As someone with oily skin, how can I prevent and treat acne during the summer?
A: New York City dermatologist Howard Sobel, M.D., gives some good advice on the Web site Real Beauty. He suggests washing your face two times a day — at a minimum — with a cleanser that contains 1 to 2 percent salicylic acid, which should control the overabundance of oil that pops up in the summer. You might be struggling with back acne, too, which is common during the summer, Dr. Sobel says. To treat it, just look for an anti-acne scrub specifically made for the body. When picking out your sunscreen, choose an oil-free, quick-absorbing formula that controls oil production and has a matte finish, such as Cosmedicine Medi-Matte Tint Oil Control Lotion SPF 20.
A: New York City dermatologist Howard Sobel, M.D., gives some good advice on the Web site Real Beauty. He suggests washing your face two times a day — at a minimum — with a cleanser that contains 1 to 2 percent salicylic acid, which should control the overabundance of oil that pops up in the summer. You might be struggling with back acne, too, which is common during the summer, Dr. Sobel says. To treat it, just look for an anti-acne scrub specifically made for the body. When picking out your sunscreen, choose an oil-free, quick-absorbing formula that controls oil production and has a matte finish, such as Cosmedicine Medi-Matte Tint Oil Control Lotion SPF 20.
Is it safe for me to exfoliate if I have dry/sensitive skin and acne?A: Sloughing off dead skin cells is crucial if you have acneic skin, but harsh scrubs can actually increase irritation and cause more acne. Make sure you’re using a gentle facial scrub like a gommage, which is a super-refined exfoliator that gently loosens dead skin cells without causing further dryness and sensitivity.
Because I have dry skin and suffer from frequent breakouts, is there a particular type of makeup that I should be using?A: Try an oil-free foundation that won’t clog your pores and cause further blemishes. Apply with a good-quality foundation brush to make sure you aren’t spreading oil from your fingertips to your face. If you want more coverage, you can try a powder or mineral makeup foundation —just be sure to apply moisturizer beforehand, as powder makeup can accentuate the appearance of dry skin.
Treating acne
I take great care of my skin every day, using a cleanser, toner and moisturizer, but I still have occasional breakouts. What am I doing wrong?A: Although taking care of your skin is important for a healthy, clear complexion, it won’t necessarily treat or prevent acne. Add an over-the-counter acne product or see your dermatologist for treatment options. A dermatologist can also determine whether the products you’re using are appropriate for your skin type.
My acne treatment just isn’t working as well as it used to. What can you recommend?
A: Your skin may have become accustomed to the formula. Look for formulas with higher concentrations of active ingredients. If you’re using a treatment with 2.5 percent benzoyl peroxide, go up to 5 percent. You also might consider seeing a dermatologist for a stronger prescription. Retinoidsare highly effective at treating acne and they repair signs of aging and sun damage, too.
What if I get a zit right before prom night? Is there anything I can do to make it go away faster?
A: Try not to stress over it. While you may not be able to banish that zit for good, you can significantly reduce its size and appearance. Apply a clay mask to the spot and leave on overnight (or as long as you can, if it’s the day of the event). Look for masks formulated with ingredients like kaolin clay, bentonite clay, zinc, salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. The clay will soak up excess oil and reduce the size of the spot. Then, ice the blemish for about 10 minutes to reduce swelling and apply a clear spot treatment with salicylic acid just before applying your makeup. Finish with a dot of concealer.
How long should I continue using acne products once my acne goes away?A: Treatments can take some time to work, and you might need to use them long term to maintain clear skin. In particular, benzoyl peroxide treatments are usually necessary for several years, according to ehealthMD. Often, when you stop using acne products, acne returns after a few weeks. Consult your dermatologist about an ideal time to discontinue use.
Can I use retinoids in conjunction with other acne treatments?
A: Actually, using multiple treatments will increase the chances of dryness and irritation. And retinoids are already known for irritating the skin. Check with your doctor to make sure other treatments you’re using are compatible.
