We often dismiss acne as something that everyone of us will have at some point in our lives. It is such a common condition that a study states that 90% of all people globally will have acne at some point. While about 85% of of young people in the 15-24 age range have this inflammatory skin condition, acne still has a high incidence later in life.

How does acne form? Let’s see the video below (sourced from Youtube, not mine) for a visual explanation.

The Negative Effects of Acne

Although not a life-threatening condition, acne has a negative psychosocial effect on those who have it. A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology showed that adolescents with acne had higher levels of emotional and behavioral difficulties compared to those without acne. There are also studies that show an association between acne and depression and anxiety.

Remember those times in our adolescent years when we felt insure because of acne, even if it was just one teeny, tiny pimple? And remember the school bullies who would mercilessly tease on a daily basis whose who had severe acne? Even in adulthood, there will always be those mean bullies who will have something cruel to say to someone with acne. No one ever wants to go through that.

It’s no wonder then that we try to get rid of acne as soon as we see the first signs of it. And by doing that, we usually commit some common mistakes in treating acne.

Most Common Acne Treatment Mistakes

1. Over-Using or Under-Using Prescribed Acne Medication
We like to see results fast. Many people give up on a treatment plan before it has had time to work. But our skin sometimes reacts slowly to treatment. It may take up to six weeks for a patient to see the full results from a prescribed acne treatment. Acne treatments are most effective when consistently used over a period of time. Not sticking to the prescribed plan delays any likely improvements. Use the medication as instructed. Medication has to be applied to the entire affected area that tends to break out. Over-usage can cause more redness and dryness. Under-using the medication by spot-treating will fail to prevent breakouts.

2. Stopping the Use of Acne Medication Once It Clears Up
Acne may appear to be gone only to reappear about a month later. Often, people need to keep using a small amount of acne medication to keep their skin clear. It’s best to decrease medication usage by using it less and less.

3. Over-Cleansing the Skin
Washing the skin more than twice per day can cause it to dry out, which stimulates production of more oil and makes the problem worse. Using hot water can stimulate oil production and scrubbing the skin will also worsen acne by compromising the skin’s protective barrier and causing irritation.
Instead, when washing your face, gently do so using lukewarm water and a nonirritating, pH-balanced cleanser to minimize inflammation. Completely rinse off the cleanser as its residue can be irritating.

4. Using Too Many Products
When they don’t get results in the first few days of treatment, people use additional products.Using two or more products at the same time is likely to cause flaking, redness, and irritation that results to skin trauma, making lesions bigger instead of smaller.

5. Using the Wrong Products
People with acne should look for products that are labeled non-comedogenic or “for acne-prone skin” because these don’t have ingredients that are known to clog pores. Acne may get worse when using harsh cleansers, alkaline bar soaps, and alcohol-based products. If trying a new product, it should first be tested once per day on a small area of the skin. This is to make sure that the product won’t irritate your skin.

6. Popping and Picking at Pimples
Touching the affected skin area should be avoided because it spreads bacteria and often make acne worse. Popping and picking pimples lengthens the healing time. It leads to more swelling and redness, and increases the risk of scarring. The affected skin should only be touched with a clean washcloth or cleansing pad.

7. Not Consulting A Dermatologist
Often, acne is seen as just a minor condition not worthy of a visit to the doctor. Many people avoid visiting a dermatologist until their skin is very irritated and infected.  Dermatologists can properly diagnose acne and figure out the best treatment for each person. They will prescribe needed medications if over-the-counter treatment is not strong enough to treat the patient’s acne symptoms. They are knowledgeable about skin types and will tailor-fit a treatment plan for each patient.

Proactiv Solution Helps Prevent Acne

As common as acne is, there’s no cure for it because the underlying causes are a person’s genetics, hormones and stress levels. The right acne medication will treat breakouts and help one manage this skin condition that’s likely to last for years.

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Doctors Rodan and Fields, both dermatologists, have formulated the right combination of medicines and skin care treatments that will work for acne-prone skin. Proactiv Solution is a three-step skin care system that has benzoyl peroxyde to kill acne-causing bacteria, glycolic acid and other exfoliants to reduce excess oil and dead skin cells, and natural botanicals to soothe the skin. With it, acne can be managed, controlled and prevented. Best of all, with Proactiv, one can have clear and healthy-looking skin.

If left untreated, acne may cause physical and emotional scarring. Don’t be scarred for life. To reduce these effects, those with acne are encouraged to get treated early. Acne is common, complex, chronic and not curable. But it is controllable. Choose Proactiv.

Proactiv Solution is available at the following outlets:
1. Proactiv Online Shopping Site: http://my.proactiv.com.ph
2. Proactiv Door-to-Door Delivery Phone Hotlines: (729-2222, 1-800-8-729-8888, 1-800-10-889-4444, 0917-801-8888)
3. Proactiv Mall Kiosks: Trinoma 2/F, Glorietta G/F, Marquee Mall G/F

For more information about Proactiv, visit their website at http://my.proactiv.com.ph.

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