Acne sucks. Trust me, I know. I thought I’d be free of acne when I hit my twenties, but that wasn’t the case. So, how to get rid of acne when nothing works? You’ve tried all of the lotions and potions, and want to know what treatments and hacks are going to help you tackle your problematic acne.
What Are The Different Types Of Acne?
Acne is a skin condition that affects many people. It can cause redness, swelling, and blemishes on the skin. There are many different types of acne, each with its own unique characteristics.
The four most common types are blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and cysts. Blackheads are small dark bumps that form when sebum, or oil, and dead skin cells clog hair follicles. Whiteheads are closed comedones or clogged pores covered by a thin layer of skin.
Pimples are larger bumps formed when a pore is clogged by excess sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Cysts are large, painful bumps filled with pus that can occur beneath the surface of the skin.
All of these types of acne can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medications, depending on their severity. Lifestyle changes such as practicing good hygiene, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding certain triggers may also help reduce the symptoms of acne, to give you clear skin.
What Are The Main Causes Of Acne?
Adult acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. It is characterized by the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, papules, and cysts on the skin.
Though it is often thought to be a teenage problem, acne can affect anyone at any age. The main causes of acne are clogged pores, overactive sebaceous glands, bacteria, and hormones. Clogged pores occur when excess oil and dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin, trapping bacteria and oils in the pore and creating an ideal environment for acne-causing bacteria to multiply.
Overactive sebaceous glands can lead to the production of excess sebum, which can clog pores and cause the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Bacteria are also a major factor in severe acne formation.
Bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes use oils from the sebaceous glands to produce waste matter, which can become trapped in pores and cause inflammation. Hormone levels fluctuations, such as those experienced during puberty or pregnancy, can also cause hormonal acne. As well as using birth control pills.
These hormonal changes trigger the body’s oil production, which can lead to clogged pores and new breakouts. As well as these factors, certain lifestyle choices can increase one’s risk of developing acne, for acne-prone skin.
These include consuming a diet high in processed foods, not getting enough sleep, smoking, and using heavy cosmetics that block pores.
Fortunately, there are numerous treatments available to manage acne and reduce its symptoms. These include topical treatments creams and ointments, oral medications, laser treatments, and chemical peels, although they all have side effects.
Why Is Acne So Difficult To Cure?
Acne is a very common problem, yet it can be incredibly difficult to cure. Acne is caused by the combination of excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria on the skin. It is most often seen on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders due to the increased amounts of oil glands located in those areas.
Treating acne can be difficult due to the fact that every person’s skin is different and therefore responds to different treatments differently. It can take weeks or even months for treatments to take effect, and even then the treatment may not be successful in completely curing the acne.
As well as the individual differences in skin that can make treating acne difficult, there are also a number of underlying factors that contribute to acne flare-ups.
Some of these factors include hormones, genetics, stress, and diet. These factors can be difficult to control and are often linked to physiological changes that contribute to the continuation of acne breakouts. As such, these underlying causes of acne can be difficult to address and therefore make the acne more difficult to treat.
Overall, acne can be an extremely frustrating condition to live with, as it can often be difficult to cure. The individual differences between people’s skin, combined with other underlying contributing factors, can make it especially difficult to find a successful treatment for acne. However, there are a range of treatments available and with proper guidance from a dermatologist, it is possible to find an effective treatment plan.
How To Get Rid Of Acne When Nothing Works
If you’ve been dealing with any type of acne for an extended period of time, you may be feeling frustrated and desperate for a remedy.
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that can take a toll on your self-confidence and leave your skin feeling irritated and uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are a few tried and true methods for getting rid of acne when nothing else seems to work.
The first step is to make sure your skin is properly cleansed. Washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water can help reduce the appearance of breakouts. Also, try to exfoliate with a gentle scrub twice a week to help remove dead skin cells that could be clogging your pores.
Next, invest in some acne-fighting products. Look for products that contain ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and tea tree oil, which can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria on the skin.
It’s also wise to adjust your diet. Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as avoiding oily and sugary foods, can help reduce the severity of acne symptoms.
Finally, if all else fails, consider seeing a dermatologist. A dermatologist can help diagnose the underlying cause of your acne and may prescribe medication or other treatments to get rid of it. For severe cases, laser therapy or light therapy may be recommended, for helping with oily skin.
