Acne on the face does not go away for several months

Acne or acne vulgaris is a polymorphic disease of the sebaceous glands. Acne is one of the most frequently recurrent dermatoses.

And, despite the evolution of treatment methods, one of the most common: 90-100% at the age of 14-17 years, and 60-75% at the age of 25 years.

Causes

Acne is a multifactorial disease. The mechanism of acne formation has been studied in detail, but environmental or behavioral factors that trigger the inflammatory process still require study.

Most Western dermatologists and evidence-based medicine doctors speak in favor of the hormonal theory of the origin of acne.

The mechanism of formation of hormonal acne is as follows:

1. the natural mechanism of hormonal synthesis is disrupted, testosterone production by the adrenal glands and ovaries increases;
2. The skin is an important target organ for sex hormones. Androgen and estrogen receptors are located in the dermal structures. These receptors respond to the production of testosterone and the decrease in estrogen, which plays a key role in maintaining the skin's water balance;
3. to prevent critical moisture loss, androgynous-estrogenic receptors stimulate follicles to actively synthesize sebum;
4. the skin becomes oily, shiny and textured if the thickness of the stratum corneum is normal;
5. if the renewal mechanism in the epidermis is disrupted and the layer of dead cells is thicker, then sebum does not come out, but remains in the pores, forming closed comedones, white or blackheads;
6. Bacteria begin to develop in the oily environment of clogged pores. The addition of pathogenic flora turns the sebaceous plug into an inflamed pimple - a papule.

The following facts support the hormonal theory of acne:

1. acne occurs in 43-55% of women after stopping oral contraceptives;
2. According to statistics, more than 90% of women with hyperadrogenism have oily skin and acne;
3. the first acne occurs in 95% of adolescents during the period of hormonal changes;
4. acne recurs during the climatic period in response to a reduction in estrogen synthesis;
5. Bodybuilders experience acne during cycles of anabolic steroids.

External factors for the appearance of acne include poor diet and bad habits, insufficient hygiene and mechanical damage to the skin.

Poor nutrition

The relationship between diet and acne is still being actively researched. WHO, based on data from American researchers, recommends that patients with acne adhere to their usual balanced diet and avoid individual allergens.

The correlation between intestinal flora and acne has not been proven and has even been partially refuted. No reputable dermatologist speaks positively about the benefits of gut bacteria and probiotics for the skin.

However, it has been proven that the degree of acne correlates with the amount of quickly digestible carbohydrates consumed. The mechanism of the relationship is as follows: insulin is released to break down glucose, with its participation free testosterone is converted into the active form dihydrotestosterone, to which skin receptors react by secreting sebum.

Mechanical impact

Microtraumas of the skin epithelium disrupt the local immunity of the skin and can cause relapses of acne.

Squeezing pimples is a common psychosomatic reaction to acne. A person feels an urgent need to act, to do something to get rid of a pimple.

And the most understandable subconscious reaction is to squeeze out the pus, mechanically remove the defect. But, squeezing pimples leads to damage and subsequent scarring of the epidermis.

It is possible to squeeze out mature purulent papules, but this must be done carefully, using a special sterile spoon or spatula.

The skin must be disinfected before and after the procedure with alcohol-free antiseptics: miramistine or chlorhexidine.

Insufficient hygiene

The skin has a special bacterial flora. The sebaceous ducts of each person are permanently colonized by different groups of microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites.

They cause inflammation only when comfortable conditions for reproduction arise. The fatty environment of the follicle under plugs of dead cells is a very favorable environment.

The leading role in the formation of cysts and papules is played by the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, staphylococci and streptococci. For complex acne therapy, it is necessary to minimize the possibility of bacteria entering the skin from the external environment.

