Acne Care Part One. Prevent issues which will make you want to see a plastic surgeon. Basic tips. PART ONE

So I am NOT a dermatologist.  If you have tough acne, please see a dermatologist.

But I do see a lot of people who are trying to fix issues which happened because of acne. Acne happens because of a blocked pore.  Many of the issues I see are caused by the inflammation and the irritation of acne.  There is a bacteria Propionibacteria acnes involved, but antibiotics are usually not a first line of treatment.

What do I the plastic surgeon see which needs to be treated?

• Hyperpigmentation. (skin turns red, brown)
• Scarring
• Indentations

What is the best thing you can do?

PREVENTION

So I saw this list of basics for acne. It bears repeating here.

1. Wash twice a day, and after you sweat. Especially if you are wearing a hat or helmet. Pat the skin dry.
2. Use your fingertips to apply a gentle, non abrasive cleanser.
3. Be gentle with your skin. Don’t use alcohol based products, harsh astringents, toners, or exfoliants.
4. Scrubbing can make your acne worse.
5. Rinse with lukewarm water.
6. Shampoo regularly, particularly if you have oily hair.
7. Let your skin heal naturally. Yes. Do not pick, rub, pop, squeeze your zits.
8. Keep your hands off your face.
9. Stay out of the sun and tanning beds. UV damages your skin.
10. If you have very oily skin, change your pillowcase frequently.