Acne Control 101: Your Essential Guide to Clear Skin at Home

10/21/24 • 30 min

Your Checkup: What You Wish Your Doctor Explained

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In this episode of Your Checkup, we dive into simple, effective ways to start managing acne at home. From understanding the importance of cleansing routines to selecting the right over-the-counter treatments, we’ll guide you through the basics of skincare that can make a big difference. Tune in to learn how to tackle common triggers like excess oil, clogged pores, and inflammation, while also debunking popular acne myths that could be holding you back from clearer skin. Whether you’re dealing with breakouts or want to prevent them, this episode is your starting point! Please find out detailed show notes below

Acne Basics
- Acne is the most common skin disorder in North America, affecting 85% of teenagers.
- Pimples form when skin cells block a hair follicle. This is made worse by oil (sebum) production and bacteria on the skin.
Acne Severity
- Acne can range from mild to moderate to severe.
- At-home treatments can usually handle mild acne. Moderate and severe acne usually require prescription medications from a primary care doctor or dermatologist.
Acne Treatment Layers
- Hygiene: Wash your face no more than two times a day with a gentle, non-soap cleanser and warm water. Don't use washcloths or loofahs.
- Moisturization: Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer, especially if other treatments dry out your skin.
- Sun Protection: Protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) or protective clothing. Too much sun can worsen acne and age your skin.
Over-the-Counter Treatments for Mild Acne
- Topical Retinoids: Adapalene 0.1% gel is the only topical retinoid available over the counter in the US.
  - Apply a thin layer to the entire affected area (don't spot treat) once a day, usually at night. Start every other night to reduce irritation, working up to every night over a few weeks.
  - Use a pea-sized amount for the entire face and make sure your skin is dry.
  - Don't use with benzoyl peroxide.
- Benzoyl Peroxide: Comes in cleansers, gels, lotions, creams, pads, masks, and washes. Concentrations range from 2.5% to 10%.
  - Apply once a day.
  - Benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabric and hair.
- Salicylic Acid: A good alternative if your skin can't tolerate topical retinoids.
- These treatments may take up to 12 weeks to work.
Combination Therapy
- Using benzoyl peroxide in the morning and a retinoid at night can be effective.
- Sometimes topical clindamycin is used with benzoyl peroxide.
Treatment for Moderate to Severe Acne
- For severe or widespread acne, or acne that's causing scarring, doctors will start systemic therapy right away, instead of waiting to see if topical treatments work.
- Doxycycline is an antibiotic that reduces inflammation and fights bacteria.
- Spironolactone is a medication that can help regulate hormones.
- Isotretinoin
Important Notes
- Don't pick or squeeze pimples: This can worsen acne and may cause swelling and scarring.
- Be patient: It can take several weeks fo

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Subscribe to Our Newsletter!

Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD & Nicole Aruffo, RN
Artwork: Olivia Pawlowski

Send us a message with this link, we would love to hear from you. Standard message rates may apply.

Acne Basics
- Acne is the most common skin disorder in North America, affecting 85% of teenagers.
- Pimples form when skin cells block a hair follicle. This is made worse by oil (sebum) production and bacteria on the skin.
Acne Severity
- Acne can range from mild to moderate to severe.
- At-home treatments can usually handle mild acne. Moderate and severe acne usually require prescription medications from a primary care doctor or dermatologist.
Acne Treatment Layers
- Hygiene: Wash your face no more than two times a day with a gentle, non-soap cleanser and warm water. Don't use washcloths or loofahs.
- Moisturization: Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer, especially if other treatments dry out your skin.
- Sun Protection: Protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) or protective clothing. Too much sun can worsen acne and age your skin.
Over-the-Counter Treatments for Mild Acne
- Topical Retinoids: Adapalene 0.1% gel is the only topical retinoid available over the counter in the US.
  - Apply a thin layer to the entire affected area (don't spot treat) once a day, usually at night. Start every other night to reduce irritation, working up to every night over a few weeks.
  - Use a pea-sized amount for the entire face and make sure your skin is dry.
  - Don't use with benzoyl peroxide.
- Benzoyl Peroxide: Comes in cleansers, gels, lotions, creams, pads, masks, and washes. Concentrations range from 2.5% to 10%.
  - Apply once a day.
  - Benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabric and hair.
- Salicylic Acid: A good alternative if your skin can't tolerate topical retinoids.
- These treatments may take up to 12 weeks to work.
Combination Therapy
- Using benzoyl peroxide in the morning and a retinoid at night can be effective.
- Sometimes topical clindamycin is used with benzoyl peroxide.
Treatment for Moderate to Severe Acne
- For severe or widespread acne, or acne that's causing scarring, doctors will start systemic therapy right away, instead of waiting to see if topical treatments work.
- Doxycycline is an antibiotic that reduces inflammation and fights bacteria.
- Spironolactone is a medication that can help regulate hormones.
- Isotretinoin
Important Notes
- Don't pick or squeeze pimples: This can worsen acne and may cause swelling and scarring.
- Be patient: It can take several weeks fo

