Acne Care 101

by | Dec 30, 2013 | News

Acne is a seemingly unavoidable part of life and has certainly left its mark, or two—or more, on faces all over the world. But Dr. Leslie Carter of the Deschutes Dermatology says that this does not have to be so. Acne is normal, yes. Unavoidable? Maybe. But everything else is manageable.

To make sure that your face does not get marred by unsightly acne scars, we thought we’d share some tips that could come in handy during those days when the occasional breakout is inevitable—and you just don’t have the time to run to the dermatologist’s office—and could use a little help keeping it under control.

  1. If you happen to have some sulfur-based acne soap around the house, now is the time to use it. Wash your face at least twice a day with it, once in the morning before starting your day, and then again at night before going to bed. Make sure not to over-wash, though, as this will prompt your oil glands to produce more oil to protect your skin.
  2. Tie your hair back and keep it off your face to prevent aggravating breakouts.  Your hair has oils of its own that may be instrumental in the proliferation of acne.
  3. Ladies, we know you’d want to look good and cover up, but please try to avoid wearing makeup during this time. Doing so will lead to clogged pores, which will certainly lead to increased pimple formation. If you absolutely must wear make up, choose water-based ones that can easily be washed off afterwards.
  4. DO NOT squeeze or pick on your acne, no matter how tempting it may be to do so. This will only result in the production of more oil by your sebaceous glands, rupturing skin membranes, and possibly even infection. In any case, you are only stimulating more pimple growth.
  5. Watch what you eat. If you are experiencing breakouts often, it could be a sign that the skin is not getting enough nourishment to be able to fend off an infection. It is essential that you eat a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals that will help boost the skin’s nutrition.

To learn more about acne care and other skin essentials, call the Deschutes Dermatology Center at 541-330-0900 to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Leslie Carter today.