By: Diana Barnes-Brown for Wounds1With prom season in full swing, and a slew of summer weddings, vacations, and other events just heating up, many people who suffer from acne-prone skin are wondering how to put their best face forward for these special occasions.
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Tips to beat breakouts:
1. Do not pick or squeeze blemishes when they appear
2. Use gentle, non-irritating skin care products
3. Do not overuse topical acne treatments
4. Choose cosmetics with clear skin in mind
5. Wear clothing that allows your skin to breathe
6. Say no to stress
For more information on acne and how to fight it, read
Questions and Answers About Acne
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But, while last-minute pimples are a dreaded enemy before special events where attendants are expected to look their best, responding to unexpected or inconvenient breakouts with extreme measures can often make the problem worse, said Saint Louis University dermatologist and director of pediatric dermatology in the departments of dermatology and pediatrics Alanna F. Bree M.D.“Some people think panic and drastic measures are called for,” she noted, "but … being overly aggressive is not the way to go."
Acne is caused by clogging of hair follicles with an oily secretion called sebum, skin cells, and environmental pollutants. Acne includes whiteheads (closed comodones), blackheads (open comodones), and nodules or cysts under the skin.
There are a variety of factors that can exacerbate acne or make it more likely to develop. Certain hormones present in greater quantity during puberty can encourage pores to enlarge, making them more vulnerable to blockage and infection. Cosmetics, oily moisturizers, overuse of moisturizers, environmental pollutants and certain other chemicals can make things worse, as can bombarding the skin with constant washing, overuse of harsh cleansers, or acid or laser peels. Pressure and rubbing from backpacks, helmets or hats, tight bras or other elastic clothing can irritate skin and push bacteria, oils or other contaminants deep into the pores. Stress can also be a factor, which explains why pimples often appear right before important and anticipated events.
Whether acne occurs in adults, teens or children, basic treatment and prevention measures are similar. The following tips can help people of all ages to get and maintain acne-free skin:
• Don’t pick or squeeze pimples when they do occur. Squeezing can force blockages and bacteria deeper into the skin, resulting in inflammation and infection. Also, your hands and nails carry bacteria of their own, and may give new bacteria a chance to – literally – get under your skin. Squeezing can also lead to permanent scars and damaged, breakout-prone pores. For men, shaving over acne or irritated skin can create new blemishes or worsen those already there.
• Use gentle cleansing and skin care products. Astringents and harsh or too-frequent washing can dry out skin, leading it to overproduce oil in compensation. Use of gentile, oil-free bar cleansers can help prevent this from happening. Some dermatologists recommend anti-bacterial cleansers, while others feel that these aren’t necessary, and can even lead to the development of resistant bacteria. Others swear by cleansers that match the skin’s natural acidic Ph, because these leave one of the skin’s natural defenses against bacteria intact.
• Don’t overuse topical skin treatments. Treatments containing vitamin A, such as Retin-A and Differin, can make a big difference over time but at first may cause redness and irritation. The best way to cut down on these side effects is to remember that a little goes a long way, and be patient while waiting for these compounds to work. Often, it takes six to eight weeks to see a big change, but those who remain true to the treatment regimen do notice improvements. Benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be helpful for faster, on-the-spot help, but can also dry or irritate the skin, so moderation is key.
• Choose makeup and cosmetics wisely. Most products that won’t clog pores have the word “non-comedogenic” on the label. Those that say “oil-free” or “safe for sensitive skin” and fail to mention that they don’t clog pores may be breakout culprits. Some makeup companies even make green-tinted concealers that can cancel out the redness of pimples. Just remember that even the perfect shade of makeup won’t look good on top of a bunch of pimples.
• Make sure clothing is skin-friendly. Tight clothing or synthetic fabrics close to the skin can lead to bacteria buildup and skin irritation. Wearing a dingy backpack, a favorite baseball cap, or sweaty workout gear again and again without washing can also cause problems, exposing skin to dirt, environmental pollutants and bacteria that build up in the fabric. Regularly wash any clothing or other materials that come into contact with skin in a detergent that both removes acne-causing grime and is free of irritating dyes and other chemicals.
• Watch out for the sun. While the sun’s UV rays may camouflage acne or help pimples dry out in the short term, they can lead to skin damage, premature aging, and cancer down the line.
• Cut down on stress. Ironically, “freaking out” about a breakout may make your skin even worse, since stress has been shown to affect acne. Using a hot compress on problem pimples can help them heal faster, and the heat may relax you, as well. Exercise, meditation or a warm soak in the tub with your favorite aromatherapy scent can help to reduce all-over stress. But be sure to wash off sweat and oils after working out, and use only skin-friendly bath products.
• If you have a pimple that just won’t go away, or need to look your best ASAP, your dermatologist may be able to give you a shot of cortisone to shrink problem blemishes (the anti-inflammatory effects can speed healing, as well).
Bree noted that it can take up to three months for acne suffers to reap the full benefits of some treatments. Because of this, acne-prone prom dates or brides (and grooms) to be should consult a dermatologist several months before the big event. While last-minute breakouts can usually be managed, the best treatment is to prevent them in the first place.
