Many people who seek out a treatment option for the pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and oily skin are initially satisfied with quick results from over-the-counter cleansers that clear up breakouts within a few days or weeks of initially using the product. However, acne isn't generally a problem that people have for a few weeks or even a few months, but rather most people suffer from this skin condition for years. Some even have to cope with it for decades! With this in mind, if you are suffering from acne, you want to sort through the short-term solutions to find acne treatments that provide a cure.
More Than Skin Deep
Before you can begin to understand which acne treatments are more likely to give you that long-term cure you really want, you have to first understand that acne may be a skin condition, but it's a problem that is more than skin deep. Your skin may be superficially visible, yet its health is a sign of your body's overall health and well-being. Generally, acne indicates that some underlying conditions may be at play. In some cases, acne is caused by genetics, which there unfortunately is not a cure for. In other cases, it may be caused by bacteria on the skin, which the over-the-counter products are effective at treating. Most cases of prolonged acne, though, are caused by your stress level, your diet, your hormonal fluctuations or hormonal imbalances, and other similar issues.
What's Wrong With You?
Understanding the cause of your acne condition is certainly helpful in finding acne treatments that work best for you. After all, you can keep applying harsh chemical products to your skin to cleanse away the oils, dirt, and debris, but eventually you will have to address the root cause of the issue if you want to see lasting results in the form of clear skin. Of course, finding out what is causing your skin issue isn't the easiest thing to do. You should start by taking an honest look at your stress level and diet, and making any necessary changes there.
Should You See the Doctor?
If lifestyle changes to your diet and stress level do not provide you with the results you want to see in the form of clear skin, you should contact your doctor as hormones may be playing a part in your acne. When you see the doctor about your acne issue, you should be proactive and ensure that your doctor checks your hormone levels. Some doctors will indeed only offer acne treatments that are superficial in nature, prescribing a stronger version of the over-the-counter solutions that offer short-term relief. You should express your concern to your doctor that your hormone levels may be affecting your skin condition. Most doctors will agree to run a blood test. If the blood tests prove a hormonal issue is affecting you, your doctor can proceed with correcting the imbalance.
Can You Have More Than One Cause?
Finding acne treatments that work for you can be tricky because the truth is that more than one factor could be contributing to your issue. For instance, sometimes factors like stress and diet could be exasperating an underlying hormonal issue. As you try out various treatments and make changes in your life to bring about the desired changes in your skin, you will want to pay close attention to how different factors affect your skin and overall health, too. Generally, you may find that when you improve your health and well-being, your inner health is reflected outwardly in the form of beautiful, healthy skin.