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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #13414
6 days ago
13

pimple acne cream - #13414

Vedant

I am really struggling with this crazy breakout I’ve been having for the past few weeks. Like, out of nowhere, my face is just a battlefield of pimple and I can't even remember the last time I felt confident to just go makeup-free, you know? I tried a few over-the-counter solutions, but nothing seems to really do anything substantial. A friend of mine mentioned she had some success with pimple acne cream, but I don't know, there are so many options out there, and honestly, I'm overwhelmed. I thought I was doing everything right, like washing my face regularly and using gentle cleansers, but my skin seems to only be getting worse. Just yesterday, I woke up and counted like eight new pimples! Argh! I could really use some suggestions about a good pimple acne cream that actually works. Does anyone have personal experience with a specific brand or formulation that really cleared things up? I need to find something that targets these stubborn spots fast! Also, do these creams work better for certain skin types? I have oily skin but it can get dry after using some products. Any advice would be super helpful!

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Doctors’ responses

Navigating the world of pimple acne creams can indeed feel overwhelming, given the array of choices and the dynamic needs of your skin. For those dealing with more stubborn acne, benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are common ingredients in over-the-counter creams and gels known to be quite effective. Benzoyl peroxide works well by reducing acne-causing bacteria and generally best for inflammatory acne, like the tenders red bumps you might be experiencing. Salicylic acid, on the other hand, aids in exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores, which can be particularly helpful if blackheads or whiteheads are part of your breakout picture. Since you have oily skin, but sometimes dry after product use, you might consider starting with a lower concentration product to avoid irritation; for instance, benzoyl peroxide comes in strengths ranging from 2.5% to 10%. A 5% concentration can be a sweet spot to start for many individuals as it is effective yet gentle enough to minimize excessive drying or irritation. Also, look for formulations that include moisturizing elements like glycerin or ceramides. These can help counteract dryness while you correct the acne problem. It’s essential to apply these treatments to clean, dry skin and follow up with a non-comedogenic moisturizer. If initial irritation occurs, you might start by applying every other night and increase as your tolerance builds. However, note it may take several weeks to see noticeable improvements, so a bit of patience will be necessary. Finally, if over-the-counter treatments still leave your skin frustrated, consulting a dermatologist would be your next step. They can prescribe topical or oral medications that more specifically target acne’s root causes. Also, pay attention to any persistent symptoms like severe pain, large cysts, or signs of possible scarring, as these can necessitate more urgent professional evaluation. Keeping hydrated and possibly restricting high-glycemic foods can also complement your skincare efforts positively. Remember, while products do play a significant role, adopting a holistic view towards skincare—integrating lifestyle changes—can potential enhance your overall result.

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