How to Treat Persistent Acne – Dermatologist-Recommended Tips

Dr.Pooja Chopra, 3 mins read

It is always frustrating when you wake up one morning and you see a new pimple on your face. Acne is not just a teenage phase, it also follows us into adulthood. It usually comes uninvited before big events, job interviews, or even for no reason at all. You all must have tried various face washes, creams, and even home remedies to treat your acne. Persistent acne can affect your self-confidence and mental health, but there are ways to manage it.

In this post, we will explore dermatologist-approved tips that help you understand and treat acne more effectively. 

1. What is the type of your acne?

There are different kinds of acne:

Non - Inflammatory acne:

• Whiteheads: clogged pores that stay under the skin
  
• Blackheads: clogged pores exposed to air and darken

Inflammatory acne:

• Papules: small red bumps
• Pustules: red pimples with white pus on top
• Nodules: large, painful, solid lumps
• Cysts or Nodules: deeper, painful lumps
  

Knowing your acne type helps in choosing the right treatment. For example, whiteheads and blackheads respond well to over-the-counter products, while cystic acne often needs prescription medication.

2. Don’t Overwash Your Face

It’s a common myth that acne comes from dirty skin. In fact, overwashing your face or using harsh scrubs can make acne worse by irritating your skin and stripping away natural oils.

Dermatologist tip: Wash your face gently twice a day with a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser. Avoid hot water and rough towels.

3. Use only medically proven ingredients

Following is the list of certain ingredients which have been proven to fight acne effectively:

• Benzoyl Peroxide: Kills bacteria and reduces inflammation
  
• Salicylic Acid: Unclogs pores and reduces oil
  
• Retinoids: Help with cell turnover and prevent clogged pores
  
• Niacinamide: Calms inflammation and supports healing
  

Your dermatologist will help you choose the best option for your skin type.

4. Don’t Pick or Pop your pimples

As tempting as it is, picking or popping pimples can cause more harm than good. It can lead to scarring, spread bacteria, and worsen inflammation. In spite of doing this, apply a warm compress or use a pimple patch with salicylic acid or tea tree oil. These help speed up healing without damaging your skin.

5. Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Factors

A high-sugar and dairy-heavy diets can trigger acne in some people. When a person is in stress, there is an increase in hormones like cortisol, which can lead to breakouts. In addition, poor sleep affects skin healing and inflammation. 

6. Be Patient and Consistent

One of the hardest parts of treating acne is waiting. Most treatments take 6 to 8 weeks to show results. Switching products too quickly can irritate your skin and delay progress. Stick to a routine, and give it time to work. Keep it gentle and consistent.

7. Consult a Dermatologist

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is a great start but if acne persists, consider consulting a dermatologist for personalized advice and treatment. They can help identify underlying causes and recommend effective solutions such as:

• Oral antibiotics
  
• Hormonal medications (e.g., birth control pills or spironolactone)
  
• Prescription-strength retinoids (like tretinoin)
  
• Isotretinoin (Accutane) for severe cases

They can also guide you through skin-friendly procedures like chemical peels or laser therapy.

Takeaway!

Persistent acne can be discouraging, but it’s not something you have to live with forever. By understanding your skin, using the right ingredients, and being patient with the process, you can take control of your breakouts. If you have any query regarding acne related problems, you can visit our expert dermatologists at Akash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka for expert advice and treatment.