Acne Pimple

• Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
• Blackheads (open plugged pores)
• Small red, tender bumps (papules)
• Pimples (pustules), which are papules with pus at their tips
• Large, solid, painful lumps under the skin (nodules)
• Painful, pus-filled lumps under the skin (cystic lesions)

The top foods that are linked with acne include:

• Sugars
• Refined grains
• Omega-6 fatty acid (foods that are rich in this ingredient)
• Whey protein
• Dairy products

In some people, food sensitivities and allergies trigger an immune system response releasing proinflammatory molecules. This immune response may aggravate pre-existing acne or be linked to newly developing acne.

Factors that have no significant effect on acne:

• Chocolate: Enjoy the sweet, smooth taste of chocolate.
• Hygiene: Dirty skin does not cause acne. However, overwashing or cleansing the skin with harsh soaps or chemicals will irritate the skin and worsen the acne.
• Cosmetics: Noncomedogenic (oil-free) cosmetic products do not clog pores. Thus, these cosmetic products do not necessarily worsen acne or interfere with the effectiveness of topical medications. Please still remove makeup regularly.

Several simple steps can help you prevent and treat acne without significant medical interventions. Ask your doctor for help.

• Wash your face in the morning and at night without harsh scrubbing
• Keep your hair clean (free of excessive oils or hair products)
• Avoid touching your face, especially the acne areas
• Do not pop zits or pimples
• Visit your doctor regularly and ask about medications that might help
• Use dermatologist-recommended facial cleansers and topical creams

With the proper skin care, most people will see improvements of their condition over time. For more severe cases that do not improve with skin care and medications. Other treatment options may be needed. Determining the best regimen for you requires a visit to your doctor for a skin evaluation.  Your doctor can personalize the treatments for you after listening to your skin concerns and medical history.

Starting treatments or medications may trigger an acne outburst. The immediate results are discouraging for some patients, but do not give up. After the initial setback, the skin will continue to improve with proper, persistent skin care and treatments.

Similarly, when undergoing microdermabrasion or chemical peels for acne, you may have an initial period when your skin seems to be worse. Although these skin procedures help to improve the acne and scarring, they also typically cause redness and irritation immediately following the procedure. Therefore, the results will take time to manifest.

Moreover, with lifestyle and dietary changes, you may have to rebalance and find the right skin regimen, diet, and other skin care tools that are right for you. Before making any changes, please come seek the advice of a skin care expert to get the safest and most effective results.