Acne: skin care while using acne treatments
Many treatments for acne, both surface (topical) and internal, can cause dryness, redness and irritation. This is because your doctor has deliberately selected active ingredients to reduce oiliness and build-up of dead skin cells in the pores, which are known to be causative in acne lesions.
It is important to know that dryness is expected, and usually means that the treatments are working.
Your skin care regimen should include:
- cleansing;
- moisturising;
- active treatment; and
- sunscreens.
1. Cleansing
- Choose a cleanser for sensitive skin types (not one for acne, unless specifically advised by your doctor).
- Cleanse your face twice a day, using your cleanser to also remove makeup.
- Don’t wash your face directly under the shower head (this can lead to excessive dryness and redness).
- Avoid cleansers with added herbs, fragrances, vitamins, fruity acids, etc.
- Don’t use exfoliants, Buf-Pufs, alcohol or acne wipes, toners, scrubs, granules, masks, peels, steams or have facials (check with your doctor first if in doubt).
2. Moisturising
- It is important to moisturise whenever necessary, even if you have acne, because otherwise your skin may not be able to cope with the treatments that have been suggested to you.
- Try to moisturise twice a day, with extra ‘top ups’ during the day if necessary.
- It’s best to moisturise immediately after washing your face, before any treatments or sunscreens are applied.
- Use oil-free, non-comedogenic lotions.
- Again, try to avoid products with additives.
3. Active treatment
Your doctor will recommend active treatment for your acne, depending on your individual needs.
4. Sunscreens
- Many acne treatments will leave your skin sensitive to the sun (this is temporary).
- Sunscreens should ideally be 15+ or higher, broad spectrum and applied every 2 hours when outdoors.
- Some sunscreens can aggravate acne, so trial and error may be required.
- It’s best to choose oil-free formulations.
Last Reviewed: 22 June 2007
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