Persistence is usually a great trait, but it loses its charm when it comes to dealing with blemishes that refuse to disappear.
We all hoped to leave acne behind with our boyband crushes in adulthood, but alas, biology had other plans. Dealing with persistent acne can be cringe-worthy, especially when it seems like your pimples are stealing the spotlight from your expertise in a professional setting. Enduring acne can dent your confidence and affect your mental well-being.
If you’ve tried every promising Sephora product without success, fret not! Dr. Muneeb Shah, a Board-Certified Dermatologist (FAAD) and Board-Certified Micrographic Surgeon, popularly known as @doctorly on Instagram, is here to share unexpected hacks to bid adieu to those pesky pimples faster than you can ditch a problematic date.
Pull a switcheroo
Swap your regular cleanser for one with acne-fighting ingredients, such as 4% benzoyl peroxide, 2% salicylic acid, and 10% sulfur. Since most people are already cleansing their skin, this simple switch has proven to be effective.
Orally fixate
Tweak your diet and supplement intake. Certain foods and supplements contribute to acne. Reducing sugar intake and eliminating skim milk can be beneficial. If not necessary, cut out whey protein and B12 supplements. Intermittent fasting, a diet that reduces inflammatory skin conditions like acne, can also be considered.
Go high tech
Explore at-home skincare devices or in-office procedures. Blue light masks, used at home or in-office, target acne-causing bacteria by focusing on porphyrins. There’s also a new laser, branded as Accure or AviClear, using a 1726-nm wavelength to target oil glands and eliminate acne, but it’s currently available only in doctors’ offices.
Acid trip
Incorporate a hypochlorous acid spray into your routine. This disinfectant, naturally produced by immune cells, effectively eliminates acne-causing bacteria. Dr. Shah recommends this spray, especially for individuals who need to wear masks, helmets, or hats as part of their job, as it prevents bacteria from getting trapped in pores.
And if all else fails, Dr Shah suggests seeking the expertise of a dermatologist. They can provide stronger and more effective treatments, ranging from topicals to oral medications like Accutane. Dr. Shah reassures, “Acne can certainly be frustrating, but I have yet to find a patient that we weren’t able to get entirely or very close to entirely clear in the office.”
