Having trouble sticking to your acne treatment regimen? Maybe a simpler routine is needed.
A recent study published in the medical journal Cutis found that people were more likely to stick with, and consistently, use a simpler acne treatment routine. This consistency lead to better clearing clearing of the skin.
Maybe instead of buying and using a bunch of different acne treatments, we'd be better off streamlining our treatment routine into a regimen that's quick and simple to use. Some ideas:
- Instead of buying several cleansers (or toners, creams, etc.) buy one and use it consistently. If you see results, no need to spend more money on another product.
- Ask your doctor about combination treatments that contain more two acne medications in one tube (this may be a more expensive option, though, and some may not be covered by your insurance.)
- Cut the guesswork and buy a complete acne treatment skin care system like Proactiv, AcneFree, or The Pimple Clinic. This is a good option if walking into the skin care aisle makes your head spin with too many choices.
Remember, anything that makes it easier for your to use your acne treatments correctly and consistently will ultimately help you get clearer skin.
Source: Yentzer BA, Ade RA, Fountain JM, Clark AR, Taylor SL, Fleischer AB Jr, Feldman SR. "Simplifying regimens promotes greater adherence and outcomes with topical acne medications: a randomized controlled trial." Cutis. 2010 Aug;86(2):103-8.
Getting the Best Results:
SIMPLE IS BEST, BABY!
I put away my facial brush, and now use a sea salt/ baking soda/water scrub. I use a facial to wash away makeup. Cheap and incredibly effective!
Glycolic acid cream at night, emu oil and sunscreen by day complete my routine.
This works great. I exfoliate AND allow my skin to have the lipid levels for health and cell turnover.
Drying skin out to flakiness causes me hyperpigmentation and cysts.
I also have a hard time trying to remember the many skin care treatment/regimen that helps me with my acne. So, I followed your advice and I seem to be getting better results with my streamlined medications!
Eat low-glycemic foods, preferably paleo!
Yes it is better to try one particular regimen for sometimes to see the result instead of switching to a different acne medicine to see the result. There are many over the counter acne aids which can be used and on that respect you can always ask a pharmacist for free suggestion.