Your Score: – You correctly answered out of questions.
Your Score: – You correctly answered out of questions.
Results: Your answers indicate that you know how to manage your acne breakouts. Keep it up! In addition to using acne medication, you know that daily self-care strategies such as these help prevent acne and flare-ups:
- Gentle washing, not scrubbing, with a mild soap
- Using an oil-free sunblock
- Not squeezing or picking at pimples
- Using non-comedogenic skin care products
As an added bonus, habits such as gentle cleansing and using sunblock daily are also helping you prevent premature aging. Be sure to maintain your current acne therapy to avoid breakouts a few weeks later. Talk to your dermatologist before you stop your acne therapy or if your breakouts worsen.
Results: Your answers indicate that you know how to control some acne breakouts but could benefit from more acne care tips. If over-the-counter products haven't helped clear up your skin, it's time to see a dermatologist. Even if you just have moderate acne, you should treat it now to prevent severe acne or scarring. This is especially true if scarring or severe acne run in your family.
A dermatologist can prescribe an individual treatment plan for you based on factors such as your age, acne severity, and lifestyle.
If you are prescribed acne medication – or are already using it – you will control your acne better if you:
- Stick with it. Give a treatment four to eight weeks to be effective.
- Integrate it into your daily routine. If you forget to take or use your medication, put it somewhere where you'll be reminded. For example, you might keep a twice-daily medication next to your toothbrush so you'll remember it when you brush in the morning and at night.
- Follow your doctor's instructions for when and how to use medication. Over-using a topical treatment, for instance, can irritate your skin and aggravate your acne.
- Use non-comedogenic skin care products and gentle cleansers.
Results: Your answers indicate that you may have trouble managing your acne and that you may have frequent breakouts. If your acne is not effectively treated, it can lower self-esteem, leave permanent physical scars, and, in some cases, be a sign of a serious underlying condition.
If you've been treating your acne with over-the-counter products alone, keep in mind that a doctor or dermatologist can prescribe a stronger treatment or combination of treatments to combat your acne and prevent scars. They can also determine if a medication may be causing your acne or if you have a medical problem that needs to be addressed.
In addition to using acne medication, these self-care strategies are important for getting control of your acne:
- Avoid abrasive scrubs or astringents. Using your hands, wash your face once or twice a day with a gentle cleanser.
- Use sunblock, makeup, and other skin care products that are labeled "non-comedogenic" or "non-acnegenic." They won't promote acne.
- Don't pop or pick at your blemishes.
- If your hair is oily, wash it often and keep it off of your face. Keep hair gels and sprays away from your face.
