How To Treat Bad Acne

Powerful Home Remedies For Acne

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, affecting an estimated 85% of young adults .

Conventional acne treatments like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide are proven to be the most effective acne solutions, but they can be expensive and have undesirable side effects, such as dryness, redness, and irritation.

This has prompted many people to look into remedies to cure acne naturally at home. In fact, one study found that 77% of acne patients had tried alternative acne treatments .

Many home remedies lack scientific backing, and further research on their effectiveness is needed. If youre looking for alternative treatments, though, there are still options you can try.

This article explores 13 popular home remedies for acne.

Treatment Of Moderately Severe Acne

Treatment for moderately severe acne usually includes the topical agents described above. In addition, oral medication may be prescribed, usually for at least 36 months.

Suitable oral medications include:

• The combined oral contraceptive pill, in females
• Oral antiandrogens, such as low-dose cyproterone , and/or spironolactone, particularly if there are signs of hyperandrogenism
• Short-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Oral isotretinoin for resistant or persistent acne.

When oral antibiotics are discontinued, control should be maintained long-term by continuing topical therapy.

Wash Your Face With Acne Soap

Washing your face with regular soap isn’t enough to make your breakouts better. The best face wash for acne is effective at removing oil and dirt, but still gentle enough to use regularly without overdrying your skin. Look for topical acne medication ingredients salicylic acid and/or benzoyl peroxide in your face wash and use gentle, nonabrasive cleansing techniques.

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What Causes Back Acne

There are many reasons people get acne, so its important to know why and how pimples form.

Your body produces an oil called sebum. Its made in the glands connected to your hair follicles. Sebum moves up the hair follicles to add moisture to your skin and hair.

Pimples form when extra sebum and dead skin cells build up. This buildup blocks skin pores and bacteria. When the hair follicle wall swells out, it forms a whitehead pimple. When the clogged pore gets exposed to air, blackhead pimples form.

Some common causes of acne are:

• Genetics. Trouble with acne can run in your family.
• Medications. Acne can develop as a side effect of some medicines like certain antidepressants.
• Hormones. Hormonal changes in the teenage years are often the cause of acne. But for women past puberty, pimple outbreaks can be linked to hormonal changes that happen during menstruation and pregnancy.
• Sweat. Sweat, especially if its trapped under tight clothing, can make acne worse.
• Stress. Stress isnt a direct cause of acne, but it could be a contributing factor.

Some research shows that foods you eat could be linked to acne.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there is some evidence that certain carbohydrates known to increase your blood sugar levels can also contribute to acne. For some, dairy products might also be a trigger.

In most cases, you can get rid of acne by making some lifestyle changes and using at-home remedies. Here are some things you can do to get rid of back acne:

Bad Acne: How To Treat Really Bad Acne

Medically reviewed by Katelyn Hagerty, FNP

Whether acne stole the show in your yearbook photo or is now a persistent pimply presence in adulthood this skin condition can be a pain to deal with at every age and point in time.

However, while a break out of pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads is reason enough to raid the local cosmetics supply store, more severe forms of acne exist.

Cysts and nodules aren’t just an unwelcome addition to the skin, they are also painful forms of acne that can cause scarring. This form of acne requires proper treatment methods to get it under control.

We’ll be checking out the ways to manage really bad acne. We’ll also be taking a pop at the types and causes of severe acne.

Read Also: Is Neutrogena Sunscreen Good For Acne Prone Skin

How To Get Rid Of Back Acne

Back acne is a potentially embarrassing and sometimes painful condition where clogged hair follicles on the back cause pimples and blackheads. Back acne can be caused by the same factors as other types of acne: diet, hormones, certain medications, genetics or any combination thereof. But when you’re considering how to get rid of back acne, also remember that most people have their back covered the majority of the day. The clothing we wear matters, and the way in which we wash the skin on our back is key for clear skin, the whole body over. Learn more about common back acne causes, the best acne products for your body, and how to prevent acne on the back from returning in this section.

Acne Treatments That Really Work According To Dermatologists

When it comes to finding the right acne treatments, there are a million products out thereand theyre not all created equal. From acne washes to creams and spot treatments, the options can be overwhelming, making it impossible to tell which is truly the best acne treatment for you.

Even more frustrating? The fact that were still dealing with acne at all. Seriously, we thought the breakouts would be over soon after AP Calculus. But adult acne is a thing, and its actually something that can affect people in their 20s and 30s, and even well past their 50s.

And if you thought blackheads and whiteheads were annoying, the deep painful pimples that often pop up in adult acne are much more aggravatingand harder to get rid of. We talked to dermatologists to find out which acne treatments are the most effective on all types of pimples. Keep reading to learn what causes acne in the first place, plus the best acne treatments and acne medications worth spending your hard-earned dollars on.

