Acıbadem Fulya Hospital Dermatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Emel Güngör explained the most common mistakes in acne treatment. 'Acne', or 'adolescent acne' as it is commonly known among the public, can be seen quite commonly. So much so that 11 percent of people between the ages of 30 and 80 develop acne of different severities. Contrary to popular belief, acne does not go away on its own after puberty ends; It can continue into the 30s, 40s and even older ages. Acne, which usually occurs on the face, can cause problems with a person's self-confidence and negatively affect their social relationships and daily activities. According to researches; Acne ranks first among the diseases that negatively affect the quality of life.
Acıbadem Fulya Hospital Dermatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Emel Güngör stated that very successful results are obtained from acne treatment today and made important suggestions and warnings.
It is sufficient to gently cleanse the skin twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, with a product suitable for your skin type. Prof. warns that frequent cleaning, brushing and scrubbing the skin may cause acne to worsen. Dr. Emel Güngör continued as follows:
“The purpose of clearing the skin in acne; It is the removal of sweat, oil, dirt and shed cells accumulated on the skin surface without irritating the skin and making it suitable for treatments. For this purpose, cleaners recommended by the doctor should be used. These products are cleansers that are suitable for the pH of the skin and contain acne-reducing substances such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide in their bases.
Güngör pointed out that, contrary to popular belief, substances such as vinegar, soda or rose water do not benefit acne-prone skin, and may cause irritation or allergies due to their skin-irritating ingredients.
Prof. Dr. Emel Güngör stated that squeezing and popping acne and constantly playing with recurring acne in the same place cause blemishes and scars to develop.
Pointing out that it is wrong to sunbathe and enter a solarium, Güngör said, “Sun rays and solarium do not dry out acne, they only camouflage it. Moreover, after 1-2 months, acne increases or flares up due to the blockages in the pores.” said.
Güngör stated that cosmetics that are not suitable for a person's skin type may cause acne or worsen existing ones, and warned that products that help treat acne, are suitable for the skin type and do not cause allergies should be used.
Güngör emphasized the importance of cleansing the skin, noting that not removing make-up in the evening may cause acne to worsen.
The type, severity and prevalence of acne vary from person to person. Prof. Dr. Emel Güngör pointed out that acne of different types and severity may develop over time, even in the same person, and said, “That's why acne treatment is not standard. The purpose, form and duration of use of each drug, especially creams, are different from each other. "Acne medications should not be shared or a cream that worked well before should not be used continuously."
Most of the drugs used to treat acne by applying to the skin, such as cream, gel or lotion, can cause dryness, flaking or sometimes irritation on the skin. Prof. Dr. Emel Güngör said that side effects can be alleviated by using cosmetic products along with the treatment or by skipping days of medication.
Acne treatment requires time, effort and patience. Dermatology Specialist Prof. Dr. Emel Güngör emphasized that it is not possible to get results from the treatment within 1-2 weeks and said, “On the contrary, there may even be a temporary worsening of acne during this period. Visible improvement in acne begins in the 3rd to 4th weeks, and it may be necessary to wait 3-4 months for maximum improvement. Therefore, medications should be used patiently and regularly, and should not be abandoned with the thought that 'the treatment did not work'."
After acne heals, skin care and acne products should be continued to be used carefully to prevent it from recurring. Prof. Dr. Emel Güngör: “Acne medications are not used only when acne occurs. "When these drugs are used regularly, they also prevent new acne from appearing," he said.
