5 things to know before an acne treatment

Acne is an annoying problem that most people have experienced at one point in their lives. The condition usually occurs when hair follicles become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Generally, acne resolves itself without any treatment. However, if the skin disorder persists or becomes severe, it can be treated with antibiotics to clear off bacteria and with treatments like benzoyl peroxide to clear out pores. Acne medication targets the causes of acne (like excessive oil production) instead of "treating" existing blemishes. Therefore, you should never expect instant results when starting a new acne treatment. Nevertheless, here are five things you should know before beginning your journey towards clearer skin:

1. You will most likely experience dry skin or other side-effects

   Most acne treatments can cause specific side-effects. Benzoyl peroxide, for instance, may cause temporary redness and skin irritation upon initial use. This can lead to flakiness and peeling. This is especially true if you forget to moisturize the affected area. If you have sensitive skin, begin treatment with a mild benzoyl peroxide product until your skin builds up a tolerance against the medication. For some people, antibiotics may cause an upset stomach, though this goes away after continued use of the medicine. When starting any new acne medication, you may experience a few side-effects.

2. Your old skincare products might make acne worse

   Chemical and physical exfoliants like scrubs and face washes can worsen acne by irritating the skin and causing inflammation. Therefore, it is best to avoid these types of products when you start a new treatment. Instead, use products that will moisturize your skin and clean it without over-drying it or increasing oil production. It will help if you stop wearing makeup while starting any new acne treatment. This could irritate sensitive acne lesions and prolong the healing process.

3. It is essential to follow your medication routine

   One of the most common mistakes when treating acne is disregarding the instructions on the package. Unfortunately, this can lead to increased side-effects and severe irritation, only delaying the healing process. It would be best to follow directions when using acne medications to work properly. This decreases your chances of adverse side-effects.

4. It is essential to be patient

   No matter what acne medication you use, it will take up to 8 weeks before you start seeing results. The time varies from person to person, depending on the severity of acne and overall health. Still, most treatments require a certain amount of time for your body to get rid of the bacteria causing the blemishes. Don't be discouraged if you fail to see immediate results when starting a new treatment. It can easily take several months before significant changes appear.