How can an 18-year-old get rid of pimples?

Hello,

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I have thoroughly read your query and understand your concern.

The treatment of acne depends on the grade of acne. Can you please attach your clinical pictures so that I can assess your acne grade and suggest medicine accordingly?

Let me give you some information regarding acne. Acne is a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, pilo (hair), and sebaceous (oil-producing) glands. These pilosebaceous glands are densely distributed over the face, neck, chest, back, shoulder, and arms. It also has a genetic component, meaning the appearance or severity of acne depends on the genes of the parents. The sebaceous gland produces oil, which is expelled out through the duct that 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, and then it starts irritating the surrounding skin, causing comedones (black and whiteheads). Our skin has a commensal harmless bacteria called Propionibacterium acne (P. acne). These bacteria act on the oil collected inside, causing inflammation, and leading to red bumps, pustules, cysts, or nodules as it progresses. If acne is not treated on time, it will leave scars. Hormones have a strong effect on acne. Increased androgen hormone can cause thickening of the wall of the duct, leading to its blockage, and causing comedones (black and whiteheads). PCOD or PCOS (polycystic ovarian disease or syndrome) is the most frequent hormonal disease causing acne in teenagers as well as adult women. Environmental, external, or emotional factors like hot and humid climates causing increased sweat can clog the pores. The application of oil, oil-based cosmetics, or steroid cream is another cause of acne. Psychological stress is one of the important factors in acne. Yet I would like to mention a few general acne skincare tips here:

1. Face wash: Wash your face with mild cleansers like Cetaphil cleanser (Glycerine, Niacinamide, and Panthenol) if your face is dry, or use benzoyl peroxide face wash if your face is oily. Wash your face three times a day to remove excess oil and dust, which accumulate over time on the face.
2. Sunscreen: Use a good sunscreen with SPF (sun-protection factor) 50 and apply it to the whole face 30 minutes before you step out irrespective of the presence of sunlight. Ultraviolet (UV) rays will always be there during the day hours, even if cloudy. Apply every four hours for maximum benefits. This is because sunscreen can protect your skin from UV rays for four hours. Hence you need to repeat it every four hours. Always use non-comedogenic sunscreen.
3. Do not pick or squeeze your acne. It will leave dark pigmentation and scars, which are even more difficult to treat.
4. Regular physical exercise: It is very much essential to keep hormones under check. Exercise for at least 40 minutes a day, six days a week.
5. No oil massage: Avoid oil massage to the scalp, as it will aggravate dandruff. If there is oil flow on the facial skin, it can clog the pores leading to comedones.
6. Vitamin A and water: Eat vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables like papaya, mango, musk melon, pumpkin, carrot, and beetroot. These have beta carotene in them, a good antioxidant. It is very much helpful for healthy skin. Drink two to three liters of water per day. This keeps the skin hydrated.
7. Cosmetics: Always use water-based cosmetics, which have a non-comedogenic label on them.
8. Stress management: Stress, mental as well as physical, causes acne breakouts. Meditation is very helpful for controlling mental stress.
9. No waxing if hairs are on the face: Waxing irritates hair follicles and can aggravate pimples. However, threading to remove unwanted hairs over the face is fine. Threading has no effect on acne.
10. Never use steroid creams: Steroid causes very bad acne and makes the skin very thin and sensitive. Avoid over-the-counter (OTC) steroid creams like Betnovate (Betamethasone) and Panderm (Clobetasole, Clotrimazole, and Fusidic acid).

I hope this has addressed your query and concern.

Kind regards.