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What Are Severe Acne Scars

Healthline explains the different types of bad acne scarring:

Atrophic Acne ScarsAtrophic scars are indented scarring that forms while the inflamed acne is healing and the area is not producing enough collagen. Indented scarring can be mild to severe, and mild forms are easier to treat because they affect fewer layers of skin.

3 types of Atrophic, indented scarring are:

Boxcar Acne ScarsBoxcar scars are wide with sharp edging, and can be shallow or deep. They are easier to treat and less severe, the shallower they are.

Ice Pick Acne ScarsIce-pick scars are very narrow and deep. They look like a small deep hole in the skin and are the most difficult scar type to treat because they go so deeply into the skin and affect many skin layers.

Rolling Acne ScarsRolling scars are a collection of multiple acne scars that tend to be wide and shallow with rounded edges and an irregular, rolling appearance.

Hypertrophic Acne ScarsRaised scarring is known as hypertrophic, and it is more common on chest and back acne. The raised scars are caused by the production of excess collagen during the acne healing and have a raised appearance above the skins surface.

Acne Discoloration SpotsWhen acne heals and leaves behind a red, brown, white or other discoloration mark, it is technically not classified as scarring but is known as hyper or hypo pigmentation. The discoloration will usually fade on its own but can also be helped with treatments and serums.

Drainage And Extraction To Remove Acne Cysts

The American Academy of Dermatology says that a doctor may use a sterile needle or blade to open an acne cyst and remove the contents. A dermatologist can do this the right way, so the acne is removed and heals properly.

Experts dont recommend at-home pimple popping. This can increase inflammation or lead to infection, making the acne worse.

Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Moderate Acne

Isotretinoin And Mood Changes

There have been reports of people experiencing mood changes while taking isotretinoin.

There’s no evidence that these mood changes were the result of the medication.

But as a precaution, contact your GP immediately if you:

• feel depressed

Several treatments for acne don’t involve medication.

These include:

• comedone extractor â a small pen-shaped instrument that can be used to clean out blackheads and whiteheads
• chemical peels â where a chemical solution is applied to the face, causing the skin to peel off and new skin to replace it

But these treatments may not work and can’t be routinely recommended.

What Is Unique About Yale Medicine’s Approach To Treating Acne

Yale Medicine dermatologists work closely with each patient to tailor an acne care regimen optimized for their particular situation. No two patients are exactly alike, and here at Yale Medicine we strive to take the various factors outlined above, such as gender, age, type of acne, scarring, pigmentation, location of acneface, chest, back, buttocks, etc.and other medical conditions into account when we treat patients, says Dr. Bunick. This holistic approach to treating acne enhances the doctorpatient relationship and leads to better treatment outcomes for our patients.

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Is Bad Acne Scarring Treatable

The Cleveland Health Clinic Interview with Dermatology MD Dr. Kassouf explains that it is possible to treat bad acne scarring and see good results. In the words ofDr. Amy Kassouf,Im always amazed at how much healing the skin can do once you get the inflammation under control. My patients may be discouraged, but Im not. So yes, the good news is that you can treat and help acne scars heal.

Ive personally seen others treat and improve their own acne scarring, and Ive also been able to slowly, over time get rid of my own acne scarring, so there are ways to see skin improve and heal.

Clothing Or Makeup Irritation

Irritation from clothing or the chemicals in makeup can also cause forehead acne, especially if your skin is sensitive. You may get a breakout after you use a new makeup brand or if you wear a hat or headband that irritates your skin.

Touching your face a lot can also lead to acne. Your fingers deposit oil and bacteria onto your skin and into your pores.

Also Check: How To Remove Back Acne Fast

Things To Try When Acne Wont Clear

The following tips from dermatologists can help you get started.

1. Give an acne treatment at least 4 weeks to work.Using a new acne product every few days may seem useful, but that approach can worsen acne. Acne treatment needs time to work. Using a different product every few days can also irritate your skin, causing new breakouts.

If a treatment works for you, you should notice some improvement in 4 to 6 weeks. It can take two to three months or longer to see clearing.

If you notice improvement, keep using the treatment. Even when you see clearing, you’ll want to keep using the acne treatment. This helps to prevent new breakouts.

When to see a dermatologist about acne?

Seeing a dermatologist can help prevent acne from worsening. You can benefit from seeing a dermatologist when acne:

• Causes acne cysts and nodules

• Hasnt cleared with treatment you can buy without a prescription

• Makes you feel uncomfortable, and you want clearer skin

2. Attack the different causes of acne.If you dont see improvement after 4 to 6 weeks, add a second acne product to your treatment plan.

This approach can help attack the different causes of acne. Bacteria, clogged pores, oil, and inflammation can all cause acne.

