Not all skin types are the same, but all skin types are prone to acne. Light-colored skin is often described as white or pale, typical of people of Caucasian (“Caucasian”) or East Asian descent. Similar to all skin types (dry, oily, or combination), fair skin types can break out too. If you have fair skin, you should choose a treatment for acne based on your type of acne and the best treatment method for your skin. Work with a dermatologist to find the best treatment for you.
Step
Method 1 of 1: Treating Acne due to Blackheads and Inflammation
Step 1. Identify acne caused by blackheads and/or inflammation
Blackheads come in the form of whiteheads and blackheads, which are deposits of oil and dead skin cells that clog skin pores. Inflammatory acne is the next stage of comedone acne, where whiteheads and blackheads become inflamed, and red circles and bumps and other pimples appear.
Blackheads are usually found on the chin, nose, and forehead
Step 2. Try oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics work to reduce inflammation caused by bacteria that live under your skin. Some antibiotics may not work if the acne persists; In this case, the dermatologist will change the prescription for you.
Common side effects of oral antibiotics include stomach upset and dizziness. The side effect of antibiotics, especially for light-colored skin is an increased level of sensitivity to sunlight
Step 3. Try benzoyl peroxide. Benzoyl peroxide comes in various forms including topical lotions, creams, and gels. This substance is effective for treating mild to moderate acne because it causes the outer surface of the epidermis to peel.
- When applied to the skin, benzoyl peroxide turns into benzoic acid and oxygen, which are toxic to acne-causing bacteria.
- Apply benzoyl peroxide to the affected area after washing your face with a gentle cleanser and warm water. You should make it a habit to do it twice a day or as directed by a dermatologist.
- Side effects include mild skin irritation, itching, and dry skin. These side effects are usually more severe if your skin is dry.
Step 4.
Use a cleanser with salicylic acid. Products that contain salicylic acid are especially helpful for blackheads and are available over the counter. This substance can open the blockage in the pores and help slow the sloughing off cells.
Salicylic acid is most effective when used regularly, but be sure to read the directions so you don't overuse it and cause irritation
Try a topical retinoid ointment. Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and are effective in treating acne. This substance has been used for 30 years. Retinoid creams reduce whiteheads and blackheads by preventing hair follicles from becoming clogged with dead skin cells and sebum.
- Retinoids act as topical acne solutions (ointments, lotions, creams) and can cause mild side effects in the form of skin irritation, minor patches of skin, and burning.
- Examples of retinoid products include tretinoin (for example, Avita and Retin-A), tazarotene (Tazorac and Avage), and adapalene (Differin).
- Use your topical retinoid medication as directed by your dermatologist. Usually, this means three times a week at night to start, then every night as your skin gets used to it.
- If you have sensitive or burning skin, as people with fair skin are prone to it, you may experience side effects. Consult a dermatologist if you experience side effects.
Ask about combination treatments. Retinoids and antibiotics can be used to treat skin with blackheads and/or more severe inflammation. Topical retinoids are used at night and antibiotics are used in the morning to work together to control acne-causing sebum and bacteria.
- A dermatologist may also suggest a combination treatment of antibiotics with benzoyl peroxide cream.
- In addition, a dermatologist may prescribe a topical antibiotic. These are often pre-mixed with a retinoid or benzoyl peroxide for ease of use.
Avoid makeup and hair gels which can make the condition worse. Heavy makeup and hair gel can make acne worse. Because your skin and hair naturally secrete oil throughout the day, makeup and gel residue can carry over to your skin and clog pores.
- Use only light makeup or consider going without makeup for a few days. Always wash your face of makeup before going to bed (see the last section of this article).
- Choose makeup that is oil-free and does not cause blackheads. Water and mineral based makeup is usually a good choice.
Overcoming Hormonal Acne
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Ask about oral contraceptives (women only). Hormonal fluctuations associated with the reproductive cycle often result in changes in your skin's alkaline balance and naturally produce oil, thus leading to hormonal factors-related acne breakouts. Oral contraceptives that help control levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone may cause acne if the hormones become out of balance.
Get Rid of Acne if You Have Fair Skin Step 8 - Combination oral contraceptives consisting of the hormones estrogen and progesterone are effective for preventing acne; some examples include Yaz, Ortho Tri Cyclen-Lo, and Estrostep.
- Women who are overweight or are active smokers should not use oral contraceptives because it can increase the risk of blood clots forming and can lead to stroke.
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Ask a question about spironolactone. Spironolactone is a treatment that can be used for acne, especially in patients past their teens. Spironolactone works to reduce the level of sebum or oil on the skin produced by the glands by blocking the hormone aldosterone.
Get Rid of Acne if You Have Fair Skin Step 9 - Spironolactone was originally used to treat hypertension and congestive heart failure. Its ability to treat acne was discovered in a clinical trial when female patients reported a reduction in their acne. Although this treatment is not intended for acne, many dermatologists prescribe it outside of the official prescription.
- Side effects of spironolactone include dizziness, frequent urination, and tenderness in the breasts
Overcoming "Acne Stone"
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Find out if you have cystic acne. Cystic acne is a category of severe acne and consists of uncontrolled and infected acne. Stone acne tends to appear due to heredity and begins at puberty, and often causes scars.
Get Rid of Acne if You Have Fair Skin Step 10 - Pimples are red bumps that damage the inner surface of the skin. These pimples can enlarge and damage the deep layers of the skin.
- These pimples often do not have whiteheads.
- These pimples are often felt before the bulge appears and are almost always painful.
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Ask about photodynamic treatment. Photodynamic treatment is a dermatological therapy in which light or laser activated drugs are used to shrink the sebaceous glands to limit the production of acne-causing oil.
