10 Acne Treatment Mistakes You Should Stop Doing

How many times have you fought the urge or the temptation of popping that annoying pimple? Its appearance is like a swollen red bully that is taunting you to squash him. As much as acne can be such a nuisance, it should be treated carefully. This might sound as hard as embracing an enemy, but it will actually do you more good.

However, not all acne treatment measures are effective, neither are they right. Let us go through ten of the common mistakes we make in getting rid of the zit.

Skipping your moisturizer

It is a common misconception that moisturizers will only worsen the oiliness in the area where acne is located. This is why most people don't apply them. But actually, this just makes your skin more prone to damage. Even those areas that have acne also needs to be hydrated properly, especially when using acne medications, since these products affect the skin's moisture levels.

To avoid exposing the area to more oil, use water-based products instead. Hydrating gels are also a good option because they simply make the skin light and non-greasy. A moisturizer that also doubles as sunscreen is also advised so that you protect the vulnerable treated area from further damage.

Scrubbing

You might argue that scrubbing removes the oil and dirt effectively because of its exfoliating action. But this isn't always case, especially if a certain area has acne. The grains in the exfoliating product will have the tendency to pop the pimples open and cause the bacteria to spread on the surface. Not only will is possibly cause more acne to form, but it also exposes the existing one to infection.

Going overboard with the scrubbing is also not advisable especially to those who have oily skin. This will only stimulate the oil glands to produce more oil, which you should actually be controlling.

Over-washing

Washing is essential in skin care, and it also contributes to skin healing. But, overdoing this will only override its benefits since it eventually leads to skin dryness. As a protective response of the body, it churns out more oil, which only makes acne worse. Simply keep the washing in moderation. In fact, one to two times a day is enough to cleanse the skin but not too much to strip its moisture.

Using too many products simultaneously

Sometimes our anxiety and frustration over a breakout can lead us to use as many products available to possibly annihilate the silent enemy. Using so many products at the same time, not only hampers their own effects, but it can end up irritating your skin or worse, create more breakouts.

Not giving your acne product enough time to take effect

Forgetting the sunscreen

Sunscreen may be the last thing on your mind in treating acne But, it is actually one of the most important. Using acne treatments can make your skin more sensitive due to the harsh chemical components in the product. Exposing it to the sun without protection will irritate or burn the skin resulting to skin discoloration. The exposed acne will leave acne spots, a harsh reminder that your battle was only half won. Therefore, put importance in a broad spectrum sunscreen.

Using hot water in cleansing

Boiling water may kill bacteria, but it doesn't mean that hot water does the same thing when washing your face. Aside from the fact that you'll basically scald your face, this will leave the skin dry stimulating your oil glands to produce more oil. Use lukewarm water instead for rinsing.

Popping or pricking acne

The presence of acne is like bubble wrap to most people – they just want to squeeze it until it pops. I am guilty of this too, thinking that removing what's inside will hasten the healing process. That one zit may look annoyingly mountainous, but squeezing it can leave a crater in its place. Leave it alone to susbside on its own, and restrain yourself from even touching it.


Failure to act right away

It's funny how many despise acne, but fail to act while it's still a burgeoning presence. Doctors urge parents and teens to treat their acne right away before it worsens. According to Dr. Richard Thomas, a dermatologist in British Columbia, Canada, even if there are a number of treatments for acne scarring, it is still best to treat acne early on. Not only will you treat the physical aspect but you also avoid the psychological and social impact it creates, especially among teenagers. If you are not quite sure about what to do and anxious for a safe solution, it is best that you seek professional consultation.

Tanning

Whether you are baking under the sun or go for the comfort of tanning beds, you expose your skin to pigmentation problems later on. UV radiation can result to acne scars and studies also show that tanning can encourage the formation of more pimples. If you have to get that golden glow, opt for tanning sprays instead.

Are you guilty of making these mistakes? Call us today to learn about correct and effective acne and acne scar treatments.

7 Side Effects of Laser Skin Resurfacing Every Patient Should Know

Don't Get Laser Skin Resurfacing Until You Have Read this Post!

It is inherent in humans to look for a simple solution that will just give you the answer without any hassles. This is the reason why the battle for skin aging is being done without scalpels and sutures. Today, experts have introduced us to non-invasive treatments to turn back the clock on your skin. Enter laser skin resurfacing into the picture, and you get a more convenient way to fight aging skin. Who wouldn't want such a treatment when efficiency, healing time, and results are already yours without breaking an inch of your skin? However, we don't live in a perfect world, because this doesn't come without side effects.

