Get Control of Your Acne

Ongoing acne problems could be a sign that you need to see a dermatologist. 

Acne is the most common chronic skin problem in the US. It can also be a major source of embarrassment, particularly for teens. The good news is that there are ways to prevent acne from forming through simple home care; however, if symptoms are severe or get worse, our Glendora, CA, dermatologist Dr. Amarpaul Sidhu can help you or your teen get their acne symptoms under control.

Here’s what you should be doing every day to prevent pimples,

• Wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice a day.
• Use warm not hot water whenever you wash your face (hot water can dry out the skin and exacerbate acne).
• Exfoliate your skin once a week to remove dead skin cells.
• Be gentle when washing or drying your face (scrubbing or being too aggressive can also make acne-prone skin worse).
• Do not pop or pick at pimples (no matter how tempting it may be). If a pimple really bothers you, our Glendora, CA, skin doctor can perform a simple but safe extraction here in the office.
• Wash your phone with disinfectant or alcohol at least once a day.
• Wash your pillow at least once a week.
• Try topical acne-fighting products that contain active ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet and avoid dairy, sugar and processed carbs (e.g. cookies; cakes), which have been linked to acne.
• Make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 before going outside.
• Look for products (including makeup) that says that they are “non-comedogenic”, which means that it won’t clog pores (avoid products that contain oils).
• Find outlets to reduce stress such as meditation, yoga or journaling.

If you still don’t notice any improvement in your skin after following this routine for several weeks, then it’s time to visit a dermatologist. Our dermatologist will be able to determine the cause of your acne, which can also help us create a custom treatment plan to better manage your breakouts. Some common treatments include,

• Prescription ointments and cleansers that contain higher concentrations of active acne-fighting ingredients
• Antibiotics (which can kill acne-causing bacteria)
• Light or laser therapy
• Facials and chemical peels
• Tretinoin (a strong medication used to treat severe, cystic acne)

Foothill Dermatology Medical Center has offices in Glendora and Rancho Cucamonga, CA, to serve you better. If adult acne is getting to you or your teen is having trouble getting their breakouts under control, then call (626) 852-3376 or (909) 483-0008 to schedule an appointment.