how to stop acne - #19642
I am super stressed out over my acne. Like, I've tried everything and nothing seems to work! Last month, I went to a dermatologist and they put me on this treatment but it’s like my skin is fighting back or something. I mean, I’ve been using the prescribed cream for a couple of weeks and then BAM—new breakouts show up. It’s like they have a party on my face! I really wanna know how to stop acne once and for all. I’ve done the whole wash-my-face-three-times-a-day routine but my skin still feels oily and clogged. I tried changing my diet too; cut out dairy and sugary stuff, thought that might help, but nothing! I also heard that stress can cause acne, and I feel like I’m in a constant state of stress with work and life. Seriously, how to stop acne when it feels like everything I do just fails? Do you think I should try a different product or maybe there’s a lifestyle change I’m missing? I’m just feeling kinda hopeless here, looking for any tips or tricks from anyone who’s gone through this. Any advice on how to stop acne without breaking the bank?
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Doctors' responses
To really address stubborn acne, especially when you’re following a dermatologist’s treatment, it’s important to consider several factors that could be contributing to the condition. It sounds like the topical treatment hasn’t yet shown the desire results, which isn’t uncommon, as many acne treatments can take several weeks, even months, to produce noticeable changes. Aside from continuing with the prescribed regimen, consider modifying the following areas to potentially enhance the treatment’s effectiveness. First, look at your skincare routine – excessive washing can irritate the skin and strip it of natural oils, triggering more oil production. Instead of washing your face three times daily, aim for a more balanced twice-a-day approach using a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser. Maintaining hydration is crucial, so opt for a moisturizer that won’t clog your pores.
Regarding stress, managing it can be crucial since it plays a significant role in hormonal fluctuations that may worsen acne. Simple techniques such as regular physical activity, mindfulness practices, or structured relaxation methods could help reduce stress levels and potentially ease skin issues. If dietary changes haven’t shown much improvement, consider keeping a food diary and observing any correlations between certain foods and breakouts, but remember that diet’s role varies greatly between individuals.
Importantly, remember that some acne cases can be resistant to topical treatments, and systemic therapy like oral antibiotics, hormonal treatments, or isotretinoin might be approached if topical therapies have been inadequate. Without breaking the bank, over-the-counter options like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid might offer additional benefit if integrated carefully into your routine, but these should be used with caution to avoid irritation.
Finally, ongoing acne challenges can be frustrating, so it’s vital to maintain follow-up appointments with your dermatologist. If your current regimen isn’t working or causing adverse effects, they might need to adjust the treatment plan. Always check in before making significant changes yourself to ensure you’re on a safe path towards improvement.
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