Points to Consider in Acne Treatment

Dermatology specialist Prof. Dr. Emel Güngör explained the most common mistakes in acne treatment and provided important recommendations and warnings. Acıbadem Fulya Hospital Dermatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Emel Güngör noted that highly successful results are achieved in acne treatment today and continued as follows: "The goal in acne treatment is to eliminate existing acne, prevent the formation of new acne, and prevent the development of spots and scars. To obtain effective results from treatment, it is very important to use the medications prescribed by the dermatologist regularly as directed. It should not be forgotten that acne treatment is not short-term and irregularly used medications may not only be ineffective but can also cause harm." However, most of us do not consult a physician when acne appears on our skin, thinking it will "go away on its own," and instead seek solutions through certain incorrect practices we believe are correct. The methods we apply haphazardly and treatment interruptions can lead to worsening acne on the skin, red and brown spots, infection, and serious problems such as permanent deep scars. [caption id="attachment_158224" align="aligncenter"] Prof. Dr. Emel Güngör[/caption]

Cleansing and rubbing the skin frequently. INCORRECT!

THE CORRECT WAY: Cleansing the skin twice daily, morning and evening, with a product suitable for your skin type and gently is sufficient. Prof. Dr. Emel Güngör warned that frequent cleansing, brushing, and rubbing the skin can worsen acne and continued: "The purpose of cleansing the skin in acne is to remove sweat, oil, dirt, and shed cells accumulated on the skin surface without irritating it and to prepare it for treatment. For this purpose, cleansers recommended by the physician should be used. These are products that have a pH suitable for the skin and contain acne-reducing ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide."

Washing skin with vinegar, baking soda, or rose water. INCORRECT!

THE CORRECT WAY: Contrary to common belief in society, substances such as vinegar, baking soda, or rose water do not benefit acne-prone skin. Due to their irritating content, they can cause irritation or allergies and may even aggravate existing acne.

Squeezing and popping acne. INCORRECT!

THE CORRECT WAY: Squeezing, popping, and touching repeatedly occurring acne in the same area causes acne contents to reach deep layers of the skin, increasing inflammation and leading to deeper acne lesions, more spots, and scars. Additionally, products such as hair gel can clog pores when they contact facial skin, which can also worsen acne. For similar reasons, care should be taken to keep hands away from the face since substances carried by hands can also worsen acne.

Sun exposure and tanning beds. INCORRECT!

THE CORRECT WAY: Contrary to belief, sunlight and tanning beds do not dry acne; they only camouflage it. Moreover, 1-2 months later, due to the pore clogging they cause, acne increases or flares up.

Using cosmetic products unsuitable for your skin. INCORRECT!

THE CORRECT WAY: Cosmetics unsuitable for a person's skin type can cause acne formation or worsen existing acne. Therefore, products recommended by the physician, which aid in acne treatment, are suitable for your skin type, and will not cause allergies should be used. Oil-free, water-based moisturizers and makeup products are among suitable cosmetics for acne-prone skin. Before procedures such as masks and peeling on acne-prone skin, a dermatologist must be consulted.

Going to bed without removing makeup at night. INCORRECT!

THE CORRECT WAY: Not removing makeup in the evening can also worsen acne. Therefore, removing makeup every evening, and cleansing the face with a cleanser and water recommended for the skin is extremely important. Care should be taken to prevent products such as hair gel and spray used to style hair from contacting the face.

Using medications that worked well for friends or family. INCORRECT!

THE CORRECT WAY: The type, severity, and extent of acne vary from person to person. Prof. Dr. Emel Güngör pointed out that different types and severity of acne can develop in the same person over time and stated: "For this reason, acne treatment is not standardized. The purpose, method, and duration of use of each medication, especially creams, differ from one another. Acne medications should not be shared, and a cream that worked well previously should not be used continuously."

Stopping treatment when medications cause side effects. INCORRECT!

THE CORRECT WAY: Most medications used in acne treatment that are applied to the skin, such as creams, gels, or lotions, can cause dryness, peeling, or sometimes irritation. Rather than stopping medications due to such side effects, it is beneficial to seek solutions. Prof. Dr. Emel Güngör stated that these side effects can be reduced by using cosmetic products used alongside treatment or by using medications every other day.

Stopping medications thinking 'treatment is not working.' INCORRECT!

THE CORRECT WAY: Acne treatment requires time, effort, and patience. Dermatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Emel Güngör emphasized that obtaining results from treatment within 1-2 weeks is not possible and stated: "On the contrary, during this period there may even be temporary worsening of acne. Visible improvement in acne begins in the 3rd to 4th week, and 3-4 months may be needed to wait for maximum improvement. Therefore, medications should be used patiently and regularly, and should not be stopped with the thought that 'treatment did not work.'"

Not paying attention to skin care after treatment. INCORRECT!

THE CORRECT WAY: After acne heals, skin care and careful use of acne products should continue to prevent recurrence. Prof. Dr. Emel Güngör explained: "Acne medications are not used only when acne appears. When these medications are used regularly, they also prevent acne that would otherwise develop."