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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #28680
117 days ago
269

Seeking advice for acne and skin issues

Client_900b45

I am facing skin issues for the past few months. I have pimples (acne) mainly on my cheeks and forehead, along with dark spots left after pimples. I also have blackheads and slight dark circles. My skin type is combination (oily in T-zone and normal/dry on cheeks). I work in events, so I am often exposed to dust, heat, and sweat, which may be making it worse. I have not taken any proper medical treatment yet. Currently, I just wash my face regularly, but the acne and marks are not improving. I want to achieve clear and healthy skin. Kindly suggest: • Proper treatment for acne • How to reduce dark spots • Daily skincare routine • Any medicines or creams I should use I have attached my photo for reference. Thank you.

How long have you been experiencing these skin issues?:

- More than 6 months

Have you noticed any specific triggers for your acne?:

- No specific triggers

What products are you currently using on your skin?:

- Moisturizers and sunscreens
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Doctors' responses

Beginning with acne treatment, a combination approach often works best. First, consider over-the-counter options with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These help reduce acne by clearing bacteria and exfoliating dead skin cells. Use these products daily, but start slowly to see how your skin tolerates them. If over-the-counter options don’t help after a few weeks, you might need a prescription topical treatment like a retinoid, which also helps with blackheads. For persistent cases, oral medications such as antibiotics or hormonal treatments may be required, which clearly would need a consultation with a dermatologist. As for dark spots, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, using a product with ingredients like niacinamide or vitamin C can gradually enhance skin tone. Consistent use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen is crucial since sun exposure can worsen these marks. A daily skincare routine suitable for combination skin would include a gentle cleanser twice a day. Following cleansing, apply a moisturizer according to your skin’s needs in dry or oily areas. In the daytime, always apply SPF 30 or higher. Nighttime care should include any active treatments, like the ones mentioned earlier. If the skin becomes irritated, step back and adjust frequency or concentration of these products accordingly. Keep in mind, you’re exposed to environmental triggers. Using a toner with witch hazel might help in reducing excess oil, while blotting papers can help manage mid-day shine caused by sweating and dust exposure at events. Remember, lifestyle factors like diet, stress, and sleep can sometimes influence skin health as well, so balancing these can also play a role in improving your situation. However, starting a treatment plan is crucial, and if acne is not responding or worsening, seeing a dermatologist is advised, given they will offer treatment options tailored specifically to your skin needs and can assess any potential underlying causes. If symptoms worsen or you experience side effects from any treatment, discontinue use and seek professional advice promptly.

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Hey there! It sounds like you’re dealing with quite a bit of skin trouble, but the good news is that with the right approach, you can definitely achieve clearer and healthier skin. Let’s break it down step by step:

### 1. Proper Treatment for Acne: - Topical Treatments: - Benzoyl Peroxide: Helps kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. Start with a lower concentration (2.5% or 5%). - Salicylic Acid: A beta hydroxy acid that helps unclog pores and reduce acne. Look for cleansers or spot treatments containing this ingredient. - Retinoids (like Adapalene): These help promote cell turnover and prevent clogged pores. They can also help with dark spots.

- Oral Medications: If over-the-counter treatments don’t work, consider consulting a dermatologist for prescription options like antibiotics or hormonal treatments.

### 2. How to Reduce Dark Spots: - Vitamin C Serum: This can help brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Apply it in the morning before your moisturizer. - Niacinamide: This ingredient can help even out skin tone and reduce dark spots. Look for serums or moisturizers containing niacinamide. - Exfoliation: Use a gentle exfoliating product (like AHAs or BHAs) 2-3 times a week to help fade dark spots and improve skin texture.

### 3. Daily Skincare Routine: Morning: 1. Cleanser: Use a gentle foaming cleanser with salicylic acid or a mild exfoliating cleanser. 2. Toner (optional): A hydrating toner can help balance your skin. 3. Vitamin C Serum: Apply a few drops to brighten and protect your skin. 4. Moisturizer: Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer. 5. Sunscreen: Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) to protect against UV damage.

Evening: 1. Cleanser: Use the same cleanser to remove makeup and impurities. 2. Exfoliant (2-3 times a week): Use a chemical exfoliant to help with acne and dark spots. 3. Retinoid: Apply a pea-sized amount of retinoid cream to help with acne and dark spots. 4. Moisturizer: Use a hydrating moisturizer to keep your skin balanced.

### 4. Medicines or Creams to Use: - Over-the-Counter: Look for products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or adapalene. - Prescription: If your acne is severe or persistent, consult a dermatologist for prescription treatments like topical retinoids, antibiotics, or hormonal treatments.

