Still suffer from acne until today? According to a report from Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, between 15 and 35% of women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s still suffer from breakouts and those numbers are on the rise, says dermatologist Richard Fried, M.D., Ph.D., author of Healing Adult Acne. Doctors believe that this result from many factors like skyrocketing stress levels, hormone fluctuations to today’s carbohydrate-heavy diets and more.
We have gathered these tricks and steps to get your skin a new life, again.
1. Go to your doctor
If you have been on OTC regimen for three months now and no results still, it’s time to see a dermatologist. “Aging skin doesn’t heal as well and scars more quickly if you don’t get breakouts under control,” warns Dr. Graf.
A lot of doctors will start you off with a retinoid to clear pores of dead skin cells. This will help build collagen, which in turn fights lines. This is only applied during the night time since retinoids break down in the sun. Sunscreen is a must and should be worn religiously. Your doctor may also prescribe a topical antibiotic like clindamycin to destroy acne-causing bacteria.
Again, if you’re still seeing severe outbreaks after several months of both treatments above, talk to your doctor about oral isotretinoin (like Accutane). “It’s a magnificent medicine; it clears up almost everyone,” says Dr. Fried. However, there are side effects that can be significant, ranging from dry skin to, more rarely, depression. And the link to serious birth defects means that you have to use two forms of contraception during treatment and take monthly pregnancy tests. This is the last option, but still you would like to consider.
2. Modify your diet
A lot of dermatologists have been reconsidering the issue that there are no links between diet and acne. One probable culprit could be a high-glycemic, processed-food diet. Colorado State University researchers theorized that these sorts of foods may elevate hormones and thus stimulate sebaceous glands. In 2006, Australian scientists found that eating a low-glycemic diet (high in protein, with fewer refined sugars and flours) for 12 weeks reduced acne by almost 50%. Another possible trigger: dairy. Hormones in milk are thought to stimulate sebum production and, in turn, provoke pimples. Dermatologist Jeffrey Dover, M.D., now asks his patients with stubborn acne to try a dairy-free diet. “After they cut out milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream, their acne often becomes easier to treat,” he says.
3. Try Laser
Many are afraid to try, but if you’re still not seeing results, there are a lot of clinics that offer Isolaz Deep Pore Lazr Therapy, an FDA-approved, in-office combo of light (to kill acne-causing bacteria) and a pore-clearing vacuum. In a company-sponsored test, 64% of intractable-acne sufferers had more than 75% clearance after four treatments. While it’s expensive as it is (ranging from $300 to $500 per session), patients see improvement within 24 to 48 hours of the first treatment, and full results after four or five sessions, which is really incredible, says Miami- and New York City-based dermatologist Fredric Brandt, M.D. Try to consider, this might work for you.
4. For an instant remedy
Consider new handheld gizmos that deliver low-level heat directly to blemishes to destroy acne-causing bacteria. “These devices aren’t going to help with blackheads or whiteheads, but they can shorten the duration of inflammatory pimples by a few days,” says Mary Lupo, M.D. Try Zeno or ThermaClear.
For disguising a real zinger: First, gently buff away flakes using a damp washcloth. Then, put on any spot treatments, smooth moisturizer all over your face, and apply foundation. Next, concealer: Stick versions are best (blemishes need something with staying power). We love Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer; Maybelline New York Cover Stick is great, too. Use a finger to apply it, lightly tapping the product directly on the pimple and nearby skin. Blend the edges, and you’re good to go. But again, temporarily, but instantly vanishes that pimple you’ve been meaning to remove.
