acne

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Hot or Cold Water for Acne: Which is Better?

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Have you ever thought about which temperature of water is best when washing your face? Is it hot or cold water for acne? Here is what AC Skin Health dermatologist, Dr. Amy Chua has to say.

Let us look at the pros and cons of using the different temperatures in washing our face.

Hot water

Using warmer temperature of water may make you feel like you are enjoying a hot bath or sauna. This may be relaxing and destressing. However, when you read the next paragraph, it may not be so relaxing for you anymore.

Washing our face (or body for that matter) with hot water strips off protective oil from our skin. Our skin may perceive this as being dry, hence it responds with overproduction of oil. In general, more oil relates to more acne and uh-oh, that is bad news. Hot water, especially temperature over 40C may affect the integrity of the skin barrier and make you more prone to irritation, infection, and acne. Another effect of hot water on our skin is making you more prone to wrinkles! It seems then that washing your face (or taking a bath) with hot water, may bring your skin more harm than good.

Cold water

Have you tried melting an ice cube on your pustules and papules? If you haven’t, you may try getting an ice cube and sliding it over your inflammatory pimples a few times. You might notice that applying ice can lessen pain, redness, and swelling of inflamed acne.

We don’t know however if using cold water may produce the same results. Most likely not. Water from the faucet is usually not that cold. More so, your skin will be exposed to cold water for only a short period of time. How many seconds or minutes does it take you to wet and rinse off your facial cleanser? While using cold water may not be harmful, it will most likely have minimal benefits on our skin.

Our verdict

It is recommend to wash your face with lukewarm water – not too hot, not too cold, just right! Most products are also designed to be used with lukewarm water. But if you prefer to use cold water, feel free to do so too!

Here are more of AC Skin Tips for healthy and safe washing of face:

  • Use lukewarm to cold water.
  • Perform gentle washing of face using hands.
  • Avoid scrubbing cloths, loofah or scrubbing and exfoliating tools.
  • Use a gentle cleanser, or a soap/wash prescribed by your dermatologist for your specific skin needs.
  • Limit washing to 2x a day. Washing too often may dry your skin and result in overproduction of oil and we don’t want to suffer from more acne!

Hope you learned something today!

Keep safe and stay healthy! Cheers to healthy skin!

For inquiries and to set your appointment, CONTACT us here.

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Acne Scars – Types and Risk Factors

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Learn about acne scars – the different types of acne scars and what factors increase your risk for developing acne scars.

Acne is usually temporary, while acne scars may last forever. Both acne and acne scars can cause anxiety, social withdrawal, even depression.

Different types of scarring

During the healing process, our body produces collagen in the area of the wound, or in this case, of acne.

Depressed or atrophic scars

            These scars signify lack in production of collagen in the wound healing process. The three types of atrophic scars area: rolling, box, and ice pick scars.

Raised or hypertrophic scars

            These scars signify overproduction of collagen. Scars may either be hypertrophic or keloid. You may develop this type of scars on the face, chest, back or shoulders. Unfortunately, our Asian descent is also a risk factor for hypertrophic scarring.

Who develops acne scars?

Anyone can get acne scars! Here are some of the factors that make you more prone to developing acne scars.

  • Family history

Like acne, scarring is also largely genetic. Look at your parents and other blood relatives. If they have scars – atrophic/depressed or hypertrophic/raised scars, then you are at greater risk of developing acne scars.

  • Inflammatory acne

Inflammatory acne is characterized by red, painful, and swollen pimples. Usually the deeper or more severe the pimples, the greater the risk of scarring! Acne that presents as cysts and nodules almost always heal with scarring especially if left untreated.

  • Delaying treatment or does not treat inflammatory acne

Already have acne but not paying mind to it?  Delaying or not treating your acne is another risk factor for developing those unsightly scars. Remember the more acne you have, the greater risk of each one to result in a scar.

  • Improper picking of acne

Some people love to pop, squeeze or prick their own pimples! Please try to avoid this especially if you are not trained professionally. This can cause more inflammation, hence more risk of scarring. Another danger is using unsterile hands and instruments in cleaning your zits. This is best left to dermatologists and well-trained skin therapists.

