The common reasons you can’t get rid of acne
1: not taking a well-rounded approach to how you actually treat acne
- Ingredients that decrease free radical damage and oxidative stress that damage the pores and lead to inflammation (antioxidants)
- Ingredients to decrease C. Acnes bacteria in the pores (salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, succinic acid, topical antibiotics) that lead to inflammation
- Ingredients to help remove the dead skin cell buildup/ clogged pores (retinoids, salicylic acid, succinic acid, AHA’s)
- Ingredients to decrease the production of oil (Niacinamide, succinic acid, retinoids)
- Lifestyle factors to help decreases stress, regulate hormones, improve hygiene)
- Antiinflammatory ingredients to put out the c.acne fire
#2: Relying on your cleanser to treat your acne:
Your cleanser is to prep and prepares your skin to better accept the active ingredients mentioned above. Gentle yet effective is the way to go.
- In a recent research study double cleansing was linked to worsening acne
- Overaggressive cleansing can damage the skin barrier which will impair progress
- Aggressive exfoliation can irritate sebaceous oil glands causing them to pump out even more oil
#3: Using too many actives at one time :
Instead, focus on using a simple AM and PM routine that doesn’t pair the same active ingredients on top of each other that can lead to irritation.
#4: You may not have acne:
- there are many acne mimickers like rosacea, folliculitis, milia, etc. seeing your board certified dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis can save you lots of time and money
- Your acne may be linked to other undiagnosed medical causes like PCOS or IBS or medications. Again your derm can help.
#5: You are not being consistent enough. Clearing acne takes time! How much time can range. Please see the chart above and please don’t discontinue your medication once your acne clears
#6 Your diet sucks: Processed foods, foods with a high Glycemic Index( sugar content) and Dairy can worsen acne. You’ll want to rethink your diet if you eating poorly and you are serious about clearing your acne.
#7 Your stress level is out of control. Find something to help decrease your stress levels. Elevated cortisol can wreak havoc On the skin and worsen acne.
#8 You are not giving your skin what it actually needs. Don’t get in the rut of always using the same cleansers and moisturizer because it’s what’s on the counter. Listen to your skin's needs. Just because your skin was oily last month doesn’t mean it’s still only today.
#9 Check in with your hygiene practices:
- Stop touching your face all day and please not picking use a pimple patch instead!
- When’s the last time you washed your pillowcase? Your face mask?Your glasses? Your headphones? Your face towel?
- How long does it take you to wash your face post-workout?
#10 Don’t chase acne! Focus on preventing acne instead of chasing it. When your skin clears up continue using good hygiene practices and a good skin routine and do not rely on spot treatments. Get in front of that spot so it never shows.
*No skipping sunscreen! Sunscreen can help prevent scarring and hyperpigmentation. I prefer a mineral-based (zinc oxide) for acne patients. Those with acne have been linked to zinc deficiency. In addition, zinc has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
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MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: ALL INFORMATION PROVIDED BY DR. ALEXIS STEPHENS ON THIS WEBSITE OR IN ANY OTHER FORMAT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. ALWAYS CONSULT YOUR PERSONAL PHYSICIAN OR OTHER QUALIFIED HEALTH PROVIDER WITH ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE REGARDING A MEDICAL CONDITION. NEVER REPLACE PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE GIVEN TO YOU PERSONALLY OR DELAY IN SEEKING IT BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOU HAVE READ ON THIS WEBSITE. THIS INFORMATION IS NOT MEANT TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, OR CURE ANY MEDICAL CONDITION.
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