Dermatologists Reveal 13 Tricks For Acne That Will Save You Hundreds Of Dollars
Acne doesn't just strike unsuspecting, hormonal teens - it can continue to plague people well into their adult years. In a world where everyone experiences acne, even celebrities, taking care of one's complexion shouldn't cost an arm and a leg. But sometimes even sacrificing entire limbs seems like a modest price to pay for your skin's health. Luckily, there are other options available for people looking to save both their money and their face.
From pesky pimples to full-fledged breakouts, getting rid of acne might be tough, but it doesn't have to break the bank. Even if it's just something as simple as a daily skin-care routine, these doctor-recommended, money-saving acne treatment tips can come in handy when extinguishing unwanted zits. Before taking health-obstructing antibiotics or soaking in a ton of alcohol-infused face washes, find how to treat acne at home and save.
Try Over-The Counter Benzoyl Peroxide
From Redditor /u/JoshZeichnerMD:
Over the counter, ingredients like salicylic acid can help remove excess oil and benzoyl peroxide can kill acne causing bacteria... Hormonal treatments like birth control pills and spironolactone may be an option, but you need to discuss it with your dermatologist to see if either are right for you.
Stay Away From Inflammatory Foods
From Redditor /u/dravashamban:
There is data that supports a low glycemic index diet, as well as dairy-free and no fried foods. So what does this mean? LGI means no sugar, such as the obvious like sodas and dessers vs the not so obvious, which includes anything with added corn syrup. You have to become a label reader. Eating foods that are high in antioxidants does help the skin to help reduce inflammation. We know that acne is a highly inflammatory process.
Experiment With Gentle Exfoliation
From Redditor /u/dravashamban:
It's not that new anymore, but using an ultrasound cleansing brush to really remove pollutants and city grime from the face is very important. Also, a gentle exfoliation, either using a washcloth or a scrub will allow better penetration of any active ingredients that you're putting on top of your skin.
Invest In Vitamin C
From Redditor /u/JoshZeichnerMD:
Red and brown blotches are not in fact scars but rather stains in the skin from previous acne. The red blotches are known as persistent erythema. It is like the main fire is out, but you still have glowing embers in the skin. So it is important to keep treating the full face with your acne treatment so they continue to resolve. The brown spots are known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. In response to inflammation, your body revs up pigment production which sticks around for months even after the pimple has gone away... ingredients like Vitamin C and niacinamide are helpful. Exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid and lipohydroxy acid are also helpful in promoting cell turnover to shed those pigment-containing cells.
Check Your Spots
From Redditor /u/dravashamban:
Precancerous spots tend to be red or reddish brown, scaly, and sometimes bleed. Sun damage itself can be brown spots, lines, wrinkles, and irregular texture. If you have any concerns, and have had extensive sun exposure, it is really important to visit a dermatologist or health care provider to be evaluated. Skin cancers can spread to internal organs!
Go Easy On Darker Skin
From Redditor /u/dravashamban:
I often use a combination of Retin-A with a skin lightener such as hydroquinone, which has been proven effective in multiple studies. Darker skin types tend to be more sensitive, so it's important to make sure your skin doesn't get irritated from any of these products. One way to avoid this is to apply moisturizer before the retinoid, even without hydroquinone. Another step is to use a gentle cleanser. I also like to combine a retinoid with some of the newer skin lighteners. And don't forget your sunscreen!