Disinfect Your Cellphone
If you’re suffering from unwanted acne, it may be time to try disinfecting your cellphone. Recent studies have uncovered a link between acne and unclean cellphones, suggesting that bacteria from your device can end up on your face, exacerbating existing problems.
This means that if you want to reduce your acne, it’s time to give your device a thorough clean. To do this, start by using an anti-bacterial wipe or a damp tissue to wipe away any dust and dirt from the surface of your phone.
Next, you can use a cotton bud dipped in distilled water to clean around the buttons and ports of your device. Once you’ve finished cleaning, make sure to leave the phone in a dry place for at least 30 minutes before you use it again.
It may also be useful to invest in a protective case or cover for your device, which can prevent bacteria build-up and help keep your phone clean.
Change Your Bedding Frequently
Adopting regular bedding changes can be a great help to those suffering from acne. Bacteria can accumulate in our beds from sweat and dirt, which can then cause skin irritation and breakouts. It is good to change your bedding, such as sheets and pillowcases, at least once every two weeks to keep bacteria from building up.
Shower daily and use non-comedogenic soaps to help keep acne in check. Investing in a high-quality mattress protector can help reduce the accumulation of dust mites and other irritants that can aggravate your skin, so consider investing in one if you are prone to acne breakouts.
Finally, it is essential to vacuum and clean your mattress regularly, as well as washing your sheets, pillowcases, and other bedding items in hot water with a natural detergent to help reduce the growth of bacteria.
Clean Your Makeup Brushes
When it comes to taking care of your skin and preventing acne breakouts, one of the best ways to ensure that you stay on track is to make sure you clean your makeup brushes regularly.
Your makeup brushes are likely to contain dirt, bacteria, and oils from your skin, which can trigger breakouts when used repeatedly. To avoid spreading those contaminants onto your skin, so ensure you routinely clean them.
Start by removing any large particles of grit and dirt from the bristles – use an old toothbrush to loosen them from the bristles. Then use a mild soap, shampoo, or brush cleanser to thoroughly clean each brush, working the soap into the bristles.
Rinse the bristles with lukewarm water until it runs clear. Gently squeeze out any excess water, then use a cloth or paper towel to dry them. Finally, reshape the bristles and allow the brushes to air dry before using them again.
It is recommended that you clean makeup brushes every one to two weeks, depending on how often you use them. Cleaning your makeup brushes regularly will significantly reduce the chances of getting acne and help keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.
Always Remove Your Makeup At Night Time
Properly removing your makeup before going to bed is a big step in maintaining healthy skin and a major factor for avoiding acne. It is essential to remove your makeup as soon as possible after a long day, as leaving it on for too long can clog pores and impair the skin’s natural healing process.
Even if you’re tired, remember that taking the time to thoroughly cleanse your skin will pay off. The makeup and dirt that sits on your skin can oxidize and trigger inflammation, which can lead to acne.
Try to be consistent and remove your makeup every night with a gentle cleanser that is appropriate for your skin type.
Remove all traces of makeup, dirt and oil before hitting the pillow to give your skin time to repair itself. Misturize your skin to help keep it hydrated, allowing your skin cells to regenerate and reducing acne breakouts.
Practice A Good Skincare Routine
Having healthy skin is key to having a healthy body, and a good skincare routine is one of the best ways to maintain healthy skin. Acne is an issue that can cause physical and emotional pain to those affected, so practicing a good skincare routine is essential to prevent it.
There are some basic steps to start with such as washing your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day, using an exfoliating scrub once a week, using moisturizing creams to keep skin hydrated, and using a toner or face mask as needed.
Avoid harsh soaps or products with harsh chemicals which can worsen acne. You should use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 everyday to protect your skin from the sun and wear loose apparel that does not rub against your skin.
Avoid Food Allergies
While there are many ways to treat acne, there is one simple way to help prevent it. Avoiding food allergies can help minimize or prevent acne breakouts.
By avoiding foods known to trigger allergic reactions, you can reduce your risk of developing acne. Common foods that cause allergies and should be avoided are peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, fish, and shellfish.
Allergic reactions can cause inflammation in the body, which can lead to increased oil production in the skin and clogged pores. In order to reduce the risk of acne, limit or avoid foods that could potentially cause an allergic reaction.
