Acne is something we all wish we could avoid. As young adults wanting to feel our best, it is of particular concern. Luckily, there are various ways to fight acne and keep skin looking fresh.

Acne is caused by multiple variables, including bacteria, hormones, heredity, stress and drugs, which is why it can seem so difficult to combat. Some simple steps teens can take to begin the fight against acne include having a healthy diet, getting plenty of rest, identifying and controlling stress, and gently washing skin with a cleanser and water.

“What we recommend is cleansing with a gentle cleanser in the morning and at night. You don’t want to use soap because soap can clog your pores,” said Margo Klaus RN, BSN, DNC, director of nursing at the Soderstrom Skin Institute.

According to Klaus, there are other simple steps young adults can take that contribute to skin health. One tip is to use the right kind of makeup. Klaus said that one of the best types of makeup for skin is Bare Escentuals Mineral Makeup, and it is the one makeup that can be slept in without causing any skin irritation or bacteria buildup. For any other makeup, it is always recommended to cleanse your face before bed. Another tip for healthy skin is to avoid picking at acne, because picking can lead to scarring, Klaus said. Moisturizing everyday is also recommended, especially if the moisturizer has sunscreen in it.

“I have used Bare Minerals for a very long time and I have always had healthy skin,” said Georgina O’Driscoll, freshman in General Studies. “When I recently tried out a liquid foundation, I broke out really bad. As soon as I switched back to Bare Minerals my face cleared up and it is still clear.”

It can be hard to find quick fixes for sudden breakouts, however, Klaus recommended a device known as the Zeno. Klaus explained that the Zeno is placed on the pimple, heating and killing the bacteria within the pimple to a certain degree and helping the acne go away quicker.

Although these simple steps contribute to clear skin, over-the-counter products are not particularly strong and prescribed treatments are most effective.

“Specifically for acne, we recommend benzyl peroxide in the morning, because that kills germs, and then in the afternoon we recommend washing your face and putting Retin-A on it,” Klaus said. “What Retin-A does is it exfoliates and cleans out the pores, causing your face to peel.”

Klaus said that Retin-A is the only topical that prevents acne, rather than treats it.

At night, Klaus recommends using Nomlin’s lotion. “It is like a drying lotion, and it has some calamine in it and some alcohol. You put it on wherever you have acne and let it dry,” she said.

For more severe acne, there are other treatments which Klaus noted. These include antibiotics such as tetracycline, minocycline, bactrim DS and occasionally doxycycline. For extremely severe cases, Klaus recommended Acutane, a pill with a high dose of Retin-A.

Because acne on the back is usually severe, said Klaus, there is no simple fix. Usually, people who have “backne” are put on oral antibiotics, which Klaus said are safe and effective. Another treatment Klaus noted is Nomlin’s lotion, which can simply be applied a few minutes before bed.

“I used to over-wash and put alcohol on my pimples because I heard that got rid of them. Instead, it ended up making things worse. My face became dry and irritated,” said Matt O’Malley, senior in LAS.

When looking for ways to deal with acne, don’t let the common acne myths play a role. One common myth Klaus noted is that acne is a disease of dirt. Many people go to extremes in washing their skin, however, this is ineffective and can actually irritate the skin.

Another myth is that certain foods cause acne, Klaus said. Very rarely is this the case, however, a balanced diet is recommended.

Lastly, Klaus said it is a common misconception that acne disappears at a certain age. Acne affects people of all ages, and while the majority of patients are teens, adults are victims as well.

All in all, a key strategy for combating acne is to maintain a clean, moisturized face. In most cases, however, seeing a dermatologist is most effective.