One of the biggest acne treatment mistakes is ignoring your breakouts until it is too late. If you wait until your acne is really noticeable or bad, it will become more difficult to treat. It may also leave scars and marks, which may require a whole new range of treatments or aesthetic procedures.
If you want to have the best fighting chance in treating acne, it is recommended to act it early. Continue reading to learn why it is much better to treat acne when it first pops up:
Keep mild breakouts from becoming worse
With early intervention, you are likely to prevent a few mild pimples from progressing or becoming severe. The good news is there are a number of topical over-the-counter (OTC) products that can effectively treat milder forms of acne, especially those with salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Brian J. Williams, M.D. and other acne treatment centers in Salt Lake City note that you can also consult a dermatologist if you are unsure what product to use.
Avoid the need for stronger medications
If you let your pimples progress and become severe, OTC products will probably don’t stand a chance in clearing them. You will need stronger medications, which may have more harsh effects on the skin. The use of such treatments also needs close monitoring, which only means that you’ll be spending more time and money in going to a skin clinic.
Achieve faster results
Whether you’re dealing with mild or severe breakouts, you should know that treating them takes time and commitment. This is why choosing to treat a few pimples when they first appear means less time and effort in clearing them up. This is not the case for deep-seated and cystic acne, which requires stronger medications and more treatments.
Prevent future breakouts
One worst thing about acne is that it can persist into your 30s, 40s, or beyond. Treating early is beneficial in keeping your acne under control, which can then prevent future breakouts. This will help you avoid years of dealing and stressing with your skin problem.
Reduce the appearance of scars
You can prevent acne scars and marks if you treat your breakouts early. This is because severe, bigger, and cystic acne are more likely to leave a reminder of what your skin has gone through. Early treatment, furthermore, may also keep you from picking your face and popping your pimples, which are risk factors for developing scars.
Prevent emotional distress or negative effects on self-esteem
Acne is one of the most distressing skin problems for both teens and adults. It can make people feel bad about themselves or withdraw from seeing other people. In some cases, it can also lead to anxiety and depression. Treating it early can help avoid these feelings and make you feel good about your skin and yourself.
Don’t ignore your breakouts until it is too late. If you don’t know what acne medication is right for you, consulting a dermatologist can help. They will determine the type of acne you have, as well as the right treatment. If you, on the other hand, already have deep-seated or severe acne, it’s best to get professional help instead of trying different OTC products all at once.