All About Acne: Natural acne treatments, Myths about acne, severe acne, Australia

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Treatment

Everyone wants to get rid of their acne as quickly as possible which is why the "quick fix" sounds so appealing. The reality is treatment of acne takes time and patience. In mild cases that may mean a week but for the more severe forms of acne, it may require a few months to clear your acne. The upside is you'll see results on the way.

	Talk to a medical professional for help before: spending large amounts of money on buying an advertised 'quick fix'; buying an expensive skin care range which may not be right for you; and purchasing an acne light or topical treatment over the Internet after reading celebrity testimonials.

Tips for managing acne

• Use moisturiser, make-up and sunscreen products that are hypoallergenic and low in oil and alcohol. Some products use the description 'non-comedo genic' and/or non-acnegenic. This means they have been tested and shown not to worsen acne;



• Keep your skin clean. Gently wash your skin morning and night. Use a mild soap or cleanser rather than scrubs, which can further irritate skin that is already inflamed;



• Don't squeeze white heads and red lumps. Squeezing can increase the severity and depth of acne spots, visibly worsen acne and increase the risk of permanent scars;



• Check with your doctor or pharmacist whether any of your medications can worsen acne. Certain oral contraceptive pills and contraceptive implants, for example, can worsen acne. Non-prescription drugs (either non-prescription medications or illicit drugs) such as anabolic steroids can also cause or worsen acne; and



• Avoid direct ultraviolet light - either natural sunlight or from solariums. Many acne treatments make the skin more prone to sunburn. Sun protection should include use of non-comedogenic sunscreens.