Hygiene rules that must be followed by people with acne:

1. change bed linen regularly, especially pillowcases (at least once every 5 days), since the skin is in contact with the surface of the pillow for a long time;
2. use only a separate face towel or disposable paper towels;
3. do not touch your face with dirty hands;
4. wipe the case and screen of the mobile phone with alcohol or antiseptic;
5. remove dirty hair from your face. Not only particles of dirt, but also remnants of styling products can cause clogging of pores;
6. maintain hygiene when applying makeup, wash brushes, use disposable applicators for applying cosmetics;
7. monitor the cleanliness of scarves, hats, masks, collars and other wardrobe items that come into contact with problem skin.

What to do and what to anoint

The method of treatment depends on the degree of acne and the extent of the spread of inflammatory elements.

Degrees of acne:

1. enlarged pores, “blackheads”, closed comedones, up to 10 inflamed elements on the face;
2. 2 to 20 pimples on the face, single acne on the back, chest, shoulders;
3. 20-30 pimples on the face, cystic acne, problem skin on the chest and back.
4. more than 40 inflammatory elements on the face, internal acne, acne conglobata, cysts, problematic body skin.

Skin care

To avoid additional clogging of pores and the formation of comedones, it is necessary to use cosmetics without comedogenic components.

Cosmetics ingredients that cause additional acne:

1. talc;
2. oils: coconut, cocoa, castor, burdock, wheat germ, rapeseed;
3. lanolin;
4. petrolatum;
5. alcohol denatured alcohol;
6. paraffin.

Parabens and sulfate salts also have a high threshold of comedogenicity, but they are acceptable in products that do not contact the skin surface for a long time: washes, masks.

The following components have a positive effect on the condition of problem skin:

1. glycolic, citric, lactic, salicylic, azelaic, tartaric acids;
2. enzymes or enzymes: papain, bromelain;
3. aloe;
4. kaolin;
5. panthenol;
6. allantoin;
7. snail extract;
8. extracts of cintella, spirulina, chlorella;
9. essential oils of tea tree, rosemary, bay, peppermint, lavender;
10. minerals: zinc, mica, jezdu clay or Amazonian clay.

Diet for acne

Diet plays a secondary role in acne treatment, but sometimes, without adjusting the diet, it is impossible to completely cure acne.

In Europe and the USA, patients with hyperandrogyny are recommended to consume foods with a low glycemic index.

It is permissible to replace white sugar with sweeteners of natural origin that do not cause fluctuations in insulin levels: stevia or erythritol.

Allergic reactions are sometimes disguised as acne. To confirm or refute the histamine (allergic) nature of the rash, it is necessary to do skin tests.

According to the International Commission on Food Safety (a body of the World Health Organization WHO), severe food hypersensitivity is caused by familiar foods, which for most are part of a balanced diet.

Products that cause the most severe allergic reactions (including acne):

1. gluten-containing grains (wheat, rye, oats);
2. milk and derivatives;
3. eggs;
4. peanuts and tree nuts;
5. mollusks, crustaceans, sea fish;
6. soybeans

The severity of allergic reactions depends on the individual characteristics of the body and the amount of allergens consumed.

Video: Causes of rashes

Acne masks

Masks help to further cleanse the skin, delicately renew and moisturize.

Clay masks are considered universal for problem skin. Clay removes toxins, tightens pores, mattifies the skin, and removes sebum residues from the surface.

Kaolin masks are an understandable remedy with an explainable mechanism of action. Almost every cosmetic brand produces such products. But, a clay mask can be prepared at home.

For problem skin, green or blue clay is optimal.

Recipe for a mask to tighten pores

Green clay 1 tbsp. l. + mineral water 1 tbsp + a few drops of rosemary or peppermint essential oil.

This mask, in addition to the detox effect, disinfects the skin, tightens pores, and stimulates blood circulation in the upper layers of the dermis.

Mask recipe for exfoliation, renewal

0.5 tsp salicylic alcohol + 0.25 l. citric acid + 3 tbsp. l. water or green tea + 2-3 tbsp. l. blue clay.

The mask provides an antibacterial effect, renews the skin, stimulates the regeneration process, dries out inflammation, and cleanses pores.

