Acne is a frustrating skin condition that millions of Americans experience. While it is most common in teenagers, even adults experience acne from time to time. The American Academy of Dermatology states that fluctuating hormone levels are often to blame for acne, regardless of a person’s age. There are many products used to treat acne, but it is unclear to many people just which products really work. Thankfully, there are some quick ways to clear up acne so that the problem doesn’t have to linger.
Switch Your Cosmetics
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, people often get acne or experience a worsening of their current acne when they use certain cosmetic products. Only products that are labeled as “noncomedogenic” are specially made not to clog pores or cause acne. Foundations, powders, blushes and other makeup products are not the only problem. Even facial creams and washes sometimes used by men can irritate the skin and cause acne. Purchasing oil-free products and noncomedogenic products can clear up acne fast because they stop the skin from being clogged.
Use Topical Treatments
Certain topical treatments are effective in getting rid of acne quickly. For example, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid creams dry up pimples and help to reduce the inflammation and redness in the skin quickly for some people. Topical treatments for acne can also sometimes cause dryness in the skin and can interact with medications. Therefore, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends discussing topical treatments with a dermatologist to find the best one for your particular situation before purchasing or using a topical treatment.
Get a Facial Treatment
Getting a facial treatment, or a series of regular facial treatments from a salon can also get rid of acne effectively. Chemical peels and microdermabrasions are two types of facial treatments performed in many salons that help to reduce the appearance of acne. The Mayo Clinic states that chemical peels usually use glycolic acid or salicylic acid to unclog pores and cause new skin to grow, while microdermabrasions use crystal particles to remove the top layer of skin, making other acne treatments and products more effective.
Try Light Therapy
The Mayo Clinic states that light-based therapies for acne can reduce acne quickly by decreasing the amount of oil in the glands of the skin. Light therapy treatments are performed at some salons and dermatologists’ offices and are done by exposing the skin to a low-intensity beam of light. These treatments have been shown to destroy the bacteria on the skin that causes acne. While light therapy treatments are generally expensive, they can be helpful for those with severe acne and acne scars that do not respond to other treatments.
