September 21, 2012

Top Dermatologists' Tips for Clearer Skin

Mark Thompson READ TIME: 2 MIN.

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. - Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Fortunately, acne can often be reduced with simple changes to a person's skin care routine.

"It's very common for patients with acne to scrub their skin and to use harsh products, yet doing so often makes acne worse," said Amanda Friedrichs, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in private practice in Sycamore, Ill.

"In order for acne to improve, people with acne must be gentle when touching their skin and use gentle products, such as those that are alcohol-free."

For clearer skin, Dr. Friedrichs recommends people with acne also follow these tips:

  • Wash twice a day and after sweating. Perspiration, especially when wearing a hat or helmet, can make acne worse, so wash your skin as soon as possible after sweating.

  • Use your fingertips to apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Using a washcloth, mesh sponge or anything else can irritate the skin. Do not use skin care products that irritate the skin, which may include astringents, toners and exfoliants. Dry, red skin makes acne appear worse.

  • Rinse with lukewarm water.

  • Shampoo regularly. If you have oily hair, shampoo daily.

  • Let your skin heal naturally. If you pick, pop or squeeze your acne, your skin will take longer to clear and you increase your risk of getting acne scars.

  • Keep your hands off your face. Touching your skin throughout the day can cause flare-ups.

  • Stay out of the sun and tanning beds. Tanning damages your skin. In addition, some acne medications make the skin very sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light, which you get from both the sun and indoor tanning devices.

    Using tanning beds increases your risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by 75 percent, and the risk increases with each use.

    "Make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist if your acne makes you shy or embarrassed, the products you've tried haven't worked, or your acne is leaving scars or darkening your skin," said Dr. Friedrichs. "Today, virtually every case of acne can be successfully treated."

    These tips are demonstrated in "Acne: Tips to Help You See Clearer Skin," a video posted to the Academy website and the Academy's YouTube channel. This video is part of the Dermatology A to Z: Video Series, which offers relatable videos that demonstrate tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series will be posted to the Academy website and the YouTube channel each month.

    Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations.

    With a membership of more than 17,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails.

    For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org

    by Mark Thompson , EDGE Style & Travel Editor

    A long-term New Yorker and a member of New York Travel Writers Association, Mark Thompson has also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The author of the novels WOLFCHILD and MY HAWAIIAN PENTHOUSE, he has a PhD in American Studies and is the recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center. His work has appeared in numerous publications.

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