Common Mistakes Made in Acne Treatment
Cleaning and rubbing the skin frequently. WRONG!
THE RIGHT WAY: It is sufficient to clean the skin twice a day, morning and evening, gently with a product suitable for your skin type. Prof. Dr. Emel Güngör warns that frequently cleaning, brushing, and rubbing the skin can worsen acne, continuing as follows: "The purpose of cleansing in acne treatment is to remove sweat, oil, dirt, and shed cells accumulated on the skin surface without irritating the skin and to prepare it for treatment. For this purpose, cleansers recommended by your doctor should be used. These products are cleansers suited to the skin's pH, and some contain acne-reducing ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide."
Washing the skin with vinegar, baking soda, or rose water. WRONG!
THE RIGHT WAY: Contrary to popular belief in society, substances such as vinegar, baking soda, or rose water not only fail to benefit acne-prone skin but can also cause irritation or allergies due to their irritating contents, and may even cause existing acne to flare up.
Squeezing and popping pimples. WRONG!
THE RIGHT WAY: Squeezing, popping pimples, and constantly picking at recurring acne in the same spot causes acne contents to penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, increasing inflammation and leading to deeper acne lesions, more spots and scars. Additionally, products like hair gel that come into contact with facial skin can clog pores and worsen acne. For similar reasons, care should be taken to keep hands away from the face, as substances carried by hands can worsen acne.
Sunbathing and using tanning beds. WRONG!
THE RIGHT WAY: Contrary to popular belief, sun rays and tanning beds do not dry out acne; they merely camouflage it. Moreover, 1-2 months later, due to the clogging they cause in pores, there is an increase or flare-up in pimples.
Using cosmetic products unsuitable for the skin. WRONG!
THE RIGHT WAY: Cosmetics unsuitable for a person's skin type can cause acne formation or worsen existing acne. Therefore, products recommended by a doctor that aid acne treatment, are suitable for the 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. For acne-prone skin, procedures such as masks and peeling should always be discussed with a dermatologist beforehand.
Sleeping without removing makeup at night. WRONG!
THE RIGHT WAY: Not removing makeup at night can also worsen acne. Therefore, removing makeup every evening, and cleaning the face with a recommended cleanser and water is extremely important. Care should be taken to ensure that products such as hair gel and spray used to style hair do not come into contact with the face.
Using medications that worked well for friends and family. WRONG!
THE RIGHT WAY: The type, severity, and extent of acne vary from person to person. Prof. Dr. Emel Güngör points out that different types and severities of acne can develop in the same person over time, stating: "For this reason, acne treatment is not standardized. The purpose, method, and duration of use of each medication to be used, particularly 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 have side effects. WRONG!
THE RIGHT WAY: Most medications used in acne treatment, such as creams, gels, or lotions applied to the skin, can cause dryness, scaling, or sometimes irritation. Rather than stopping medications due to such side effects, it is beneficial to seek solutions. Prof. Dr. Emel Güngör says that side effects can be reduced by using cosmetic products alongside treatment or by using medications on alternate days.
Stopping medications with the thought that "treatment is not working." WRONG!
THE RIGHT WAY: Acne treatment requires time, effort, and patience. Dermatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Emel Güngör emphasizes that obtaining results from treatment within 1-2 weeks is not possible, stating: "In fact, there may even be temporary worsening of acne during this period. Visible improvement in acne begins in weeks 3-4, and 3-4 months may be needed for maximum improvement. Therefore, medications should be used patiently and regularly, and should not be stopped with the thought that 'treatment did not work.'"
Neglecting skin care after treatment. WRONG!
THE RIGHT WAY: After acne clears, skin care and the careful use of acne products must continue to prevent recurrence. Prof. Dr. Emel Güngör states: "Acne medications are not only used when acne appears. When these medications are used regularly, they also prevent new acne from forming."