Apply clay masks to dry, clean facial skin, avoiding the area around the eyes. Keep until completely dry. Rinse off gently with warm water.

After the procedure, the skin should be well moisturized with cream with avocado oil, grape seed oil, hyaluronic acid, aloe gel or snail extract.

Drugs

The abundance of medications and tinctures for acne in every local pharmacy is amazing. But, most remedies provide a weak or short-term effect.

It is not always possible to select the right drug from a dermatologist, due to the specifics of the work and the doctor’s qualifications.

If acne significantly reduces the quality of life, its treatment must be addressed competently and actively. First of all, study the list of drugs approved by WHO for the treatment of acne.

The use of drugs gives the most pronounced effect in the treatment of acne. If, despite proper care and nutrition, acne on the face does not go away, then it is advisable to use specialized products.

But, they have contraindications and side effects. It is necessary to carefully follow the instructions for use to minimize the likelihood of adverse reactions.

How to remove redness from acne? More details here.

AHA and BHA acids

AHA and BHA acids act effectively in several directions:

1. stimulate the process of skin renewal, delicately remove the layer of dead cells, freeing the sebaceous ducts;
2. dissolve sebaceous plugs and comedones;
3. act on microorganisms; in an acidic environment, bacteria, viruses and even mites cannot reproduce.
4. tighten pores, even out skin texture, remove acne spots.

For problem skin, salicylic and azelaic acid are optimal.

An alcohol solution of salicylic acid 2% can be purchased at your nearest pharmacy. This drug is only suitable for precise application to problem areas. When applied to large areas, it can cause burns, peeling and dry skin.

Azelaic acid is an effective anti-acne substance. It forms the basis of the popular drug Skinoren and its analogues: Azik-derm, Azogel.

The use of drugs with azelaic acid is indicated for stages 1–3 of acne. At stage 4, it is effective only in combination with antibiotics.

Benzoyl peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide has a keratolytic effect and a moderate antibacterial effect, speeds up regeneration, and accelerates the process of epidermal renewal. At stages 3-4 acne is used in combination with local and systemic antibiotics.

Preparations based on benzoyl peroxide: Baziron, Duak, Eclaran, Ugresol.

Antibiotics

Considering the active role of microorganisms in the formation of acne, the use of antibiotics to treat inflammation is considered appropriate. External acne therapy is carried out with monocomponent antibiotics (Tetracyclines, Macrolides, Lincosamides).

Local preparations with antibiotics: Syntomycin ointment, Erythromycin liniment, Levomekol, Zinerit.

In severe cases, with an active inflammatory process, which is accompanied by suppuration, cystic clusters, etc. antibiotics are prescribed for internal use (clindamycin, levomycin).

The disadvantage of antibiotics is that they act only on microorganisms, do not affect “blackheads” and comedones, give only a temporary effect, and cause bacterial resistance (most of all erythromycin).

Tretinoin

The most effective preparations for skin treatment are produced based on retinoic acid or tretinoin. If acne on the face does not go away with traditional methods of treatment or with antibiotics, then with a 95% probability they will go away with tretinoin.

Retinoic acid is the active form of vitamin A. It provides a unique therapeutic effect aimed at eliminating a number of skin defects.

Positive effects of tretinoin:

1. many times, better than other drugs, it accelerates skin regeneration and renews the stratum corneum;
2. due to the powerful keratolytic effect, it removes acne themselves, scars and spots after acne, fine wrinkles, and even scars or stretch marks;
3. compacts the base layer – the dermis, which makes it indispensable in anti-aging cosmetics;
4. reduces the sensitivity of skin receptors to androgens;
5. gives a prolonged effect.

Preparations based on tretinoin are the “gold standard” for the treatment of acne in a number of progressive countries.

In Russia, preparations with retinoic acid are not certified, which means they are not sold in pharmacy chains. Cautious dermatologists are in no hurry to recommend them to patients even with severe acne.

