Acne is most associated with the teenage years, but it can continue well past that time. In some people, persistent acne never goes away after adolescence. Other people may develop late-onset acne that causes pimples long after those teenage years are a hazy memory. No matter what your age, acne can make you feel less confident about your appearance. North Mountain Dermatology, your Phoenix dermatologist practice, shares a few tips that can help reduce acne flare-ups.

Take good care of your skin

Clean your face daily with a mild facial cleanser to remove oils and bacteria that can cause acne. Oil from your hair can migrate to your face and clog your pores. Daily shampooing is a must if you tend to have oily hair. Make sure cosmetics and other products you use on your face don’t contain oil. Look for water-based cosmetics and skin products or products labeled non-comedogenic. Wear oil-free sunscreen every day, as some acne medications may make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

Use medications

Pimple creams aren’t just for teenagers. Topical creams, gels and lotions contain ingredients that clear up mild acne by killing bacteria, drying skin oils and causing skin to flake off those red spots. If over-the-counter medication doesn’t help, your dermatologist can prescribe a topical medication that combines benzoyl peroxide and an antimicrobial medication that stops bacteria growth. Stubborn acne may benefit from treatment with a vitamin A-based prescription medication, like tazarotene or tretinoin. The medications prevent clogged hair follicles and promote skin turnover. In some cases, your dermatologist may recommend that you take oral antibiotics, in addition to using topical creams and gels, to reduce inflammation and bacteria.

Try cosmetic procedures

The same procedures used to remove wrinkles are also effective in reducing acne. Light therapy targets bacteria while laser treatment causes a reduction in oil production. Microdermabrasion and chemical peels remove the top layers of the skin that contain acne lesions.

Don’t let pimples ruin your complexion. Call your Phoenix dermatologist at North Mountain Dermatology at (602) 944-4628 and schedule an appointment.