Blemish-free skin isn’t always easy to achieve. To make matters worse, there are many mistruths circulating about the best ways to keep acne at bay. In reality, some skin care practices can actually do more harm than good. With more than 20 years of experience, Lincoln, NE-based dermatologist Dr. Mark D. Heibel at Heibel Dermatology separates fact from fiction with a list of what to do for clear skin.

Do:

Avoid touching your face.

Your hands have excess oil and bacteria, so touching your face will naturally transfer these agents to the skin. In acne-prone individuals, face touching is especially problematic, as it can trigger breakouts by spreading around existing bacteria, causing inflammation and acne cysts.

Keep your phone & pillowcases clean.

To clear away any bacteria that could cause blemishes, swap out pillowcases regularly and turn them inside out in between washes. To disinfect the phone, spray a mixture of distilled water and isopropyl alcohol onto a microfiber cloth; then gently wipe clean.

Practice sun safety.

The idea that sun exposure can eradicate acne is a myth. In fact, the sun’s rays can cause dryness, which contributes to the buildup of dead skin cells and worsens the condition. To protect skin against dangerous, cancer-causing UV rays, apply an oil-free sunscreen daily.

Visit a dermatologist for professional help.

If you’ve tried over-the-counter products to eradicate acne but still aren’t seeing results, enlist professional help. Dermatologists can provide a targeted treatment plan, which may include prescription medications to help you achieve noticeable results.

Don’t:

Squeeze pimples.

It may be tempting to eradicate zits by squeezing them, but this only makes matters worse. Squeezing aggravates the skin and increases the odds of leaving behind a scar.

Apply toothpaste to blemishes.

Toothpaste is a known skin irritant. While it may dry out pimples, the excessive dryness can also contribute to an unhealthy accumulation of dead skin cells.

Scrub skin vigorously.

Your skin’s top layer is a natural protective barrier. Scrubbing with excess force causes this barrier to fade, leaving the skin exposed to toxins, which can cause premature aging and promote acne.

Use facials as “quick fixes.”

Facials may have temporary benefits, but they fail to provide comprehensive treatment for chronic conditions like acne. Use a long-term approach encompassing a tailored regimen from a dermatologist to tackle skin woes effectively.

If you’re struggling with acne, contact Heibel Dermatology. Their leading dermatologist offers the most up-to-date acne treatments available to help patients achieve and maintain clear skin. To schedule a consultation, call (402) 488-6969. Learn more about the practice online.