Monitor your skin for any changes and if you notice an increase in breakouts after eating certain foods, eliminate them from your diet as soon as possible to help reduce acne flare-ups.
Use Exfoliating Acids To Slough Away Dead Skin Cells
Exfoliating acids are the ideal way to slough away dead skin cells and reduce acne. Acids help to clear away layers of skin that trap excess oils and bacteria, clearing up the skin.
Exfoliating acids have been used in skincare products for centuries, and today they remain popular in formulations designed to combat acne.
For example, salicylic acid is an extremely effective exfoliant that helps to clear away oil, dirt, and debris from pores, reducing inflammation and redness. Glycolic acid is another popular choice because of its ability to penetrate deeper into the skin than other agents.
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are yet another potent type of acid that can exfoliate skin and remove impurities. The most commonly used AHAs are lactic acid, citric acid, and malic acid. Exfoliating acids help to clear away stuck-on impurities from the surface of the skin and provide a clearer complexion overall.
For maximum effectiveness, it is recommended to use exfoliating acids no more than twice a week and follow up with a moisturizer enhanced with antioxidants to provide protection against future breakouts.
Speak To Your Doctor
f you have already tried over-the-counter products for acne but have had no success, you may want to consider speaking with your doctor to figure out the best way to treat your skin.
Acne is caused when too much sebum (oil) is produced by the sebaceous glands, resulting in blocked pores and bacteria growth which can cause blemishes and breakouts. Your doctor will discuss with you various treatment options depending on the degree of acne.
They may recommend topical medications such as Retin-A, antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory drugs. They may also suggest light therapy or photodynamic therapy as well as lifestyle changes such as avoiding certain triggers like stress, dirt, and foods that are known to cause acne flare-ups.
Your doctor might suggest visiting a dermatologist for treatment. So if you’re experiencing stubborn acne that just won’t seem to go away, speak with your doctor to discuss your options and get the best treatment plan for your skin.
Can Over-Exfoliating Cause Acne?
Over-exfoliating can be a major factor in causing acne and should be avoided to ensure healthy skin. Exfoliating, or the practice of removing dead skin cells from the top layer of skin, can be beneficial in order to make skin appear more youthful and vibrant.
However, when done too frequently or with too harsh of a product, there can be serious consequences. Over-exfoliation strips away the natural barrier of oil that protects skin from the environment, leaving it vulnerable to inflammation and bacteria.
This can lead to more serious blemishes such as cystic acne. Over-exfoliating may seem like an easy solution to dull, dry skin, but it can actually have the opposite effect. Therefore, be mindful of the products used and only exfoliate twice a week maximum.
When exfoliating, opt for gentle products that are specifically formulated for sensitive skin types to avoid irritation and inflammation. Be sure to moisturize afterwards in order to keep the skin hydrated and protected from environmental damage.
What Are The Best Skincare Ingredients To Improve Acne?
There are several acne treatment ingredients that can greatly improve skin when it comes to acne. When looking for skincare products, the best ingredients to look for include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, and topical retinoids.
Salicylic acid is great at exfoliating the skin, which helps keep pores unclogged and clear of bacteria that can cause acne. Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful antibacterial agent that can help reduce inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria.
Tea tree oil has both antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe the skin and help prevent future breakouts. Retinoids, such as tretinoin, are derived from Vitamin A, and can help improve the appearance of acne blemishes and stimulate collagen production, to clear acne.
Seeking out natural products that contain active botanical extracts can be beneficial in helping to treat and prevent acne. Ingredients like aloe vera, witch hazel, and calendula can help soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.
When shopping around for skincare products, it’s recommended to check the label to make sure that the ingredients you’re looking for are present. That way, you can ensure that your products are geared towards improving your skin and fighting acne.
Summary
Acne can be an incredibly frustrating skin condition, but there are ways to get rid of it. Speak with your doctor about the best treatment options for your individual needs and try to avoid triggers like stress and certain foods that can cause flare-ups.
It’s also important to take note of over-exfoliation as this can lead to more severe blemishes. When it comes to skincare products, look for active ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, and topical retinoids. These can help reduce inflammation and keep pores unclogged.
Natural botanical extracts such as aloe vera, witch hazel, and calendula can also help soothe the skin, reduce inflammation, and fight acne-causing bacteria. With the right knowledge and products, you too can get rid of stubborn acne for good.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty. In addition to Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!