We have listed down the risk factors, not everyone who has risk factors develop acne scars, and vice versa! Some people who do not have risk factors may still get scars from acne! So what do you do? Treat your acne early and entrust your skin care and facial needs to your board-certified dermatologists.

For your acne, acne scars and other skin concerns, you may book your appointment with our board-certified dermatologists. Here is the booking link.

Cheers to healthy skin!

Stay tuned for updates and promos, follow and like us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For inquiries, CONTACT us here.

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ACNE: When To Consult

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Acne can present in varying severity from zits, blackheads, whiteheads to papules, pustules, painful nodules and cysts. This is a guide for patients on when to consult your dermatologist for acne.

For mild acne, those with few zits and occasional pimples, you can initially try over-the-counter (OTC) products available in the market.  Some of the important ingredients to spot in these topical products are: salicylic acid, glycolic acid, tea tree oil, witch hazel, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinol, niacinamide, etc. In general, these preparations can address mild acne.

Just keep in mind, you want your active ingredients listed in the first three or first five of the ingredients list. Also, percentage of active ingredients in OTCs is usually of lower concentration making it mild and safe for use without supervision of a dermatologist.

when to consult your dermatologist

1. no improvement

If the products that you have been using have not improved your acne, go ahead and consult with your dermatologist. Bring with you a list of the products that you have been using including their ingredients, so your dermatologist will be guided in making your treatment plan.

2. new breakouts

If your regimen clears your zits but you continue to have new breakouts, you may want to set your appointment with your dermatologist.

3. worsening acne

Likewise, if you notice you are suffering from more zits, blackheads, whiteheads, or if you develop more pustules, and painful cysts and nodules. Do not delay, consult your dermatologist right away! Having deeper lesions such as cysts and nodules make you more prone to developing unsightly scars – and scars are more challenging and more expensive to treat!

4. scarring

You may develop dark spots once your zit dries. Some also experience atrophic scars, which are more difficult to treat. Remember, acne is preventable and more treatable vs. scars. Consulting early will save you from scars, which in the long run will save you money.

5. emotional and psychosocial effects of acne

Another thing to consider is the psychosocial effect of acne. Your acne may be mild, moderate or severe, but anxiety or depression may be experienced because of your zits. You may at times feel like staying home instead of meeting your friends. Do not ignore these feelings, and consult your dermatologist right away.

We hope these AC SkinTips help you decide when to consult your dermatologist for acne.

You may book your appointment with our board-certified dermatologists, just follow the link.

Cheers to healthy skin!

For inquiries and to set your appointment, CONTACT us here.

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Acne: Tips to Achieve Clearer Skin

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Almost all have experienced problems with acne. You may experience it beginning your teenage years, while some have acne on their 20s, 30s, or even later. Acne can present as blackheads, white heads, inflamed papules, pustules, cysts and nodules.

Follow these simple tips to avoid aggravating your acne to achieve clearer skin.

Cleansing your skin is important at least twice a day. Once in the morning and once again before you sleep at night. For most people, twice a day is enough frequency. However if you sweat, for example after a work out, it is also better to wash your skin as soon as possible.

It is recommended to use a mild cleanser. This prevents excessive drying of your skin. Mild cleansers usually are non-comedogenic or products that does not contain ingredients that can cause acne flare-ups.

Gently wash face using your fingertips. Avoid using scrubs, face towel, and loofah. Being overzealous in cleansing can irritate your skin resulting in worsening of your acne.

Touching your skin can cause flare-ups! Not to mention it increases your Covid-19 risk. So avoid touching your face at all costs! Moreover, picking and touching your blackheads, whiteheads and pimples increase the risk for scarring. Next time you want to pop or squeeze your pimple, avoid the urge please!

Consult your dermatologist if these simple steps do not control your acne. Your dermatologist will give you a treatment plan that is appropriate and customized to your specific skin needs.

You can book with AC Skin Health and consult with our board-certified dermatologists. Book Now!

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