creams: are available to help prevent acne and clear it up at the same time. Some are more effective than others, talk to your pharmacist or GP about which one is right for you.
You can experiment with these to see which helps. Be sure to follow the instructions exactly - don't use more than you're supposed to at one time (your skin may get too dried out and feel and look worse) and follow any directions to see if you're
allergic to it first.
- Try to resist the urge to touch, squeeze, or pick at acne - as this can cause even more inflammation and scars.
Sometimes even though you wash properly and try lotions and oil-free makeup, you might get acne anyway - and this is totally normal. However, if you continue to get pimples and they are particularly severe and painful, it may be helpful to chat with your GP or a dermatologist, a doctor who specialises in
skin problems. They might put you on stronger medication or help you identify a treatment that works best for you. Sometimes it can take time to find the right treatment for you. Don't be disheartened if treatment does not work first go - there are many forms of treatment available. Most doctors are great at asking all the right questions about the medication you are on and often warn about side effects.
Acne and self-esteem
Feeling self-conscious about your
pimples is common. It is also common that this self-consciousness affects your self-esteem to such a degree that it can change how you live your life. Becoming shy, less confident and less social may be a sign that acne is affecting your life. If you feel you are becoming a different person due to your acne you may find it useful to talk to your GP or a counsellor. Having
acne can make you feel like everyone is looking at you and are aware of your pimples. Try to keep in mind that everyone has things they are sensitive about and are often as self-conscious about them as you might be about your pimples. Being confident and not letting your acne dictate who you are allows people to see the real you and not focus on your acne.
