How to manage oily, acne-prone skin in a 22-year-old?

Hello,

We welcome you to icliniq family.

I appreciate the confidence you place in me for your healthcare consultation.

I understand your concern.

I have reviewed the attached image (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity). Acne from the image provided appears to be hormonal acne. They appear mostly due to age related hormonal fluctuations. Apart from the same, genetic susceptibility, dietary factors, changes in skin care routine, stress and gynecological conditions like PCOD (polycystic ovary syndrome) can be other reasons. My advice :

1. Any Salicylic acid cleanser: Use this cleanser twice daily. Apply in a sufficient quantity and massage in gentle circular motions for one minute and wash off.
2. Clindamycin and Benzoyl peroxide 2.5 percent gel: Apply this gel on the pimples in the morning after using the face wash for two months or till acne subsides.
3. Clindamycin plus Adapalene gel: Use this at night on pimples after using face wash, keep overnight and wash off in the morning.
4. Capsule Doxycycline plus Lactobacillus 100 mg: Consume one capsule after breakfast and one capsule after dinner for seven days.
5. Tablet Pantoprazole 40 mg: Consume one tablet 30 minutes before breakfast and one tablet 30 minutes before dinner for seven days to prevent acidity from antibiotics.
6. Avoid oily and fried food, sweets, red meat, milk and dairy products. Consume more fruits, vegetables, fiber and at least 12 glasses of water a day.
7. Avoid touching and picking of acne.
8. Avoid using skin care products till acne subsides.
9. Gynecology consultation to rule out PCOD is important.

Acne may come and go based on the factors mentioned above. It may subside by the early 30s due to the tendency of hormonal stability and because the skin tends to become drier. Managing it through the medications mentioned above and undergoing chemical peeling procedures done at a doctor's clinic every two weeks may be helpful for a faster recovery.

I hope this has helped you. Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.