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Medicine

How do I Reduce Acne?

By Jodee Redmond
Updated May 17, 2024
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Almost everyone gets acne pimples during their teen years, and ome adults are plagued by zits as well. Thankfully, there are a number of methods that you can use to reduce acne breakouts when they occur.

Acne is not caused by eating too much greasy food or chocolate. The culprit is hormonal in nature. When a person goes into puberty, her skin naturally starts to produce more oil. An excessive amount of the oil leads to clogged pores and whiteheads or blackheads. A plan to reduce acne will need to address this issue.

Washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleaner will help to reduce acne. Having acne is not a sign that your skin is dirty, and you will need to fight the temptation to scrub hard. The skin that has broken out is already irritated and if you pick at it or use a harsh cleaner, you run the risk of more breakouts.

Another thing that you can do to reduce acne is to apply an over-the-counter ointment to the affected area. These are designed to dry up oily areas and treat the acne breakouts. Be sure to read the label carefully and use the product as directed.

Stress plays a part in the number and severity of breakouts you experience. Because of this, one strategy that works when you want to reduce acne is to look after yourself well. Make sure you get enough rest and eat a balanced diet. Regular exercise will help you to look and feel better, since it is a natural stress-buster.

If you have tried keeping your skin clean, using over-the-counter medications, and taking good care of yourself, and you are still bothered by acne, you still have other options. If your attempts to reduce acne haven't given you the results you are looking for, then you can consult with a dermatologist. He or she can prescribe oral antibiotics that will help to treat your acne from the inside out.

Antibiotics to treat acne are also available as a cream that you apply directly to the breakouts. The dermatologist can prescribe one of these for you as well. Be sure to ask whether you should stay out of the sun while undergoing this form of treatment.

For severe cases, the dermatologist will prescribe Accutane™ to reduce acne. This option must be used with caution by women of childbearing years, since it can cause birth defects. It is an effective medication that lowers the amount of oil that the body produces to help to prevent further breakouts.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
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Discussion Comments

By anon78275 — On Apr 17, 2010

Thanks for the great info. I've always thought some acne could be caused by eating too much chocolate or greasy foods. It's nice to know this isn't true.

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