Taking Action

You know there’s no cure for acne, but there are many, many ways to treat it. More importantly, there are ways to prevent it. That’s why taking action with your adult acne treatment is crucial.

Whether you’re using over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide treatments like Proactiv®, trying medically prescribed regimens such as antibiotics or prescription-strength retinoids, or want to experiment with Laser Treatments or Blue Light Therapy, the key to clear skin is to set a realistic goal and stick with it.

Whatever you do, don’t give up because you’re not seeing overnight results. Contrary to popular myths, pimples don’t vanish. They heal. And they get stopped before they start. Patience is a key factor in any successful treatment.

So is compliance. Whatever treatment you find works or your doctor recommends, you’ve got to stick to your routine. It may seem like a lot of work, but if you really want to see an improvement in your complexion, you’ve got to stay with it.

And be aware that even when your treatment is working, breakouts can still happen. Hormonal fluctuations and heightened levels of stress can cause adult acne flare-ups, even when you’ve been scrupulous with your skincare regimen. This doesn’t mean your regimen has stopped working.  It might mean you have to use your benzoyl peroxide treatment twice a day instead of once, or add a mask. Whatever you do, talk to your skincare specialist before changing routines.

Also know that by nature of the fact that they target oil, most adult acne treatments can really dry out your skin. Don’t let this stop you from sticking to your regimen – just add a moisturizer. While legend has it that acne-prone skin and moisturizers don’t mix, nothing could be further from the truth. While dry, flaky skin may seem like a welcome change to your oily T-zone, your skin will try to fight the dryness on its own by producing more oil, which is exactly what you don’t want. The best solution is to choose a gentle, oil-free moisturizer which, apart from soothing dry skin, has the added benefit of reducing any visible signs of aging you might have.

The key is commitment to your goal of clear skin.  With a little patience and compliance to your regimen, you’ll get there.

Models used for illustrative purposes only.