Acne occurs when oil on the skin and keratin creates a plug at the hair follicle. This plug creates an environment where the acne causing bacteria, P. Acnes can proliferate. This can result in blackheads and whiteheads, or if the acne blemishes become inflamed, result in pimples or zits.

A consistent cleansing routine will play a critical role in managing acne. You want to cleanse in the morning and before bed with a proper acne cleanser to remove excess dirt, oil, acne bacteria, and other pollutants that clog the pores. It’s important to resist the urge to over-cleanse the skin, as these products can be irritating to the skin when overused. Other recommendations include:

• Keep hands and hair off the face as much as possible
• Be consistent with your cleansing routines
• If you are using an acne treatment, be patient as many treatments take up to 6 months to see results. Patient compliance is a big challenge with acne.
• If your acne is moderate to severe, or otherwise negatively impacting your life, see your dermatologist. Almost all cases of acne are treatable.

Cleansers are the key to managing existing acne and preventing future acne from forming. Acne cleansers are medicated cleansers that are designed to reduce acne causing bacteria, and help clear the affected area.