3 Steps to Clear Skin

Acne – doesn’t have to be a dirty word. Around the world, thousands of people live with acne every day, on many parts of the body. It can feel embarrassing and it can be painful and sore, but in just a few steps, you can help clear skin and get the condition under control.

In this post, our dermatologists share 3 steps to clear skin, which can help beat the outbreaks and minimise the symptoms of this irritating skin condition.

Cleanse and refine

One of the best ways you can help your skin is to cleanse it properly and when required. Contrary to popular belief, over-cleansing of the skin can actually aggravate your acne and lead to flare-ups, where skin is noticeably redder and may feel more sore.

It’s important to use the right products on your skin, so avoid anything oily, which could exacerbate your symptoms, and try to choose something without alcohol in it, as this can also irritate the skin. Mild, gentle and cleansing products are best – and it’s a good idea to avoid scrubbing or rubbing the skin too harshly, which can also make it sore.

Seek acne treatments

There are occasions where, despite your best efforts, you can’t seem to bring your acne under control. In those situations, it’s worth looking for a suitable acne treatment. Our dermatologists are highly trained and qualified in all things skincare and, after an assessment, will be able to recommend the right products and acne treatments for your skin. These may be:

Skin resurfacing acne treatments – these chemical peels are highly effective at stripping away older skin and bringing younger, newer skin to the top. They can also help improve the appearance of scarring.

Topical acne treatments – these quickly absorb straight into skin and target the affected area. These types of acne treatment are usually creams, gels and lotions.

Acne treatment medication – antibiotics may be prescribed, but a detailed assessment is needed first.Laser acne treatments – laser treatment that targets redness can help bring this sign of inflammation under control.

Stay sun protected

Sunlight is known for helping our bodies produce vitamin D and for triggering serotonin, the ‘happy’ chemical, in our brains. However, there are some negatives to sunlight (and using tanning beds – since they both use UV rays). Here are a few ways UV light can affect your skin:

– Causes skin to dry out – which in turn causes skin to over-produce oil

– Hardens skin cells, which can prevent oil from ‘draining’ away

– Causes changes in pigmentation and is a risk factor for skin cancer

– Increases sweat production, helping bacteria thrive

In fact, the AAD reports that tanning beds can raise your risk for skin cancer by 75%.

Book an appointment

If you’re looking to get your acne under control, we can help. Get in touch with our dermatologists to book a skin assessment at our skin clinic in Harley Street or Northwood and find out which treatment is best for you and your skin.