absorb oil, decrease bacteria

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Apply to acne-prone skin once or twice daily (2.5% – 5% gel/cream for face, and 8- 10% body wash for back/chest acne.

Exfoliant
Slough dead skin to prevent clogged pores, smooth skin, reduce appearance of scars

• Salicylic acid 1-2% (i.e. Neutrogena Deep Clean gel cleanser)
• Sulfur bar soap
• Sulfur lotion or cream (i.e. Kate Sommerville Acne 4%sulfur lotion, Proactiv Mask.)
• Sulfur combined with 2% Resorcinol (i.e. Acnomel cream; or for oily skin use Rezamid lotion)
  • Use morning and/or night
  • May apply to acne-prone skin, leave on for 30 – 60 minutes daily, then rinse.
  • Products are tinted and have a scent which may not be acceptable to you if worn throughout the day.
• Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) (i.e. Mederma Aqua glycolic wash)
• Adapalene 0.1% cream or gel (i.e. Differin)
  • Apply small amount to acne-prone facial skin at bedtime/night.
  • This product can cause redness, flaking of skin, so begin using this only twice weekly for first 2 weeks, then 3 times weekly for two weeks, and gradually increase to nightly.
  • This product diminishes common scarring from previous acne lesions.
  • Use of this product increases sun sensitivity, so use an SPF 30 sunscreen each morning and re-apply during the day if you are outdoors, even at football games on cool fall days or when skiing in the winter.