Key points for acne patients

• Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water, not more than twice a day. Do not scrub the skin
• Treatments should be applied to the entire affected area of the skin (e.g. all of the face) and not just to individual spots
• Both BPO and retinoids can have drying and irritant effects (redness, peeling, burning, soreness) on the skin. These can be minimised by starting with alternate day or short-contact application (e.g. washing off after an hour)
• BPO can have a bleaching effect, so avoid getting it on clothes, towels or bedding
• BPO may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight so avoid exposure and wear sunscreen (oil-free)
• Pus-filled spots (pustules) can be gently squeezed to remove the pus, other spots must not be squeezed or scratched as this can aggravate them and may cause scarring
• Use oil-free, non-comedogenic cosmetic products (e.g. make-up, suncream), as they’re less likely to block the pores in the skin. Remove all make-up before going to bed
• Eat more foods with a lower glycaemic index (fruit and vegetables, brown bread, brown rice, brown pasta)
• Sweat can aggravate acne; shower promptly after exercise
• Sunbathing, sunbeds and sunlamps should not be used to manage acne
• Stopping smoking may help acne.