5th May 2020
If acne makes you feel self-conscious, you’re not alone – thousands of people around the world suffer from this skin condition on various parts of their bodies. Acne can be embarrassing and even painful, but it can be managed. Read on for a few tips on how to manage outbreaks and minimise the symptoms of this condition.
1: Cleanse your skin – the right way
Regular cleansing can be extremely effective in combating acne, as long as you only do so when required – over-cleansing your skin can actually aggravate your acne and cause flare-ups, leading your skin to look noticeably redder and feel sore.
It’s important to choose the right products for cleansing your skin. Avoid any oily products that might exacerbate your symptoms, and go for something without alcohol in it, as this can also irritate the skin. The best you can do for your skin is to use mild and gentle cleansing products. It’s also a good idea to avoid scrubbing or rubbing your skin too roughly, as this can also make it sore.
2: Protect yourself from the sun
A spot of sunshine can benefit us in many ways – it’s particularly good for helping our bodies produce vitamin D, as well as increasing the production of serotonin, the ‘happy chemical’, in our brains. But overexposure to sunlight can also have negative effects on our skin (as can tanning beds, which use UV rays similar to those created by the sun):
- It can cause your skin to dry out, which leads your skin to overproduce oil
- It hardens your skin cells, which can prevent the oil from ‘draining’ away
- It can cause changes in your pigmentation and is a risk factor for skin cancer
- It increases sweat production, which helps bacteria to thrive.
3: Use Acne treatments
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, it can be difficult to keep your acne under control. In those situations, it’s worth looking for a suitable acne treatment. At Lumiere Skin Clinic, our dermatologists are highly trained and qualified in all things skincare, and after an assessment, will be able to recommend the best products and acne treatments for your skin. These may be:
- Skin resurfacing acne treatments: these chemical peels strip away older skin, bringing younger, newer skin to the surface. They can also help reduce the appearance of scarring.
- Topical acne treatments: usually a cream, gel, or lotion, which is absorbed by the skin and targets the affected area.
- Acne treatment medication: you may be prescribed antibiotics, but a detailed assessment is needed first
- Laser acne treatments: laser treatments can target redness and bring signs of inflammation under control
Book your appointment
If you’re looking to get your acne under control, Lumiere Skin Clinic can help. Get in touch with our dermatologists to book a skin assessment at our skin clinic in Manchester and find out which treatment is best for you and your skin.