There are Many Ways to Treat Acne, but What You Eat Apparently Does Not Matter

Apparently it is a myth that chocolate, nuts, and other foods that are rich or oily cause pimples. So unless you have other good reasons to avoid them, enjoy!

Here are a number of steps that will help treat your acne:

• Clean your skin gently with a mild, non-drying soap (like Dove, Neutrogena, or Basics.) Remove all dirt or make-up. Wash once or twice a day, including after exercising. However, avoid excessive or repeated skin washing.
• Shampoo your hair daily, especially if it's oily. Comb or pull your hair back to keep the hair out of your face. Avoid tight headbands.
• Try not to squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples. Although it might be tempting to do this, it can lead to scarring and skin infections.*
• Avoid touching your face with your hands or fingers.
• Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams. Look for water-based or "non-comedogenic" formulas. Take make-up off at night.

*However, if you just can't avoid popping that pimple, do it right!

The next step would be over-the-counter creams and lotions, which are applied directly to the skin. They may contain benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid. They work by killing bacteria, drying up the oil, and causing your skin to peel.

Further strategies include discussing the problem with a dermatologist, who can prescribe medications, including:

• Oral antibiotics (taken by mouth) such as minocycline, doxycycline, and tetracycline
• Topical antibiotics (applied to the skin) such as clindamycin or erythromycin
• Synthetic vitamin A derivatives called retinoids such as retinoic acid cream or gel (Retin-A) and isotretinoin pills (Accutane) -- NOTE: pregnant women and sexually active adolescent females should NOT take Accutane, as it causes severe birth defects
• Prescription formulas of benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, salicylic acid

Although birth control pills can sometimes help clear up acne, in some cases they may make it worse.

Other possibilities include:

• chemical skin peeling
• removal of scars by dermabrasion
• removal or drainage of cysts

A small amount of sun exposure may improve acne. However, excessive exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays is not recommended because it increases the risk of skin cancer.