Acne: Dos and Don'ts

Acne is the most common skin disorder that causes comedones, and blemishes, mainly on the face, neck, and shoulder.

AIt usually isn't something to worry about, as around 85 percent of people aged between 12-24 experience mild to moderate acne in the United States.

Acne is mostly hormone-related; it generally occurs during puberty, teenage years, and around the premenopausal stage due to hormonal imbalances.

However, it can also occur due to heredity, clogged pores, follicles, or bacteria.

Photo of a woman looking at her face in a small mirror.

Common Triggering Factors of Acne

Acne is predominantly characterized by clogged pores due to excessive sebum production. Several factors trigger acne; some common one includes:

Hormonal imbalances, especially a rise in androgen levels, usually occur around a woman's mensuration cycle.
Specific clothing or accessories like helmets, hats, jewelry.
Extreme weather conditions such as severe heat or humidity
Particular make-up or beauty products like creams, lotions, or foundation
Working in severe conditions where you are exposed to oil or pollution.
Often neglected, but the most important factor is stress. It is not the leading cause of acne but can worsen the condition.
Genetical circumstances
Drugs or medication can even lead to acne.

Dos and Don'ts of Acne

The treatment depends on the severity of the acne.

While there are many ways to treat the condition, a few dos and don'ts can help you prevent, clear, or manage acne better.

Dos

Wash your face twice or more if you experience severe sweating.
Be careful about the products you use; go for alcohol-free products.
Use your fingers instead of your palm to apply soap and cleansers.
Use ice to reduce swelling.
Try using lukewarm water while rinsing your face.
Wash your hair regularly if you have oily hair.
Buy a good moisturizer according to your skin type.
Watch what you eat — a healthy diet is a key to better skin
Drink plenty of water.

Picture of woman poking her pimple with her fingers.

Don'ts

Avoid touching your face or poking or squeezing your acne as it can worsen things.
Whether you have acne or not, avoid going out in the sun.
Don't scrub your skin.
Never go for a facial treatment for a quick fix.
Avoid oily foods to keep your skin clear

Get Help

While these tips can help, consulting a dermatologist can help determine if you need medical treatment to clear your acne.

At TelMDCare, you can book your appointment with our virtual doctors and get treated from the comfort of your home.

To get help with this, speak to a doctor online by booking an appointment today.