While acne usually appears during puberty, adults 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 at some point. If you’re dealing with acne then you are most likely looking for ways to get clearer skin. Follow these helpful tips from your Chicago loop dermatologist to promote healthier, acne-free skin:

 

 

At the first sign of a pimple, you might feel the need to scrub your face as clean as possible. However, overwashing can strip skin of the essential oils it needs, which can make acne worse. Plus, acne washes contain strong chemicals, which can dry out skin. Try this approach instead: wash acne twice a day with only a mild face wash and lukewarm water. This will help reduce irritation

 

 

Oil-free cleansers won’t cause acne or clog pores, so they are the best choice for anyone, but particularly those prone to acne. When you go shopping for acne products, look for words like “oil-free” or “noncomedogenic”.

 

 

The sun’s rays can dry out skin and aggravate acne. Not to mention sunbathing can cause wrinkles and even skin cancer. And if you are using prescription acne medications, you’ll most certainly want to avoid the sun (as your medication may already recommend), as it can make you more sensitive to UV rays.

 

 

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 Chicago dermatologist about extractions.

 

 

If you aren’t happy with how your acne is responding to over-the-counter treatments, your dermatologist has a variety of different options from effective cleansers to hormonal treatments to extractions and antibiotics. We can get you on the road to clearer skin.

 

We would also be happy to sit down with you and create a unique treatment plan for clearing up your acne. Call us today to schedule your next dermatologist appointment.