• Benzoyl peroxide decreases P. acnes bacteria

• Retinoids, such as adapalene gel, unclog pores and reduce oiliness

• Salicylic acid eases inflammation and unclogs pores

• Won’t clog pores

• Non-acnegenic

• Oil free

How Do I Prevent Acne

If you have acne, there are ways to help prevent new spots appearing, and to help prevent acne scars from forming. If you have acne, there are ways to help prevent new spots from appearing and scars from forming.

The following will help prevent spots from becoming inflamed or causing scars:

• wash your face twice a day with mild soap-free wash, warm water and a soft face cloth
• use sun protection, such as a wide brimmed hat and sunscreen to protect your skin whenever you are in the sun
• remove your makeup before you go to bed
• shampoo your hair regularly, especially if it is oily and rests on your skin
• have a well-balanced, healthy diet and exercise regularly

Things to avoid include:

• smoking

Acne most commonly affects people aged between 15 and 24 years, and many people will notice fewer and less severe spots once they get to their mid-twenties. Some people, however, do not grow out of acne and they will need ongoing treatment.

Acne also affects people whose skin is naturally more oily. While you cannot change your age or skin type, it can be helpful to know there are ways to manage your acne and look after your skin.

Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Old Acne Scars

What Are Possible Complications Of Cystic Acne

While cellulitis and deep space infections have occurred as complications of cystic acne, they are relatively rare, and the primary concern is scarring. Despite all the current therapies to manage old acne scars, the best treatment of scars is to prevent them in the first place. Other than scarring, the primary medical risk of cystic acne is an unexpected complication of therapy. Any medication may cause drug rashes from less serious nuisance rashes to a life-threatening form of skin damage known as toxic epidermal necrolysis. Isotretinoin risks have already been discussed above, but some feel there is an increased risk of later inflammatory bowel disease from isotretinoin therapy, antibiotic therapy, or the combination of the two.

Regularly Change Your Face Towel

When you think about it, consistently reaching for your go-to face towel every day is like reusing a dinner napkin over and over again. Using dirty towels can harbor bacteria, and they can even introduce new bacteria to your skin, which may lead to more pimples. Thankfully, this doesn’t mean you need to reach for a new towel every single time you wash your face, according to Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, board-certified NYC dermatologist and clinical instructor at NYU Langone and Mount Sinai Hospital. As long as you’re truly washing off all of your makeup, you can stick to switching out your towels on a weekly basis.

Also Check: How To Cure Acne Fast

Tips For Managing Teen Acne

Acne is a common condition faced by many teenagers. Although most teens will have acne at some point, your teen still may be embarrassed by it. As a parent or guardian, it is important to take your teen’s feelings about acne seriously. Acne can cause low self-esteem and lead to distress in teens. Helping your teen with acne management can make this time less stressful and decrease the long-term effects of acne.

You and your teen can follow these 13 tips to help manage or eliminate acne:

1. Have your teen use over-the-counter acne products, and wash problem areas with a gentle cleanser twice daily.

Look for products that contain topical benzoyl peroxide as the main active ingredient. Apply cleanser with fingertips, and rinse skin with lukewarm water.

2. After washing the skin, treat with a topical product containing adapelene.

Adapelene is helpful in unclogging pores and preventing new breakouts. A pea-sized amount should be applied to the entire face, avoiding easily irritated areas, such as the eyes and mouth. It also can be applied to the chest and back, if needed.

3. Avoid facial scrubs, astringents and facial cleanser masks, as well as excessive scrubbing and washing.

This can irritate the skin and worsen acne.

4. Remind your teen to use acne treatment, but only remind them occasionally.

A small study shows that fewer reminders from parents are more effective than reminding your child each day, which can be viewed as nagging.

5. Do not touch or pick at problem areas.

Risks And Side Effects

Acne will sometimes go away on its own with time, especially if you get acne as a teenager or during a stressful period of your life. But if youre suffering from ongoing cystic acne then its best to visit a doctor for help, since this usually points to a bigger problem.

Big, inflamed, painful cysts under your skin indicate that an underlying health problem may be to blame, such as PCOS, a thyroid problem, etc. Talk to your doctor about potential causes and ways to treat acne holistically depending on your unique situation.

Related: A Serious Case of Maskne: How to Prevent & Treat Face Acne Due to Wearing a Mask

Final Thoughts

• Acne describes several different types of skin conditions that cause acne symptoms like whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, cysts and discoloration or scars.
• Causes of acne include clogged cores, bacterial infections, hormonal imbalances or fluctuations, inflammation, a poor diet, stress and lack of sleep,
• Some of the top home remedies for acne and acne scars are gently cleansing skin, toning, moisturizing, balancing hormones, protecting skin from sun damage, using essential oils and eating a healthy diet.
• After you have gotten rid of acne using home remedies for acne, its important to stick with a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, keep up with your new skin care routine and change your pillowcase every week to prevent breakouts from returning.

Also Check: Can Acne Scars Be Removed Completely