As a way out, you can consult with a specialist, discuss the nuances of using this drug and purchase it abroad, in online pharmacies or on international websites.

The original tretinoin preparation is Retin A. Its generics: Tretin A, Retino, Acnelyse, Airol, A-Ret, Renova.

If ointments and gels with tretinoin do not help, it is the turn of isotretinoin preparations for internal use (Roacutane, Acnecutane). They have a long list of side effects, but can cure even stage 4 acne with pimples all over the body.

Why don't acne on my face go away?

You can only hope for regression of acne if you are under the age of 18, and only with stage 1 acne. If acne is not teenage and there are more than 10 inflammatory elements on the face, they cannot go away without specific treatment.

It is necessary to take into account that it is advisable to take cosmetic products only for the care of problem skin, not for the treatment of acne.

Cleansing foams with calendula, tonics with zinc, and aloe creams are excellent for maintenance therapy. But only drugs with azelaic acid, tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide provide a pronounced and stable effect.

If it is not possible to visit a competent dermatologist who will prescribe the correct drug, you can contact a cosmetologist. Acid peels, laser cleansing, yellow peeling with retinol provide a positive therapeutic effect.

What to do if pimples and acne do not go away? There are many options, the main thing is not to despair and continue to fight the problem. It happens that a person tries a variety of treatment methods, expects a good result, but it never comes.

Rash on the face varies in type and severity. It is important to understand the true cause of acne, taking it into account, treatment methods should be selected. The rash often appears due to hormonal imbalance in adolescence or adulthood - in this case, acne lasts a long time. What to do? Contact a dermatologist: a specialist will prescribe competent treatment.

Why is acne difficult to treat?

If acne has settled on your skin for a long time, you may not be eating right. For example, the doctor prescribed external medications (creams, ointments, lotions), you use them, but your diet has not been adjusted. Inflammations on the face and body should be treated comprehensively: eliminate spicy, fried, salty foods from your diet, eat less sweets. Important rule: control your diet!

If a pimple appears on your face and does not go away for a long time, you need to take measures to cleanse the intestines. Waste and toxins inside the body are one of the causes of rashes. When the body cannot remove harmful substances, it “throws” them out through the skin. What to do in this case? First of all, take sorbents and do cleansing procedures. It happens that the rash does not go away for several months. In this case, you need to contact your doctor again.

Remember: clogged pores lead to acne, regularly cleanse your skin of makeup and give it a break from it. Rashes happen due to the wrong selection of cosmetics. Creams or ointments based on salicylic acid quickly and gently cleanse pores, their components remove excess sebum. Regular salicylic acid helps the skin heal. With the permission of a cosmetologist, you can try wipes with a solution, creams, lotions - these products may contain benzoyl peroxide. But if you abuse them, there will be no effect.

Treatment and prevention of skin rashes

Maintain good hygiene

For washing it is better to use gel and cool water. Face masks should be applied 2 times a week. Also don't forget about herbal infusions! They can be used cold or hot. Be sure to adjust your diet: limit your consumption of chocolate.

Take advantage of a salon treatment

If acne lasts for a very long time, you can consult a dermatologist about cryotherapy. The procedure helps to heal the face using cold.

Liquid nitrogen treatment is another common technique. For the purpose of prevention, you need to lead an active lifestyle, visit the gym, cleanse the body in a timely manner, and drink more fluids.

Do not mix medications

It is important to know: some medications cannot be mixed. Stick to one, but don't use it too long or too often. If you use one medicine for a long time, the skin will begin to get used to it, and there will be no result!

Some products dry out the skin very much, then it tries to create an additional barrier. To treat acne, you need to use high-quality medications.

Don't expect instant results

Your skin needs to recover and heal, don't rush it! Adults are not recommended to use creams intended for teenagers. Adult skin is thinner; in this case, it is better to use preparations with a 2% solution of benzoyl and 0.5% salicylic acid.

