Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I saw your clinical picture (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). You have grade 3 inflammatory acne with pustules. Acne becomes worse during winter. I suggest you take the oral Isotretinoin capsules, but it is a prescription medicine. You need to undergo blood tests. Benzaclin is the combination of benzoyl peroxide with Clindamycin, which works great for inflammatory acne. I would suggest you consult a dermatologist before taking the medications. Acne is a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, pilo-hair, and sebaceous-oil-producing gland. These pilosebaceous glands are densely distributed over the face, neck, chest, back, shoulder, and arms. It also has a genetic component, meaning the appearance and severity of acne depends on the genes inherited from parents. The sebaceous gland produces oil that is expelled out through the duct, which opens on the skin's surface. As long as this duct is intact, oil flows freely out onto the skin. If there is any blockage in the duct, the oil cannot come out, then it starts irritating the surrounding skin and causes comedone (black and white heads). In addition, our skin has a harmless commensal bacteria called Propionibacterium acne. This bacteria acts on the oil collected inside and causes inflammation leading to red bumps, pustules, and cysts or nodules as it progresses. If acne is not treated on time, it will leave scars. Hormones have a strong effect on acne. For example, increased androgen hormone levels can cause thickening of the duct wall, leading to its blockage. A hot and humid climate, causing increased sweat, can clog the pores. The application of oil-based cosmetics or steroid creams is another cause of acne. Finally, psychological stress is one of the important factors in acne. Yet I would like to mention a few general acne skin care tips here. Wash your face with mild cleansers Benzoyl peroxide face wash if your face is oily. Wash your face three times a day to remove excess oil and dust which accumulates over time on the face. Use a good sunscreen with SPF 50, and apply it to the whole face 30 minutes before you step out, irrespective of the presence of sunlight. Ultraviolet rays are always there during day hours (even if cloudy). Apply every 4 hours for maximum benefits. This is because sunscreen can protect your skin from UV rays for four hours. Hence you need to repeat every 4 hours. Always use non-comedogenic sunscreen. Do not squeeze your acne, as it will leave dark pigmentation and scars, which are even more difficult to treat. Exercise for at least 40 minutes a day and six days a week. Avoid oil massage to the scalp, as it will aggravate dandruff. In addition, if there is oil flow on the facial skin, it can clog the pores leading to comedones. Eat vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables like papaya, mango, musk melon, pumpkin, carrot, and beetroot. These have beta-carotene, a good antioxidant- very helpful for healthy skin. Also, drink two to three liters of water daily, which keeps the skin hydrated. Always use water-based cosmetics which has the "non-comedogenic" label on them. Stress (mental as well as physical) causes acne breakouts. Meditation is very helpful for controlling mental stress. Waxing irritates hair follicles and can aggravate pimples. However, threading to remove unwanted hairs over the face is fine. Threading does not affect acne. Steroid causes very bad acne, making the skin very thin and sensitive.