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ointment for acne and pimples
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #12945
2 days ago
16

ointment for acne and pimples - #12945

Aasha

I am really struggling with this awful breakout and was hoping for some advice. A few weeks ago, I started noticing these painful, red bumps appearing on my face, like, it’s really bad and I’m super self-conscious about it. I've tried washing my face more, but that only seems to make it worse. I heard about using an ointment for acne and pimples and thought maybe that would help?? I walked into a pharmacy and found a couple options, but honestly, I’m confused. Like, is there a specific ointment for acne and pimples that’s actually effective? I don't wanna waste money on something that’s not gonna work. A friend recommended benzoyl peroxide, but someone else said salicylic acid is the way to go. Can an ointment for acne and pimples really clear my skin up? I'm also worried about how it might dry out my face since I already have some patchy areas. What's best to do when using an ointment for acne and pimples? Any advice from you guys would be amazing! I just want to feel comfortable in my skin again.

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Doctors’ responses

For managing acne and pimples with an ointment, a good place to start is with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, both of which are widely recommended for battling acne. Benzoyl peroxide works by killing the bacteria that contribute to acne, as well as by peeling dead skin cells from the surface, but it can be quite drying. You’ll typically find it in strengths ranging from 2.5% to 10% in over-the-counter treatments. It’s generally best to begin with a lower concentration to test how your skin reacts and gradually increase if necessary. Salicylic acid, on the other hand, is effective in exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores by promoting the shedding of dead skin cells. This makes it particularly beneficial for treating blackheads and whiteheads. You’ll find it in strengths typically around 0.5% to 2%. When starting any new treatment, try to apply a thin layer once a day, ideally in the evening, on clean, dry skin. If you experience excessive dryness, redness, or irritation, you might want to use it every other day. It’s particularly important to moisturize with a good non-comedogenic moisturizer to help maintain the skin’s barrier, especially if you already have patchy areas. Lastly, while over-the-counter options can be effective, if your symptoms are severe, persistent, or cause significant distress, seeking advice from a dermatologist would be worthwhile, as they can prescribe formulations or additional treatments that might be more effective for your particular condition.

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