Acne affects 85% of young adults. Admittedly, struggling with persistent acne issues can be frustrating, especially when you’ve tried all you can. Sometimes, the blemishes reappear, which can diminish your self-esteem. However, the last thing you want to do is give up. If left untreated, it can leave permanent scars on your skin. Thankfully, you can try several effective solutions even if your acne situation looks like it won’t clear. Here are some of those solutions.
- Give your new treatment at least 4 weeks to work
Understandably, you’re getting impatient with treatments that don’t seem to work, but that could be the problem. Many people give up on treatment after a few days or weeks when they don’t see any improvement. As a result, they end up using one treatment product after another every few days, but studies show that this approach can worsen your acne and cause skin irritation. Anytime you try a new treatment product, give it at least four weeks to work before deciding if it’s not worth your time. If a treatment solution is good for you, you should notice some improvement within 4 to 6 weeks. Some can even take 3 months or more to see the effects.
- Treat the different causes
Focusing only on the symptom might not help when the underlying causes are still present. Hormonal changes, genetics, bacterial infections, dietary factors, stress, and some cosmetic products are major culprits. What treatment method to use will depend on the underlying cause. For example, you can try hormone balance supplements if your hormones aren’t in sync and are causing your acne. Of course, it’s best to speak with a dermatologist or your doctor before trying out any solution.
- Manage your stress levels
Studies have identified a strong connection between stress and stubborn breakouts. In other words, the more stressed you are daily, the more acne issues you’ll have, and the more challenging it will be to get rid of them. This is because it triggers hormonal changes and weakens your skin’s immune function. Also, the stress hormone cortisol, released by the body, can worsen an acne breakout. So, if you have a stressful daily life, find ways to ease the burden on your mind and relax. You should notice a significant improvement in your acne situation when you combine stress management with an effective acne medication.
- Wash your face twice a day, and after sweating
Sweat is your number one enemy if you’re struggling with acne, as it can keep the acne-causing bacteria in place. As if that’s not enough, sweat (particularly when combined with heat and friction) can clog your pores, leading to new breakouts while worsening the old ones. Therefore, make it a point to wash your face at least twice daily and after sweating to help clear stubborn acne breakouts. For better results, do this as soon as you wake up in the morning when you’re ready to jump into bed, and whenever you sweat.
It’s refreshing to come across practical advice on dealing with stubborn acne. The emphasis on patience with new treatments is a reminder that good things take time, and the insight into different causes, from hormonal changes to stress, adds depth to the discussion. The connection between stress levels and acne breakout is an eye-opener, making the suggestion to manage stress alongside acne medication a sensible approach for clearer skin. Great tips, Tabby’s Pantry!