how to control acne on face - #20783
I am really struggling with my acne lately, and it's so frustrating! I'm a 24-year-old girl, and I've dealt with breakouts since my teens but now it seems like nothing I'm doing helps. I thought I had found a good routine with my cleansers and moisturizers, but my face is still breaking out. I went to a dermatologist last month who prescribed me some topical creams, but honestly, I'm not seeing much improvement. It's like I'm trying all these different things, reading tips on how to control acne on my face, and yet my skin just keeps getting worse! I keep hearing about the importance of diet too. Like, should I be cutting out dairy or sugar to help how to control acne on my face? Or is it more about finding the right products? Once in a while, I’ll get a pimple that’s super painful, and it just puts me in a bad mood all day. Ugh! I also get these random clusters of little bumps that don’t pop, do you have any idea how to control acne on my face during my cycle or when I’m stressed? I'm seriously open to whatever advice or personal experiences you guys have. Do you think I need to see another doctor, or might there be something I'm missing from understanding how to control acne on my face? Any help would mean the world!
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Doctors' responses
First, let’s break down managing acne into manageable steps. It’s common for acne to feel resistant to treatments, so you’re not alone there. Look at your current skin care routine - sometimes, less is more. Try sticking with the simpler products your dermatologist recommended. These might include a gentle cleanser (something non-comedogenic) and a good quality moisturizer. You mentioned using topical creams. Ensure you apply them consistently and give them time to work, as it might take several weeks to notice significant results. Diet can play a role in some people’s acne, particularly if they notice a pattern with certain foods. Limited evidence suggests high glycemic index foods and dairy might worsen acne for some, so cutting back on sugary snacks and dairy could be worth experimenting with. Keep track of any changes to see if they help. As for those painful, cystic pimples, these might be best addressed by your dermatologist, possibly with oral medication or other treatments. Hormonal fluctuations are tricky since acne often worsens before the menstrual period due to increased oil production. Discuss with your doctor if hormonal treatments might suit your situation. Stress management can also be beneficial; techniques such as exercise, meditation, or regular sleep can potentially reduce stress-related breakouts. If you’re seeing no improvement, it might be time to revisit your dermatologist for reassessment or consider a second opinion. Newer treatments and options might be available.
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