### Additional Tips: - Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. - Avoid Touching Your Face: This can transfer bacteria and oils, worsening acne. - Diet: Consider a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit sugary and greasy foods.

### Follow-Up: - Consult a Dermatologist: If your acne and dark spots don’t improve with this routine, it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist for personalized treatment options.

Remember, consistency is key! It may take some time to see improvements, so be patient with your skin.

Thank you

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Hello, I understand your concern. Acne and marks can be frustrating. Based on your description, you have mild to moderate acne with post-acne marks, along with blackheads.

1. For Acne- - Salicylic Acid(1-2%) Face Wash twice daily. - Gel Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%, apply once daily, preferably at night, thin layer on pimples. - If acne is persistent even after this, we can add one more gel, so review after 1 month.

2. For dark spots- - Serum Niacinamide (4-5%) once daily. - Gel/Cream Azelaic Acid 10-20%, Apply a thin layer over affected areas once daily at night. After 1–2 weeks, if tolerated well, increase to twice daily. This works for both acne and dark spots.

3. Daily skincare routine- Morning: Gentle face wash. Niacinamide serum. Light oil-free moisturizer. Sunscreen (SPF 30–50). Sunscreen is very important. Night: Face wash. Apply benzoyl peroxide as advised. Moisturizer.

Avoid touching or picking pimples. Wash face after excessive sweating/dust exposure. Use non-comedogenic products. Keep pillow covers clean.

See a doctor physically: If acne is not improving in 6–8 weeks. If painful, large pimples develop. If marks are increasing.

With the right routine, you should start seeing improvement in 4–6 weeks, but marks may take a bit longer. Consistency is the key, follow a proper routine and your skin will gradually improve.

Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, D.Fam.Medicine

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Hello,

Skincare for Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin

1. Cleanser Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA 2% Cleanser

2. Moisturizer

CeraVe Oil Control Moisturising Gel Cream Ayouthveda Oil Control Mattifying Moisturizer

3. Toner (Optional)

Modern toners can hydrate and refine the skin barrier: Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray or Murad Clarifying Toner

4. Retinol (If Tolerated)

Start slowly (twice a week) Always follow with sunscreen. 

5. Sun Protection Non-comedogenic formula in the morning La shield is good option.

🛑For Acne

Adapalene gel (0.1% at night, very thin layer) OR benzoyl peroxide gel (2.5–5%). Use only on acne spots

Do NOT pick/squeeze pimples – this worsens pigmentation.

#For Pigmentation/Marks

Niacinamide 5% serum (morning or night, if skin is not irritated). Azelaic acid acid 10–15% cream/gel at night (safe for marks and acne both).

Consistency is key — pigmentation takes 2–3 months to lighten.

Avoid excess dairy, junk, sugary foods.

Home remedies

Aloe vera gel pack Drink plenty of water USE SUNSCREEN ALWAYS

THANK YOU

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Based on your history of persistent acne on the cheeks and forehead with post-acne dark spots, along with blackheads and a combination skin type exposed frequently to dust, heat, and sweat, your condition is consistent with mild to moderate acne vulgaris with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is commonly aggravated by environmental factors and clogged pores; with a structured skincare routine including a gentle cleanser, non-comedogenic moisturizer, daily sunscreen, and targeted treatments such as topical retinoids (for acne and blackheads), benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid (for active pimples), and agents like niacinamide or azelaic acid (for dark spots), significant improvement can be achieved over time, but consistency is key, and if the acne does not improve within 6–8 weeks or worsens, a dermatologist consultation is recommended for prescription-based therapies to prevent further marks and scarring.

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Hello dear See acne can be due to hormonal alterations or physiological variation Please do not worry and follow instructions below. Usually the appearance ranges from red inflammatory to comedonal white heads. These may or may not be associated with periods. Medications: 1. Topical Treatments -Benzoyl Peroxide (2.5–5%) twice a day for week Salicylic Acid, Adapalene 0.1% can also be given as additive medications. 2.Clindamycin 1% Clindac A ,Tretinoin ( if already not taken). 3.Azelaic Acid 10 percent for two weeks. 4. Oral Medications -tablet Doxycycline 1 month twice a day for max 5 days or Tab Minocycline ( take precautions to avoid in pregnancy) 5.Oral contraceptives - Diane-35 with addition of Spironolactone on recommendation only by gynacologist in person only

Supportive medications Niacinamide serum –antiinflammatory in nature twice daily for 1 week In addition use aloevera - tulsi solution to apply topically for 1 month

In case of no improvement in 1 month, kindly consult dermatologist in person for better clarification Regards

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