What to do for prevention? Take care of your face. An important rule: don’t quit what you started! Take the prescribed medications for 6-7 weeks.

Carry out treatment correctly

Make sure you treat the entire affected area. Many people quit treatment after they notice that their acne is gradually going away. Even if you see improvements, do not stop treatment: the intensity of treatment should decrease gradually.

A rash on the face appears as a result of improper hygiene, even if the treatment was correct. It is necessary to wash your face 2 times a day, change your pillowcases promptly, and try not to touch your face during the day. You should wash your hair regularly, otherwise, dirty hair will come into contact with the skin, thereby causing acne on the face.

Avoid contact with bacteria that carry bacteria

Large blackheads appear when in contact with pets, for example, if you like to press your pet to your cheeks. There are bacteria in the wool - they come to the surface of irritated skin. These bacteria cause inflammation.

If you have not yet visited a dermatologist, be sure to visit him and follow his recommendations in the future. The specialist will select individual treatment, prescribe the necessary ointments, solutions, lotions. If you see that there is no improvement, do not despair, be persistent - you are guaranteed results!

Useful Home Remedies

Basic techniques for treating acne

In the morning you need to cleanse your face using foam, gel or salicylic acid, and also apply tonic with d-panthenol. Face masks will help tighten the pores, and dirt will not penetrate far into the subcutaneous layer. Use a film mask. In addition to it, you can use Zenerit.

Salicylic-based ointments are applied at night - they give good results. Pimples can leave unpleasant marks - they can be removed at home. But remember: acne marks go away slowly.

Masks for problem skin care

Take 100 grams of milk, 50 grams of corn flour and the same amount of wheat flour. The ingredients are mixed and applied to clean skin, the mask is washed off after 2 minutes. It cleanses perfectly and helps overcome red spots. Homemade beauty remedies are effective unless you have allergies.

Try a white clay mask: it can be used to dry out pimples and smooth out acne. A bodyagi mask cannot be called one hundred percent safe. In some cases, it leads to the appearance of age spots. If you have inflammation, you should not use a bodyagi mask. A decoction of celandine, oak bark, and chamomile will help in the fight against acne and red spots.

Pharmacy remedies for acne

Acne can strike at the most inopportune moment. What to do and how to quickly get rid of them? Acetylsalicylic acid is an active agent. It can help remove acne and red spots. A solution of acetylsalicylic acid can be purchased at a pharmacy. To prepare a quick-acting medicine, use 3 aspirin tablets and one teaspoon of honey. The ingredients are poured with water, mixed and applied to problem areas. The mask is kept for 20 minutes.

Pimples on the nose are a nuisance! Mostly, they appear at a young age. Formations on the nose indicate that hormonal levels are disturbed. Problematic formations on the face can appear due to stress and nervous experiences. If inflamed and painful bumps remain for a long time, you need to consult a doctor: a specialist will determine the nature of the problem and prescribe the correct treatment.

Defects on the nose do not take very long to treat; in the case of them, you can use pharmaceuticals. Remember: you cannot squeeze any pimples, otherwise an infection will penetrate under the skin.

Salon treatments

Salon cleansing is good, but some types have side effects, such as redness. If the technique is used correctly, the redness will go away quickly, but the effectiveness depends on the type of procedure.

In general, the salon removes excess sebum and saturates the skin with vitamins, which improves complexion. “Rough” types of cleansing injure facial tissues. Such methods are no longer relevant. Choose one of the modern salon treatment options.

1. Vaporization is a procedure in which the skin is treated, steamed, cleared of acne and gets rid of inflammatory foci. During the vaporization process, moisture is eliminated: the face becomes dehydrated for some time. The main purpose of vaporization is to steam the face, open the pores and remove all defects.

