SKINCARE • By Carole Aponte, MD

How to treat acne.

In our post, What exactly is ACNE?, we talk all about acne, who gets it and why. Now let’s talk about the best treatment for teenage acne so you can have healthy, clear skin.

Almost all OTC (OTC = over-the-counter = medications you can buy without a doctor’s prescription) acne treatments will contain either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide as their active ingredient.

SALICYLIC ACID: Very good at preventing clogged pores which lead to small blackheads and whiteheads. Salicylic acid exfoliates and clears blemishes at the skin’s surface and also penetrates deep into pores where it does its magic to unclog pores and eliminate problem acne bumps right at their source. 

BENZOYL PEROXIDE: Kills the bacteria that cause small red acne bumps.  It can cause dryness and irritation and even allergic reactions in rare cases.  NOTE: it will bleach fabrics so make sure you don’t get any on your favorite clothes or bedspread!

The biggest tip to remember is that once you start a treatment, you need to stick with it!  It is important to understand that any time you start a new acne treatment it usually takes 6-8 weeks to begin to see clearer skin.  So don’t be discouraged! Keep using your over-the-counter or prescription treatments even if you don’t see results right away.  Once your skin starts to clear, it is important to continue to use your medications regularly to prevent new breakouts from forming and to help clear up any discoloration left by previous breakouts.

SUNBURN ALERT! Acne products can increase sensitivity to the sun and raise your risk of sunburn, so it is important to use P.R.E.P. SPF 30 face+body lotion every day, rain or shine. Plus, our SPF 30 is made with zinc oxide, and zinc has been shown to help clear acne blemishes so it may help in clearing up your skin!

If dryness occurs, use an oil-free, light facial moisturizer in the evenings as needed.

We formulated an acne formula just for you!

Our P.R.E.P. everyday clear acne treatment with salicylic acid helps to decrease redness and inflammation, clear skin on the surface and deep down into the pores. The treatment is loaded with essential oils and other natural acne-fighters to quickly treat and prevent future breakouts and help fade those pesky red and brown spots left behind from previous acne flares.  We also added light moisturizers and other skin protecting ingredients to help prevent the dryness and irritation that frequently occurs with topical acne treatments. Be sure to read our steps below on how to get rid of acne using the best treatment for teenage acne, which is also part of our Acne Guide to Healthy Skin.

 

 

 

Stay healthy,