1) Targeting only active acne area
There is a popular saying—if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Unfortunately, this is not applicable to acne. While spot treatments can reduce inflammation and the size of the acne to a great extent, they cannot prevent further breakouts. A successful acne treatment is all about getting to the root of the problem and solving it. For instance, it could be about reducing the activity of overactive sebaceous glands or destroying the bacteria that is cousin the acne. The cause of your acne can be determined only by an experienced dermatologist who will also suggest the best treatment for your condition.
2) Overusing skincare products
Using the right skincare products during acne treatment can indeed help your skin. But if you use products that are not suitable for your skin type, you are going to cause more than good. In fact, we have seen many patients start applying a variety of products out of panic when they see an acne breakout. Excessive product usage can adversely impact your skin’s health and reduce the efficacy of your acne treatment. Always consult your dermatologist before using any new skincare product, whether you are undergoing any skin treatment or not.
3) Ignoring moisturization
There is a common misconception that using moisturizer can worsen acne. This idea stems from the fact that acne is related to oil production. As a result, on might end up believing that the skin doesn’t need additional hydration. However, even oily and acne-prone skin needs moisture. In fact, drying out the skin can sometimes trigger increased oil production as the skin tries to compensate for the lack of moisture, potentially worsening acne. Irrespective of your skin type and your skin condition, moisturizing is essential to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
4) Unhealthy lifestyle
On one end, you are undergoing continuous treatment for your acne condition, and on the other, you keep eating greasy and super-processed foods. That’s not going to work! If you want your acne treatment to bear fruit, you need to follow a healthy lifestyle. This includes consuming a lot of vegetables and fruits, drinking enough water, and sleeping for at least 7 hours every day. It is also important to exercise every day to improve your overall health, which ultimately helps your skin function efficiently. Also, ensure that you keep stress at bay, as it can worsen your acne condition.
5) Picking at your zits
Picking at your zits is probably the worst thing you can do for your acne treatment. Why? Because you are introducing more bacteria to an area that is already brimming with microorganisms. This will worsen your acne within a short span. Apart from the introduction of bacteria, you are also causing irritation to the skin which can increase the risk of acne scars. Only a trained and experienced dermatologist should decide what to do with your zits, irrespective of how big or small they are.
6) Wrong treatment
This is possible only and only if you have chosen an inexperienced doctor. The truth of the matter is no one suffers from the same type of acne. And every type of acne has multiple solutions. An experienced dermatologist will not randomly pick a treatment for you, instead, they will conduct sufficient tests, understand the causes, and then create an extensive treatment plan based on the type of acne and your skin type.
7) Not following aftercare instructions
This is a very common mistake, leading to poor outcomes of acne treatment. Your dermatologist will recommend aftercare instructions, including the type of skincare products to use, how often to wash your face, how often to moisturize, and so on. Unless you follow the instructions strictly, there are good chances that the efficacy of the treatment will reduce. We have seen many patients, after attaining clear skin, deciding to stop following aftercare instructions altogether. This is a big blunder.
8) You haven’t waited enough
Acne treatments are not magic pills – you pop one, and they vanish. Typically, the treatment can take anywhere between 2 months to 3 months to start showing any noticeable results. Many patients make the mistake of reacting very soon and changing their dermatologist or treatment when things are not improving. When you try out multiple types of treatments in a short span, it can turn counterproductive and worsen your acne condition.
Wrap Up
By understanding the common mistakes in acne treatment, you have taken the crucial step towards achieving the skin you desire. All that is left is to address the factors that are sabotaging your efforts, change your skincare approach, and enhance the effectiveness of your acne treatment. For the best acne treatments in Bangalore, consult Dr. Renu, who has several years of experience treating this condition. Book an appointment with her now.
