Popping Questions, Not Pimples!

Popping Questions, Not Pimples! 

You wake up one morning and start going through your regular morning routine when- hold on, what is that? Why is there a big red bump on your forehead? Many of us are introduced to some form of acne as early as our pre-teen years and even up to our mid-twenties. 

Acne is incredibly common - so if you are dealing with annoying breakouts, you are certainly not alone. The good news? We have several treatments that are proven to work, and many of them come in creams, gels, or washes you apply directly to your skin. Read on to learn more about ways to handle acne from our Adolescent Medicine residents at the Ybor Youth Clinic!   

Why topical treatments matter: 

Topical acne medications work right where acne starts by:  

1. Unclogging pores 

2. Reducing bacteria  

3. Calming inflammation 

4. Preventing new breakouts  

Most people need to consistently use these types of products daily for at least 6-8 weeks to see any difference. Acne treatment is a marathon, not a sprint.  

Benzoyl Peroxide:  

What it does: Kills bacteria, reduces inflammation, and prevents antibiotic resistance.  

Best for: Red and inflamed pimples. 

How to use it: Over-the-counter product in a variety of strengths 

• Start low (2.5 - 5%), washing once daily 

• Can increase to twice daily as tolerated  

Watch out for: Dryness, staining of towels/pillows, and can cause allergic contact dermatitis. 

Topical Retinoids:  

What it does: Unclogs pores, prevents new blackheads, increases skin turnover, helps with acne scaring. 

Best for: Blackheads, whiteheads, prevention of new acne. 

How to use it: Prescription strength (tretinoin, tazarotene) or over the counter (Adapalene/Differin) 

• Apply a pea-sized amount to the whole face 

• Start with 2-3 nights weekly, and increase to nightly as tolerated  

Watch out for: Dryness; daily sunscreen is a MUST as these products make your skin very sensitive. 

Topical Antibiotics:  

What it does: Reduces acne-causing bacterial overgrowth which calms inflammation. 

Best for: Blackheads, whiteheads, cystic acne. 

How to use it: Usually applied nightly all over face (gel or cream formulation). 

Watch out for: Important to use with Benzoyl Peroxide to prevent bacteria from becoming resistant. 

Salicylic Acid:  

What it does: Exfoliates pores, reduces blackheads and whiteheads. 

Best for: Mild acne, clogged pores. 

How to use it: Often found in cleansers, toners, exfoliating pads, and spot treatments. 

Azelaic Acid:  

What it does: Reduced inflammation, helps clogged pores, and fades dark spots. 

Best for: Sensitive skin, redness, and dark marks left over after acne heals. 

How to use it: Often found in toners and serums; there are over the counter and prescription strengths. 

How to build the best skin care routine:  

It can be super overwhelming to understand all the information regarding acne out on the internet, and every person needs something a little different, but let's start with a common, evidence-based routine that medical providers often recommend.  

AM:  

• Gentle cleanser (Cervae, Cetaphil, Vanicream) 

• Benzoyl Peroxide 

• Moisturizer (oil free and non-comedogenic)  

• Sunscreen (at least SPF 30) 

PM: 

• Gentle cleanser  

• Topical retinoid  

• Moisturizer  

Final Takeaway:  

There’s no “one perfect product” that fixes acne overnight — real improvement comes from using the right combination of treatments consistently and giving your skin time to respond. Breakouts are a normal part of being a teen, but suffering with them in silence isn’t necessary. If your current routine isn’t working, that doesn’t mean you failed — it just means your skin may need a different plan. With the right guidance and a little patience, clearer skin is a very realistic goal. 

Logan Martin, MD    

PGY-3 USF Pediatrics    

Ybor Youth Clinic  - You can learn more information about making an appointment here!