Here are 7 side effects that you can expect from laser skin resurfacing, and how you can deal with them properly.

1. Redness

Redness in medical terms is called erythema, and this is an occurrence that is debated by cosmetic experts as to whether it is a normal aspect of healing or a complication. They say that there is a certain time after the laser treatment where some redness would already be considered a complication. But, this would depend on the type of laser used for the treatment.

Usually, the redness will last about 6-12 weeks, while it can reach up to 6 months in others. In rare cases, some may even notice their skin to flush easily when doing certain activities and this could last for a year.

The depth of penetration that a particular laser creates will also determine the amount of redness created. The lesser the depth, the lighter the redness created. This eventually introduced the “no pain, no gain” theory.

Hydroquinones may be applied after laser treatment to improve its effect, but based on reports, this lengthens the erythematous phase. Doctors say that one way to reduce the amount of redness is to lower the depth of interaction of the laser. If redness has gone more than the time they are expected to appear, you should immediately report this to your doctor to avoid complications. Usually, they would apply topical steroid creams. But, this should still be monitored closely because even these treatments could result to complications like acne, skin atrophy and scarring.

2. Swelling and Tenderness

The inflammatory response of the body is actually a defense mechanism to protect it from what is recognized as a threat. The action of the laser treatment can be one, and it signals a series of reactions in which swelling and tenderness result. Swelling is due to water that goes into the treated area that is recognized as a site of injury. This fluid contains certain components that will help in the healing process. We may not realize the benefits now, in fact, the result will be uncomfortable at first because as the area becomes tender and sensitive to touch.

You should ask your doctor what treatment they would advise for this since they would often have their treatment of choice. Some just opt to leave it be until it subsides since swelling and tenderness are temporary effects of laser skin resurfacing.

3. Itching

This is one of the common complications patients have with laser skin resurfacing treatment, and it can be attributed to dry skin. Itching may seem to be minor but it has to be controlled and monitored thoroughly. Scratching it would only cause excoriations or scratches, which can only lead to crusting and more serious problems.

A preventive measure would be to apply a moisturizer to prevent skin dryness. An antihistamine called Benadryl may also be used to prevent scratching. Doctors can also prescribe certain medications for those who are obsessive about scratching healing wounds.

4. Change in skin color

Laser skin resurfacing can also result to some changes in skin pigmentation depending also on the laser used. Hyperpigmentation or skin darkening is more common than hypopigmentation or skin lightening. The former usually becomes evident after a month and it could last around 3 months. As for the loss of color in the treated area, it often becomes evident 6-12 months after the procedure.

Skin darkening can be treated and it is usually done with chemical peels and bleaching creams. These post laser treatments are usually continued for 4-6 weeks. Hypopigmentation, on the other hand, is irreversible and creates a permanent effect. This is more common in dark-skinned individuals, and it should be something every patient should be aware about.

5. Skin Irritation

Skin irritation include incidences like acne flare ups and contact dermatitis. Acne is usually caused by the use of petroleum-based wound dressings and is common in individuals who are prone to it. It usually presents itself a few weeks after treatment. To prevent any formation, prompt wound dressing changes is important. Topical glycolic acid and oral tetracylcine are also other preventive measures.

Contact dermatitis, on the other hand, can result in increased skin sensitivity which can be caused by antibiotic treatments that are also used in the treatment. Doctors advise that ointments ought to be changed every 4-5 days, and preferably it should be bland (no fragrance) so that the treated area won't get sensitized and also result to reactions.

6. Scarring

Scarring may be something that you would not expect from a laser skin resurfacing treatment, but it can also happen. Thankfully, it is only rare and it can be treated with medications. This can result when erythema and swelling is not treated well, or when treatment has gone overboard that it creates an untoward reaction with the skin. This is where a good doctor is important because someone with experience will know how to approach the problem with the right management.

7. Infection

Laser resurfacing treatment can also expose the patient to bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Viral infections have a higher incidence among the three. Prophylactic treatment or preventive treatment for this particular treatment, however, is not approved by the FDA. That is why such infections can only be treated once it is already established. You can ask your surgeon about this in detail.

Bacterial infection is less common but it can also be prevented through prophylaxis treatment before the procedure. Fungal infections have the lowest incidence with less than one percent. It can be prevented through proper wound care using antifungal medications, either topical or oral.