MDacne
Acne can be frustrating and can significantly impact a person's self-esteem. Many wonder if there are any effective ways to speed up getting rid of acne. Let's explore various methods, treatments, and lifestyle changes that may help make acne go away faster.
What causes acne?
Acne occurs when the hair follicles on our skin become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. The exact cause of acne is still not fully understood, but several factors contribute to its development. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during puberty, pregnancy, or menstrual cycles, can trigger excessive oil production. Other factors, like genetics, poor skincare habits, and certain medications, can also affect acne formation.
Different types of acne lesions
Acne can manifest in various forms, each with unique characteristics and severity. Understanding the different types can help in determining the most suitable treatment approach.
1. Whiteheads: Small, flesh-colored bumps occur when pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, forming a plug. The pore remains closed, giving the bump a white appearance.
2. Blackheads: Similar to whiteheads, blackheads also result from clogged pores. However, the pore remains open in blackheads, allowing the trapped oil and dead skin cells to oxidize, giving them a black or dark appearance.
3. Papules: Small, red bumps tender to the touch. They occur when the walls around the pores break down due to inflammation.
4. Pustules: Pustules are pus-filled, inflamed bumps that are red at their base. They are often painful and can be a result of bacterial infection.
5. Nodules: Nodules are large, solid, and painful bumps extending beneath the skin's surface. The buildup of bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells typically causes them.
6. Cysts are deep, painful, pus-filled lesions that are often the most severe form of acne. They can cause scarring and require medical intervention for effective treatment.
How to prevent acne?
Maintain a Consistent Skincare Routine
1. Cleansing: Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to wash your face twice daily, in the morning and evening. This helps remove excess oil, dirt, and bacteria from the skin.
2. Toning: Applying a toner after cleansing helps balance the skin's pH levels and removes any remaining impurities.
3. Moisturizing: Moisturizing is essential even if you have oily skin. Look for oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers that won't clog your pores.
4. Sun Protection: Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is crucial. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher before sun exposure.
Keep Your Hands Off Your Face
Our hands come into contact with countless surfaces throughout the day, accumulating dirt and bacteria. Touching your face frequently can transfer these impurities to your skin, potentially clogging pores and causing breakouts. Avoid touching your face unnecessarily, and refrain from picking or popping existing acne lesions, as it can lead to inflammation and scarring.
Avoid Triggering Factors
Certain factors can exacerbate acne or trigger breakouts. While these factors may vary from person to person, some common ones include:
1. Makeup: Choose non-comedogenic and oil-free cosmetics to avoid pore-clogging. Remove makeup before going to bed to prevent buildup.
2. Excessive Oil and Sweat: If you have oily or acne-prone skin, blotting excess oil throughout the day and showering after sweating can help prevent pore congestion.
3. Hats and Headgear: Avoid wearing tight-fitting hats or helmets for extended periods, as they can trap heat and sweat against the skin, leading to acne formation.
Quick Tips for Clearing Acne
Practice Good Hygiene
Maintaining good hygiene habits is essential for keeping acne at bay. Here are some simple tips to follow:
1. Regularly wash your pillowcases and towels: These items can harbor bacteria and oil, so washing them frequently is essential.
2. Avoid over-washing your face: While keeping your skin clean is essential, over-washing can strip away natural oils, leading to dryness and potential irritation.
3. Avoid harsh scrubs and abrasive cleansing tools: Gentle cleansing methods are preferred to reduce skin irritation.
Use Over-the-Counter Acne Treatments
Over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments can effectively manage mild to moderate acne. Look for products containing the following ingredients:
1. Benzoyl Peroxide: This ingredient helps kill bacteria, reduce inflammation, and unclog pores. Start with a low concentration (2.5% or 5%) to minimize potential irritation.
2. Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, and helps reduce oil production. It is particularly beneficial for blackheads and whiteheads.
3. Sulfur: Sulfur has antimicrobial properties and can help reduce oiliness and unclog pores. It is often found in spot treatments.
The Benefits of MDacne Customized Acne Treatment
MDacne offers a unique and innovative approach to acne treatment with its fully customized kit.
Here are some of the benefits of using MDacne's customized acne treatment:
1. Personalized Skincare: MDacne understands that everyone's skin is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It utilizes advanced technology to analyze your skin condition based on a selfie and creates a personalized skincare regimen tailored to your needs. This personalized approach ensures you receive treatment products that address your unique acne concerns.
2. Medical-Grade Formulations: MDacne's treatment products are formulated with medical-grade ingredients that have been proven effective in combating acne. Their customized treatment cream is designed to clear acne breakouts while being gentle enough to prevent irritation. This ensures that you can achieve clear skin without compromising the health and integrity of your skin.
3. Soothing Moisturizer: The customized soothing moisturizer provided by MDacne is formulated to protect your skin barrier, reduce redness, and fade dark spots. Acne treatments can sometimes leave the skin dry and sensitive, but with the tailored moisturizer, you can nourish and hydrate your skin while addressing your acne concerns.
4. Effective Cleanser: MDacne's customized cleanser is designed to unclog pores, reduce black and whiteheads, and leave your skin fresh and hydrated. Regularly using a suitable cleaner is essential for maintaining clear and healthy skin. MDacne ensures its cleanser is specifically formulated to target acne-causing factors without over-irritating the skin.
5. Unlimited Dermatologist Support: MDacne provides unlimited dermatologist support beyond providing personalized products. This means you can access professional guidance and advice throughout your acne treatment journey. The dermatologists associated with MDacne can provide valuable insights, answer your questions, and adjust your personalized regimen as needed, ensuring that you receive ongoing support and care.
Oral Medications
In more severe cases of acne, medical interventions may be necessary. A dermatologist can provide a tailored treatment plan based on the severity of your acne, skin type, and medical history. Here are some common medical treatments:
1. Oral Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline and minocycline, are prescribed for moderate to severe acne. They work by reducing bacteria and inflammation. Long-term use may be necessary and have potential side effects, so regular follow-ups with a dermatologist are important.
2. Oral Contraceptives: Certain oral contraceptives can help regulate hormonal imbalances contributing to acne formation. They are generally prescribed for females who experience acne flare-ups associated with hormonal fluctuations.
3. Isotretinoin: Isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane, is a potent oral medication for severe acne that doesn't respond to other treatments. It reduces oil production, decreases inflammation, and prevents clogged pores. Isotretinoin requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects and should only be taken under close medical supervision.
Conclusion
There is no quick fix for acne, and no "one" treatment works for everybody. Products available in drugstores and online are not personalized to the person's skin and, unfortunately, are frequently irritating or simply ineffective. As with every medical treatment, one can never be sure if it will work for a certain person. Having said that, most people with mild to moderate acne who use the MDacne products see a dramatic improvement in their skin.
Our mission at MDacne is to match each user with the proper acne treatment for their specific skin type and acne condition. Because they are personalized for your skin, our products are usually much more effective than the "one size fits all" products you can buy in drugstores or online and more than most prescription anti-acne creams. Once you subscribe, you will receive a fully customized kit of products as well as full access to the premium service of the app, including unlimited access to "Chat with a Dermatologist," skin monitoring with the selfie analysis tracker, fine-tuning of your products, and more.
To find the right acne treatments for your unique skin, take the free skin assessment by clicking here.