Are there any DIY concoctions to help a zit?A: Try an aspirin tablet, which contains salicylic acid and will exfoliate dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to acne, as well as reduce inflammation. Simply let a few tablets dissolve in water and mash until you create a paste, then apply to the breakout and let sit for three minutes. But don’t try this treatment if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to aspirin.
Acne treatment ingredients
I recently started using an acne-fighting cleanser with salicylic acid. My acne has greatly improved. How do I know when it’s OK to stop the treatment?A. Even if your skin improves, stick with the salicylic acid treatment. Once you stop using the product, it’s likely that acne will return as your pores will again become clogged with blemish-causing impurities including dead skin, bacteria and oil.
How long should I wait before deciding if salicylic acid is working or if I should switch to a different ingredient?A: Healing blemishes takes time, so give your new regimen about a month before deciding whether or not it’s actually working. Additionally, it might be the particular product that isn’t working rather than the active ingredient. Try increasing the concentration of salicylic acid if your blemishes aren’t clearing up (or, for sensitivity, decreasing the concentration), rather than jumping to a new ingredient immediately. Also, you can make an appointment with your dermatologist to discuss the best acne product for you.
Will glycolic acid products help with my acne?A: Absolutely! Not only does glycolic acid help to exfoliate dead skin cells that can clog pores, but it also helps other acne-fighting products sink into the skin.
I just started using an acne product with glycolic acid. The first few uses resulted in irritation. Is this normal or should I stop using this product?A. Expect to feel a slight tingling sensation after you first apply the treatment. After a few days, you may notice that your skin is slightly irritated or flaky. This irritation should subside within a few weeks as your skin acclimates to the product. However, stop using the product immediately if you experience stinging, redness or bleeding. Also, make sure to start with the most gentle formula available and allow your skin to adjust; a product like MD Formulations Continuous Renewal Complex Sensitive Skin Formula is a good place to start.
My dermatologist recommended products formulated with benzoyl peroxide to help clear up my acne. How does this ingredient work?A: When it penetrates pores, benzoyl peroxide stops acne in two ways. First, it delivers oxygen to kill acne-causing bacteria. Second, benzoyl peroxide clears the follicle of dead skin cells, unblocking pores to prevent the formation of new blemishes.
Blackheads & body acne
What are blackheads and how do I get rid of them?A: Blackheads are a build-up of dead skin cells and sebum that clog pore openings. To get rid of these clogs and keep pores clear, use a gentle exfoliating product. In addition, you might want to try salicylic acid or retinoids. Remember that retinoids are only available by prescription, so you’ll need to consult a dermatologist first. Also, a trained esthetician can extract blackheads using a special tool, but don’t attempt this at home: It could leave scars.
Is there anything I can do to prevent blackheads from forming?A: Dermatologist David Herschthal, M.D., tells Marie Claire that using “noncomedogenic, oil-free, water-based skincare products” can go a long way in preventing build-up. But if these products alone don’t do the trick, he suggests talking to your dermatologist about the retinoid Retin-A. This topical exfoliant increases cell turnover and slows oil production, so dead cells and excess oil don’t get the chance to clog pores.
How can I prevent backne (acne on the back)?A: About’s skincare expert Julyne Derrick recommends exfoliating your entire body with a sugar scrub every week. This helps to remove any dead skin cells that build up on your back, she explains.
What causes back acne?A: We’re actually not sure what’s responsible for breakouts on the back. Sources have implicated everything from stress and sweat to diet and tight-fitting clothing.
I often get acne on my back and chest after working out. Is it because I’m not washing enough?A: The connection between exercise and acne is still a matter of debate. A Stanford University study of individuals with acne found that showering didn’t have any impact on back or chest acne. Alexa Boer Kimball, M.D., M.P.H., a board-certified specialist in dermatology, concluded that “regular exercise can be encouraged for patients with acne. But they should avoid tight-fitting clothing and equipment. If tight-fitting equipment is required, it should be cleaned on a regular basis.” You can take further preventative measures by not wearing makeup during exercise, and opting for an oil-free sunscreen likeJack Black Sun Guard Oil-Free Very Water/Sweat Resistant Sunscreen SPF 30+. You can also try a body wash specially designed for acne-prone skin, such as Peter Thomas Roth Blemish Buffing Beads Body Wash.