Support the show

Subscribe to Our Newsletter!

Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD & Nicole Aruffo, RN
Artwork: Olivia Pawlowski

Previous Episode

Successful Doctor’s Visit Tip: Bring Your Medicines

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In this bonus episode of Your Checkup, titled "Tasty Tip," we’ll share a quick piece of health advice that came up during the week, whether it's something that could benefit your own health, that of a neighbor, or a loved one. Plus, we’ll talk a little bit about something delicious we’ve enjoyed eating recently! It’s a short and sweet addition to keep you informed and inspired.

Takeaways

Bring all your medications to your doctor visits.
Having a complete list of medications helps doctors provide better care.
Patients should actively participate in their healthcare decisions.
It's important to communicate any changes in medication to your doctor.
Being prepared for doctor visits can improve health outcomes.
Doctors appreciate when patients come prepared with their medications.
Managing multiple prescriptions requires clear communication with healthcare providers.
Patients should feel empowered to lead their healthcare team.
Regular check-ins with your doctor are crucial for ongoing health management.
This podcast aims to make medical information accessible and relatable.

Keywords

patient education, health tips, doctor visits, medication management, family medicine

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Subscribe to Our Newsletter!

Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD & Nicole Aruffo, RN
Artwork: Olivia Pawlowski

Next Episode

Mammograms Explained: How Early Detection Saves Lives

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In this episode of Your Checkup, we’re diving into a topic that’s all about saving lives: breast cancer awareness! We'll break down everything you need to know about mammograms—what they are, why they matter, and how they play a crucial role in early detection. Whether you’re wondering when to start screening or just curious about the process, we’ll make it simple, clear, and even a little fun. Let’s empower you with the knowledge to take control of your health and help others do the same. Join us for this important conversation!

Takeaways

Breast cancer screening is essential for early detection.
Mammograms are recommended for women aged 40-74 at average risk.
Individual risk factors should be discussed with a doctor.
The mammogram process involves compression of the breast for imaging.
Scheduling a mammogram around your menstrual cycle can reduce discomfort.
Avoid deodorants and lotions on the day of the mammogram.
Results from mammograms typically take a couple of weeks.
False positives can lead to unnecessary anxiety and additional testing.
The benefits of early detection outweigh the risks of mammograms.
Encouragement to prioritize health and get regular screenings.

Keywords

breast cancer, mammogram, screening, health awareness, early detection, women's health, patient education, healthcare, cancer prevention, medical advice

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Subscribe to Our Newsletter!

Production and Content: Edward Delesky, MD & Nicole Aruffo, RN
Artwork: Olivia Pawlowski

Your Checkup: What You Wish Your Doctor Explained - Acne Control 101: Your Essential Guide to Clear Skin at Home

Transcript

Ed Delesky, MD (00:05)
Hi, welcome back to your checkup. We are the patient education podcast where we bring conversations from the doctor's office to your ears. On this podcast, we try to bring medicine closer to its patients. I met Delesky a family medicine resident in the Philadelphia area.
Nicole Aruffo, RN (00:18)
And I'm Nicole Aruffo. I'm a nurse.
Ed Delesky, MD (00:20)
And we are so excited that you were able to join us here again today.
Nicole Aruffo, RN (00:25)
W