Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Use Ice Therapy to Treat Acne
• Method 2 of 3: Learn more about acne
• Method 3 of 3: Create a Comprehensive Acne Treatment Regimen
• Tips

One of the main causes of acne is the presence of pores in the skin that are either clogged or so large that dirt and bacteria can enter them. For this reason, many acne treatments include exfoliating dead skin cells and repairing damaged pores. One way to quickly help pores is to apply ice to the skin, which slows blood circulation and reduces inflammation by temporarily tightening the skin.Knowing how to use ice therapy in combination with other acne treatments can help you heal acne quickly and easily.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Use Ice Therapy to Treat Acne

1. 1 Make an ice pack. Instead of applying ice directly to your face, wrap it in a cloth or place it in a bag. If you don't have a ready-made ice pack, you can easily make one at home.
   • Take the required amount of ice cubes to treat the problem area.
   • Wrap the ice in a thin, clean towel. If you don't have a towel, you can put the ice in a sealed zip-lock bag.
   • Do not apply ice directly to your skin, as this can cause capillaries to burst.
2. 2 Attach an ice pack. After wrapping the ice cubes in a towel or placing them in an airtight bag, apply them to your face.
   • Wipe pimples and acne scars with an ice pack for 10-15 minutes.
   • The procedure should not last more than 20 minutes, otherwise it may damage the skin.
3. 3 Make this process part of your daily skincare routine. You can use the ice method twice a day. Try this procedure in the morning when the skin is swollen, and again in the evening before bed.

Method 2 of 3: Learn more about acne

1. 1 Find out the causes of acne. Acne develops in 70–87 percent of adolescents and many adults. There are 4 main causes of acne:
   • excessive sebum production;
   • an accumulation of dead skin cells;
   • clogged pores;
   • dirt and bacteria entering the enlarged pores.
2. 2 Find out how acne treatments work. Since most acne is associated with the pores of the skin, acne treatments tend to work in one of three ways:
   • exfoliation (removal of dead skin cells);
   • destruction of bacteria;
   • cleansing pores.
3. 3 Understand why ice therapy works. Ice can help treat existing acne and prevent future breakouts.
   • Ice helps relieve swelling of the skin in the area where acne is constantly appearing. It also reduces redness caused by active acne and old acne scars.
   • Ice tightens pores. This helps prevent future breakouts by reducing the likelihood that pores will clog or become infected.
   • Ice can be used for both short-term and long-term acne treatments.

Method 3 of 3: Create a Comprehensive Acne Treatment Regimen

1. 1 Use over-the-counter medicines. There are a wide variety of acne creams, cleansers, and lotions available over the counter. And, as a rule, they all cleanse the pores, removing sebum and dead cells of the epidermis from them. The most common ingredients in these products include:
   • Benzoyl peroxide. This compound kills bacteria, removes excess sebum and exfoliates dead skin cells, effectively protecting open pores from dirt and bacterial infections.
   • Salicylic acid. This mild acid helps protect pores from clogging.
   • Alpha hydroxy acids. These compounds, which usually include glycolic and lactic acids, help exfoliate the skin by removing dead cells and stimulating the formation of new skin.
   • Sulfur. This chemical helps exfoliate the skin and remove excess sebum.
2. 2 Use prescription topical medications. Over-the-counter acne treatments are often effective in treating mild to moderate acne. For more serious cases, a dermatologist may recommend prescription medications. The most popular options include:
   • Retinoids. This class of chemical compounds is derived from vitamin A, which stimulates the formation of new skin cells. Retinoid-based formulations are usually applied in the evening, three times a week (or even daily, depending on the severity of the acne).
   • AntibioticsThey are used to kill bacteria on the skin and in the pores. Plus, antibiotics can reduce redness and inflammation from acne. The frequency of antibiotic use will depend on the severity of the acne. Follow your doctor's advice when it comes to using antibiotics.
   • Acne gels and ointments. They kill bacteria on the skin and help keep pores clean. However, do not use these products without a doctor's recommendation, and be sure to follow the directions for use and the prescribed dosage.
3. 3 Try anti-acne therapy. In cases of severe acne, where medication has failed, some dermatologists may recommend more intensive therapy. Some of these treatments are also used to treat acne scars. Common treatments include:
   • Phototherapy. This method involves using light from different parts of the spectrum to kill bacteria that can cause breakouts. Blue light therapy (using a quartz lamp) can be done at home without a doctor's supervision, while other types of phototherapy require the presence of a specialist.
   • Chemical peeling. This method is the application of a chemical solution to aggressively treat acne. Salicylic acid is a common chemical used in these procedures.
   • Removal of comedones and blackheads. In this invasive treatment, the dermatologist uses special instruments to surgically remove comedones and blackheads that have not been eliminated with topical products. This procedure should only be performed by a dermatologist at a medical facility or specialized cosmetic clinic.
   • Corticosteroid injections. In this treatment, prescription hormonal drugs (corticosteroids) are injected directly into the acne-affected area.

Tips

• Do ice treatments twice a day and do not apply ice for more than 20 minutes.
• Over-the-counter acne treatments may require up to 3 months of daily use of the drug before significant results are achieved. Do not be discouraged if you do not see the immediate effect of such funds.
• For best results, use ice therapy as part of your comprehensive skin care and acne treatment.
• Don't pop your pimples as they may get worse.
• Avoid using toothpaste on pimples as this can irritate your skin.