Acne marks/scars
Can I wear makeup if I have cystic acne? I really want to cover up the red marks.
A: If you wear foundation, choose noncomedogenic, lightweight formulas to prevent clogged pores and breakouts. Check out Dermablend Foundations. Only apply the minimum amount needed to cover blemishes. Be sure to remove foundation every night with an appropriate cleanser. You may want to consult your dermatologist for options.
I have darkish marks left over from acne. Can I use skin lighteners to fade them?A: Many people have successfully used topical skin lighteners to treat acne marks. However, most acne marks will likely fade on their own, although it can take up to 18 months in some cases. Acne marks are known as post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), and are a natural part of the blemish-healing process. Skin becomes inflamed and produces “too much melanin,” causing discoloration, notes Angela Palmer for the Web site About. You can also speed up the healing process by using products that boost cell turnover, like retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids.
What is the difference between a cystic acne scar and a regular scar?A: While regular acne can scar if it’s deep enough or if you pick at it too much, cystic acne is much more likely to cause raised or indented scars that won’t go away on their own. These can look like: icepick scars, which are narrow and deep; rolling scars, which look like waves; boxcar scars, which resemble chicken pox scars; or keloid scars, which are raised because of an overgrowth of tissue.
Adult/hormonal acne & birth control
As an adult, I’m frustrated that I still suffer from acne. How can I treat my blemishes, even though I have fairly dry skin?
A: Adult acne is actually more common than you think. In fact, it affects about 50 percent of women at some point during their adulthood. To treat it, look for gentler ingredients in lower concentrations. For instance, try a spot treatment with salicylic acid — a gentler acne-fighting ingredient than benzoyl peroxide — in a 2 percent formula. Because lines and wrinkles are another common adult concern, talk to your dermatologist about using a retinoid. Retinoids are tremendously effective multi-action formulas: They reduce wrinkles and acne, build collagen, improve skin tone and diminish sun damage. For more tips on treating adult acne, see here and here.
I’m a woman in my later 20s and suffer from acne. How different is my acne from teen acne?A: You may notice a few differences. For instance, typically you’ll find your worst acne spots are located along the chin, jaw and neck, whereas in teens, it’s more common to have acne primarily around the forehead and nose. Another difference is that as an adult, your acne may be less severe, but it is often chronic. Similar to the teenage years, however, women often notice that their acne becomes worse before their period because hormones are responsible for flare-ups.
As soon as I started noticing signs of menopause, my acne came back full-force. What can I do?A: Most women just need to adjust their daily regimen slightly. Adopt a consistent routine of cleansing with a gentle yet thorough facial wash. Then, use an oil-free moisturizer that won’t clog pores any further. Try a spot treatment with an active ingredient like salicylic acid or glycolic acid, or a low-strength benzoyl peroxide treatment. You may also consider talking to your doctor about retinoids, which are tremendously effective at treating acne and reducing signs of aging. For more on acne and menopause, see here.
I know that hormones are involved in causing adult acne. But what are some of the things I can avoid that exacerbate my acne?A: Triggers that aggravate your skin include stress and oily cosmetics. Consequently, participating in stress-reducing activities — anything that relaxes you — might help. Also, choosing noncomedogenic beauty products is crucial. Some proponents are adamant about altering your diet for reducing acne and improving skin overall. However, the premise that diet is associated with acne is a controversial one, as many experts believe it has nothing to do with acne.
Since discontinuing the pill, I always get acne around my chin during my period. What should I do?A: It’s common for women to break out during menstruation; your chin is prone to pimples and redness during this time. However, it’s not something you have to live with all week. Apply an acne spot treatment a few days before and during your period to keep pores clear. Active ingredients — such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide — should help.
Battling acne can be frustrating, but fortunately, there are solutions. Whether you’re struggling with hormonal breakouts, back acne or the occasional blemish, doing your homework can help you find the right treatment and send you well on your way to clear, glowing skin.
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