face ointment for acne - #13879
I am in a bit of a mess with my skin, and I really need some advice on face ointment for acne. For the past few months, my face has been breaking out like crazy. I mean, I thought my teenage years were behind me! It started with just a couple of spots, but now I got these breakouts that just won't disappear. I went to my doctor, and they said I need to find a specific face ointment for acne, but there are so many options! It’s overwhelming! I tried a couple of over-the-counter ones but they didn’t really help. Honestly, I feel like I'm wasting money and time. I even changed my diet, stopped eating junk food, and started drinking more water, thinking it might help. Sometimes it looks better for a day or two then BAM! a new pimple pops up. I saw something online about salicylic acid being a good ingredient in a face ointment for acne, but I don’t really know much about it. Has anyone found a face ointment for acne that actually works? What ingredients do you recommend looking for? Any tips on how to keep my skin clear? I’m just tired of feeling self-conscious about my face all the time! Help!
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Doctors’ responses
When it comes to choosing a face ointment for acne, it can indeed feel overwhelming. But focusing on products with the right ingredients can really make a difference. Salicylic acid is a good start—it’s a beta hydroxy acid that helps to clear out pores and reduce swelling. It’s effective for blackheads and whiteheads. Another ingredient to consider is benzoyl peroxide; it kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces oil production, which can be helpful if your acne is more inflammatory with red, swollen pimples. You might also look into products with retinoids like adapalene; these help prevent new acne from forming and can smoothen out uneven skin tone and texture. If over-the-counter options aren’t cutting it, you might need a prescription-strength option.
Additionally, keep an eye if you’re showing signs of excessive drying or irritation from these ingredients, as sometimes less is more. Reduce application to every other day at first if irritation occurs. It’s worth mentioning that changes in diet and water intake are always good, but they might not be the magic solution for everyone. And while lifestyle changes are crucial, acne is often driven by hormonal and genetic factors. Please avoid picking at or squeezing the pimples, as tempting as it is, since this can lead to scarring. Since you’re feeling overwhelmed, it might be beneficial to revisit your doctor or dermatologist, especially since acne that persists or is worsening can sometimes need prescription treatment like topical antibiotics or oral medications. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific skin type and severity of acne. Keep in mind fluctuations in acne can sometimes be due to stress or hormonal changes that also might need addressing. Also, make sure you’re using a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep the skin barrier healthy, as that can help soothe while you’re treating stubborn acne.
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