What is acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages, although it most commonly occurs in teenagers. The pores of the skin become clogged with oil, bacteria, or dead skin¹. This condition gives rise to pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and other lesions on the skin. In Filipino, these are called “tigyawat”.

Acne can be treated using over-the-counter and prescription medication that helps reduce acne by reducing oil production, swelling, or managing bacterial infection². However there are also certain lifestyle habits one can adopt to lessen the chance of outbreaks, or help keep current outbreaks from getting worse.

Here are some Do’s and Don’ts to prevent acne.

Tigyawat care: Do’s

Do use a mild cleanser to wash your face

Washing your face is important to get rid of the build-up of oil and dead skin cells, which might eventually result in acne. It is especially important to wash your face after perspiring.

However it is important to be gentle with your skin. Use a mild cleanser; avoid over washing or scrubbing, as these can cause skin irritation.

After cleansing, you can apply topical agents as recommended by your dermatologist for your acne treatment or maintenance therapy. Topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide in particular are used to treat inflammatory and comedonal acne, as well as acne scarring.

Certain products such as masks, astringents, or facial scrubs may irritate the skin and make acne worse².

Do wash your face with lukewarm water

Water temperature plays a significant role when washing your face. It is recommended to use lukewarm water because it helps open and unclog the pores. On the other hand, using hot water may cause scalding and redness³.

Do talk to a dermatologist

While you can research skin care tips online, or use over-the-counter medicines, the best way to manage acne is to talk to a dermatologist.

Following the wrong skin advice or treatment may result in a worsening of acne and scars. Instead, book an appointment with a dermatologist to get the best management plan for your acne. Your dermatologist will evaluate your skin condition and determine the best acne treatment routine for you.

Tigyawat care: Don’ts

Don’t pop your pimples

It might be tempting to pick at or pop your tigyawat, but this may actually make your acne worse⁶.

Squeezing the pus out of your pimples can cause bacterial infection. This may cause more inflammation and redness. Picking at the lesions may also result in scabs or permanent acne scars.

Instead of touching your acne, try over-the-counter medications, or speak to your dermatologist for a plan of action to manage your acne.

Don’t use oil-based makeup and skincare products

Oil-based beauty products can trigger or worsen your acne condition. This includes greasy hair care products that might get to your face. It is best to use water-based or oil-free products that do not clog the pores of the skin⁴.

Don’t over-wash your face

While it is important to wash your face, do not over-wash your face. Washing your face more than twice a day may lead to skin irritation that can worsen your acne. According to experts, most of the biological reactions that result in acne occur under the skin, and not the surface⁵.

Don’t wear tight clothes

Don’t wear tight clothes if you have acne on your body, chest, or back. Fabric rubbing against your acne may make them worse⁷. Similarly, avoid wearing itchy and rough fabrics.

If you sweat a lot, wear loose clothing made of cotton or sweat-absorbing type of clothing. This will help prevent congestion caused by excess oil, dead skin, trapped sweat, and bacteria.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Suffering from acne? Try our acne severity screener and our acne scarring risk screener, and get connected to a dermatologist.

Please click here to send your questions or concerns. Foods, Drugs, Devices and Cosmetics Act prohibits dispensing of ethical or prescription medicines without prescription. For suspected adverse drug reaction, report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph.