Do’s and Don’ts for Acne Breakouts | Dermatologist-Approved Acne Care

What Causes Acne Breakouts?

Acne occurs when your hair follicles get clogged with dirt, oil, impurities and dead skin cells. This leads to the bacterial buildup and inflammation that eventually surfaces on your skin as comedones, cysts, and nodules. Let us learn about how to take care of your acne-prone skin in the next section.

Dos When You Have a Breakout

It is always essential to listen to your skin, especially if it is prone to pimples and acne. Here is a breakdown of the do’s when you have breakouts:

1. Gently cleanse your face:

   Wash your face twice daily using a mild, non-abrasive cleanser.

2. Moisturise daily:

   As a part of your daily skincare routine, moisturise your face using a lightweight and oil-free moisturiser.

3. Apply sunscreen:

   Sunscreen is a non-negotiable step of your skincare routine. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or more without fail, irrespective of the season and whether you are indoors or outdoors.

4. Use non-comedogenic products:

   Look for the ingredients of the skincare products you use. Make sure they are non-comedogenic.

5. Apply spot treatments as needed:

   Use the spot treatments (over-the-counter ingredients) after cleansing your face to target the blemishes.

6. Exfoliate gently:

   Exfoliate your face twice or thrice a week using a mild chemical exfoliant.

7. Have a balanced diet:

   What you eat shows on your face. Consume a well-balanced diet that is good for your skin health.

8. Stay hydrated:

   Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated from within.

9. Wash your pillowcases regularly:

   Your pillowcases are a breeding ground for bacteria. Change them twice a week to prevent your skin from coming into contact with the bacteria buildup.

10. Manage your stress levels:

    It is vital to keep your stress levels in check. Engage in activities, like yoga, meditation and other stress management techniques to remain stress-free.

11. Seek professional help from a dermatologist:

    For severe or persistent acne or prescribed topical medications, do consult a dermatologist for expert guidance.

Don’ts When You Have a Breakout

Now that you know what to do if you have a breakout, it is equally important to be aware of what not to do. Here is a list of things you should refrain from:

1. Don’t pick or squeeze your pimples:

   Do not touch, pop or squeeze your pimples. It may leave scars, cause infection and delay your healing.

2. Don’t overwash your face:

   When you overwash your face, it can strip away your skin of its essentials oils and damage the protective barrier.

3. Don’t use harsh products:

   Be gentle with your skin. Avoid using harsh products on your acne-prone skin. It can disrupt your skin’s protective barrier, increase inflammation and worsen your acne.

4. Don’t over-exfoliate your skin:

   Refrain from overly exfoliating your skin, as it can aggravate your condition. Use mild and gentle exfoliants, and that too, less frequently.

5. Don’t touch your face frequently:

   Although it is natural to touch your face, try to avoid it. Your hands may carry bacteria, dirt or other impurities that get transferred to your face.

6. Don’t ignore professional help when needed:

   Do not hesitate to see a dermatologist if your acne seems to be getting worse or if you need prescription-based acne treatment.

7. Don’t use oily or comedogenic makeup:

   Be cautious when applying makeup products to your face. Make sure they are oil-free and non-comedogenic.

8. Don’t skip moisturiser:

   You may say that you already have oily skin, but why a moisturiser? Moisturise your skin daily to keep it healthy and prevent drying out.

9. Don’t use too many products at once:

   Overloading your skin with multiple products can irritate it and potentially worsen your acne.

10. Don’t neglect your hair hygiene:

    It is crucial to follow proper hygiene practices like regular cleansing, avoiding touching your face, and keeping your pillow covers and phones clean.

When To Visit A Dermatologist?

You may have been following all these instructions diligently. However, despite proper care, regular skincare routine and home remedies, your condition doesn’t get any better. You need a professional who will identify the cause of your acne and suggest an effective solution. Recurring or persistent acne, or severe cases of acne, require medical intervention to treat them and prevent their occurrence. Based on the root cause and severity of your condition, your dermatologist may recommend advanced acne treatments.

Advanced Acne Treatments At Oliva Clinic

Here is a list of the dermatologist-recommended treatments for acne at Oliva after they thoroughly analyse your skin:

1. Oral and Topical Medications:

If your acne is caused due by insulin resistence or a hormonal disorder, our dermatologists may prescribe oral medications to treat the underlying cause. They may also advise topical medications to reduce your breakouts.

2. Comedone Extraction:

If you have whiteheads or blackheads, you may be recommended this treatment. Here, our dermatologists will safely extract the comedones from the surface of your skin with the help of specialised tools.

3. Chemical Peels:

If you have mild to moderate acne, chemical peels are what you need. In this treatment, the dermatologists will apply specially formulated chemical peels made of plant-based extracts for a controlled exfoliation of the damaged layers of your skin. It removes oil, dirt, and other impurities and reveals a clearer and smoother skin. The concentration and depth of the peel depend on the type and severity of your acne.

4. Intralesional Injections:

If you have severe acne, such as cists or nodules, you may need these specialised injections. They help reduce the inflammation and pain from the acne.