There are many myths and stories attached to acne attacks, but one thing that is definitely true is that when it happens it is no fun. For those people who suffer, it can seriously affect your self-confidence and your ability to get out there and live a normal life. Having been a sufferer myself, I decided to make a list of tips and tricks that can help during those dark moments.

1. Why can’t I just wash it away?
I am about to explode a myth (no pun intended) – acne is not present on those who suffer because they are somehow dirtier than those with clear complexions. The opposite is likely to be true: because sufferers feel they have dirty skin, they are driven to wash it more often! But it is well known that excessive washing can have a negative effect. Skin can become dry and irritable, which can lead to further fresh outbreaks. There is a balance that needs to be struck here. Dry skin can lead to a quicker aging process and the appearance of wrinkles, whereas oily skin preserves the quality of the skin but is prone to acne attack. So, wash no more than twice a day, using mild soap and water. Some men’s skin care specialists will even tell you to use two pieces of soap, one for your face and one for the rest of your body. Try both techniques for a period of two weeks and see if you notice a difference. If you develop patches of dry skin, don’t worry about putting moisturizer on. It won’t make your acne worse. If you’re still concerned, use an oil free moisturizer.

2. Don’t try chemical bombardment.
You will find lots of different types of creams, lotions and potions available over the counter. Most contain a powerful bleaching agent called benzoyl peroxide – more or less the same stuff that ‘suicide blondes’ use to die their hair. It’s a bit like lighting the blue touch paper on a firework and hoping that it doesn’t backfire on you. Manufacturers are obliged to publish the strength on the label. You might be tempted to go straight for the highest strength, working on the principle of blasting the buggers to oblivion on the first attempt. The likely result is that you’ll irritate your skin badly, and you may experience a scaly texture forming. So unless you wish to be mistaken for a reptile, it may be wiser to use a product with a milder strength.

3. The two month rule
When you begin your treatment with over-the-counter remedies, give yourself a two month trial period. If you do not notice an obvious improvement within this period, then don’t waste any more money – make an appointment to see your doctor.

4. The doctor and the two month rule
The next step is a visit to your doctor who is likely to prescribe antibiotics. These will either be topical (which means something you put on your skin) like Dalacin or tablets you have to take every day. Whatever treatment your doctor or pharmacist recommends, follow the instructions carefully and keep using for at least two months. There should be a noticeable improvement by this time. If not, go back to discuss other possible treatments Antibiotics are perfectly safe to take, although I would not recommend long periods of time as they can have a negative effect. It can then create a defense for itself from the drug, so that the next time it comes in contact with it is not harmed at all. This forces doctors to use stronger medications to kill the bacteria, which is also more harmful to the person taking the medicine. You should take them for at least two months, and ensure that you complete the course before a return trip to the doctor.

5. Follow a sensible diet and lifestyle
The second myth that is about to be exploded is the relationship of chocolate and chips (not necessarily together) to the onset of acne. There has been no proof to date that consumption of either is bad for your skin. You may entice your dentist to rub his hands in anticipation but certainly not your dermatologist! However, moderation is the key. Follow a sensible diet, with plenty of fresh vegetable and fruit and take regular exercise. It is also important to stress the necessity to consume lots of fresh water, as this is known to have an invigorating effect on the skin.
Part of a healthy lifestyle is to give your body the opportunity to rest and recover. Whilst the body sleeps it repairs itself. This is especially true of the skin.

6. Don’t’ be tempted to squeeze
Possibly the worst thing you could do during an attack is to bow to the urge of squeezing your spots. When spot are squeezed, the bacteria are released to infect other parts of the skin, and so the cycle continues.
It is also a bad idea for ladies to use compacts to cover up their spots. This type of beauty product clogs up the pores of the skin and traps in bacteria and dead skin cells – the cause of the spot attack in the first place. The bacteria are also transferred to the compact, where they will multiply at an alarming rate, to be applied once again to the skin.

7. Try to relax and avoid stress
Until recently the medical world has been divided over the issue of whether stress was a contributory factor in the onset of acne. But clinical studies have shown that there is a definite link. A study, albeit a small one, was carried out at Stanford University School of Medicine in 2002, involving 22 students who suffered from acne. Stress caused a worsening of acne in two ways; first, by stimulating adrenal glands to produce more hormones and second, by slowing down the healing process. It has also been established that psychological stress can decrease the wound healing capacity of immune systems up to 40%. This factor doubles the impact of stress on acne.