1. Vacuum cleaning is a great option! It can eliminate deep nodular acne. In the process, the master uses a high-tech device, the operation of which is somewhat similar to a vacuum cleaner. For this peeling, compounds are used to remove the top layer of the epidermis. After vacuum cleaning, a special mask is applied to the face. The good thing about this method is that it gives instant results.
2. Ultrasonic cleaning is very popular, but it is prescribed by a professional dermatologist. The technique has a number of advantages. The device used does not damage the skin and protects it from compression. Ultrasonic cleaning does not require steaming. The procedure is effective and painless

Facial peeling

In the acid peeling process, compounds are used to help remove the outer layer of the epidermis. The procedure is effective: it stimulates the growth of new cells. Peeling cleansing leads to skin irritation and is contraindicated in the presence of inflammation. Several sessions are required to achieve results. Chemical peels also help eliminate scars, blemishes and other acne scars.

Some experts say that mesotherapy can be used to treat acne, during which medicinal compounds are injected under the skin. You can perform cryomassage using nitrogen. But it’s worth remembering: nitrogen dries out the skin. Cryomassage relieves inflammation. If you have dry skin, this method is contraindicated.

Darsonvalization, a procedure using weak currents, will help soothe the skin after cleansing. Darsonvalization restores and disinfects facial skin.

Waiting for a “miraculous cure” for any facial rash is a futile exercise. You will probably have to admit that acne on the face does not go away; on the contrary, it takes up new “springboards”. The reason may be inside the body, because the skin is an indicator of everything that happens to the body. For a multifactorial problem, we need to look for different solutions. Let's start with topical products - ointments, gels, creams.

Do acne on your face not go away or does acne “for all ages”?

According to Western and Russian dermatologists, 85–90% of teenagers suffer from acne, when the appearance of acne is caused by the process of growing up. Few of the 12-18 year old teenagers, as well as boys and girls, would agree to simply wait until the endocrine system is reorganized and puberty is completed. Everyone wants to be beautiful “here and now”, and not in the ghostly “tomorrow”.

The trouble is that you can wait 10–30 years, observing different elements of the rash on your face. Doctors and cosmetologists note an increase in the number of 40 and even 50-year-old people suffering from acne. According to experts at the Skin Light training center, every fifth adult is susceptible to active forms of acne.

Nodules and blisters on the face can appear due to malfunctions of the gastrointestinal tract, problems with the endocrine system, genital area, immunity - all this increases the vulnerability of the skin. What to do if acne on the face does not go away for a long time, and others appear to replace one? Most often, there are several causes, which means that treatment will need to be selected to eliminate each one.

The key to solving the problem of acne is treatment of diseases of the internal organs plus the use of topical medications

The body shell cannot cope with cleansing bacteria, dirt, excess sebum and horny scales. Against the background of hormonal changes, dietary errors, and infection with parasites, inflammation occurs in the canals of the hair follicles. Comprehensive treatment should include the selection of suitable hygiene cosmetics and medicinal preparations. This is a good reason to visit a dermatologist and cosmetologist.

If acne on your face does not go away, what should you do?

Topical products for treating problem areas of the skin (table)

Our review is dedicated to discussing the advantages and disadvantages of various medications used for the external treatment of acne. Most of them can be bought at pharmacies without prescriptions. Personal hygiene is mandatory; The following ointments and creams should be used only after cleansing the facial skin.

Local treatment of acne on the face

Acne remedies

pros

Minuses

Why: acne on the face does not go away: “hormonal storms” plus fast food - how to avoid misfortunes?

Human skin is exposed to many factors, most of them “unfriendly”. ,

Air, water, food, saturated with chemicals, begin the list of agents that change very important processes in the dermis. As a result, the activity of the sebaceous glands and cells that produce keratin increases.

There is also a hereditary predisposition to just such a skin reaction to adverse effects.

Undoubtedly, only local treatment does not cancel the influence of “hormonal surges,” environmental pollution, and other negative factors. By properly caring for the skin and using modern topical products, we thereby alleviate the condition of the skin and its immediate function - protecting the body.

Amina Pirmanova / article author