Proper Acne Care Begins With Proper Acne Treatment

Acne affects as much as 80 percent of people at some time, to some degree. The age range for symptoms can be as wide as 8 to 50 years, but the peak years are usually between 12 and 14 to 22 years.

Going off birth control pills in their 30s or 40s may trigger an outbreak in women, says Dr. Lucinda Buescher of the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. “Any birth control pill helps decrease acne, and you could basically be treating acne for years without even knowing it.”

In more mature adults, lesions that pop up may not be true acne, says Larry Newell of Associated Dermatologists in Springfield. “There are also other acniform eruptions, such as rosacea and perioral dermatitis, which may present on the face with similar lesions.”

It’s the same oil glands that are involved, but various medications target each of these issues in older adults.

It is important for both mature adults and adolescents to select appropriate creams and cosmetics when dealing with the dual problem of dry skin and lesions. Make sure, say both Newell and Buescher, to use products labeled as “noncomedogenic” and that don’t contribute to the plugging of pores.

In addition, doctors recommend these routine hygiene steps:


Wash your face twice a day with a plain, mild cleanser, not a deodorant soap, moisturizing soap or anti-bacterial soap.
Either put the soap directly on your hands then wash and rinse thoroughly, or use a soft washcloth, but don’t rub vigorously. Don’t use anything scratchy - no loofahs or abrasive cleansers that can increase the inflammation.

A red, inflamed pimple usually takes two weeks to heal, Buescher says. Pick it or pop it, and it will take four to six weeks.

When selecting over-the-counter treatments in the early stages of acne, select a product with a mild salicylic acid concentration only, no more than 1 percent or 2 percent. This is similar to a mild chemical peel. The next step could be a benzoyl peroxide, starting with a 2 1/2 percent to 5 percent cream morning and night.
Note: with any cream, gel or lotion, use a very small amount over the entire face, Buescher says, because these are preventive, not spot treatments. Overusing these products can irritate the skin, creating chapped, red cheeks. Begin gradually and proceed carefully.

Should these products cause increased redness or irritation, switch to a mild yet effective treatment program such as Acne-Ltd. It is important in the treatment of acne to treat your whole self in as many ways as possible. For the vast majority of people with acne, effective treatment includes lifestyle changes that can help minimize symptoms, reduce inflammation, and maintain normal bodily functions. If you change your lifestyle and eating habits, and therefore reduce your stress level, you'll be even happier with Acne-Ltd.


Try to achieve a stable lifestyle, says Dr. Cassandra Claman of the Springfield Clinic. Stress, poor sleep, poor diet and an irregular schedule won’t cause acne, but will exacerbate it. Taking care of yourself improves any condition.
- DiAnne Crown