Get Rid of Acne if You Have Fair Skin Step 11 - The dermatologist smears the affected area with a photosensitizing ointment that is absorbed into the skin for 30 minutes to three hours. After that, you sit under a special lamp to undergo laser treatment which causes the sebaceous glands to dry up and then shrink. This treatment needs to be done three to five times with a week-long break between each session.
- This treatment is effective for dealing with acne problems that are being experienced and also as a preventive measure.
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Try the Isolaz therapy. Isolaz is a laser-based therapy that targets acne-causing bacteria. The procedure is performed in the practice room and while performing it, the dermatologist uses a powerful suction device to suck all the dirt from your pores, leaving your skin super clean. Then, a laser beam is used on your skin to kill the bacteria.
Get Rid of Acne if You Have Fair Skin Step 12 - Isolaz is a non-invasive outpatient treatment that has two ways of working: it cleans pores and kills acne-causing bacteria.
- Consult a dermatologist to see if your skin is suitable for “Isolaz” therapy.
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Treat cystic acne with isotretinoin. Isotretinoin is a very powerful prescription medication for clearing acne scars that leave scars. Isotretinoin is prescribed in extreme cases because it causes many side effects.
Get Rid of Acne if You Have Fair Skin Step 13 - Isotretinoin can be prescribed in the form of a topical cream or oral tablet. A dermatologist will assess your skin condition and acne and suggest the right product for you.
- Potential side effects include dry and blotchy skin, impaired wound healing, liver damage, elevated triglyceride levels, depression, and irritable bowel symptoms. Because of the range of side effects and the severity of this medication, advance counseling is needed about all the risks.
- Women should take a pregnancy test before taking this medication as it can cause severe birth defects. They must also use two forms of contraception.
- If you experience any side effects, contact a dermatologist and ask if any changes to the type of treatment should be made.
Cleanses and Exfoliates Your Skin
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Clean your face. The rule of daily skin care should begin and end with washing your face. Use a gentle face wash and warm water to remove dirt, oil, and bacteria.
Get Rid of Acne if You Have Fair Skin Step 14 - While washing your face is important, doing it too often can irritate your acne blemishes and irritate them even more. Don't over-wash your face and don't use a rough cloth that can irritate the skin.
- Use a mild cleansing product (such as Cetaphil, Aveeno, or an acne-only cleanser) twice a day. If you experience any irritation, stop using the product and try a different product.
- Learn more about how to wash your face here.
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Protect your skin from sun exposure. The brightness of your skin is important so you need to take precautions to protect it from the damaging effects of the sun's rays. Use an oil-free sunscreen product that contains at least SPF 30 every day, even if you are indoors. Many acne medicated products make your skin more sensitive to the sun and make it red or burn, which in turn exacerbates irritation and makes your acne worse. In addition, you will increase your risk of skin cancer and skin aging by being exposed to the sun without proper protection.
Get Rid of Acne if You Have Fair Skin Step 15 - Consider wearing a wide hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing to add protection to your skin.
- You should not go out when the sun is very hot, which is between 10 am to 4 pm.
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Exfoliate twice a week. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and dirt that has accumulated on your skin and clogged pores. But just like over-washing your face, exfoliating too often can cause skin irritation; therefore, do this only two to three times a week.
Get Rid of Acne if You Have Fair Skin Step 16 - After washing your face, apply a small amount of exfoliating product and then gently rub it on your facial skin in circular motions. Avoid exfoliating around the eye area. Next, rinse off the product and pat your face dry.
- Avoid harsh exfoliating products and don't use too much pressure and scrubbing. This will only irritate your skin.
- Seek advice from a dermatologist about the best exfoliating product for your skin.
- Learn more about how to exfoliate your skin.
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Apply acne medication (if necessary and prescribed). If your dermatologist has prescribed or advised you to use an acne cream (such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoid, or tretinoine cream), apply it to the infected area.
Get Rid of Acne if You Have Fair Skin Step 17 - Use only a small amount according to the directions on the package or as recommended by a dermatologist.
- If you are taking a new medication, watch for signs of skin irritation. If you experience minor irritation (pain or burning), this is probably normal and should go away soon. However, if you experience prolonged irritation or severe pain/burning or even a rash, stop using this product and contact your dermatologist.
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Apply an oil-free moisturizing cream. To finish this daily routine, use an oil-free face cream to keep your skin hydrated and free from dryness and irritation.
Get Rid of Acne if You Have Fair Skin Step 18 - It is important that you use products that are suitable for your skin type and are also suitable for treating acne. Oily moisturizers will clog your pores and cause breakouts.
- Consult a dermatologist and ask what moisturizer he or she recommends is best for your skin. If you are using a new product, watch for signs of irritation (redness, dryness, oiliness, burning). If you experience any symptoms of irritation, you should replace the product.
Tips
- Treatments that work for those with oily or dry skin may not work for those with fair skin, so it's important to consult a dermatologist to find the best treatment for you.
- If the treatment procedure you are using doesn't clear up your acne within a few weeks or months, see a dermatologist. You will need to try different forms of treatment before finding the best one for your skin type.
- Know the basics of treatment for acne. The basis of acne treatment is skin care and hygiene. If these two basic measures don't solve your acne problem, a dermatologist can suggest some form of topical agent and/or treatment based on your acne type.
Warning
- Make sure that you do not use the product if you are allergic to the ingredients in it. Call a dermatologist if you experience skin irritation.
- Keep topical acne medications away from the eye and mouth area. Always wash your hands immediately after using a topical medication.
- Talk to a dermatologist if you are pregnant or will become pregnant before using any acne treatment. Many medications are not recommended if the patient is pregnant. However, there are many other good and safe options for you to use.
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https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/acne-right-treatment
