Can you help? I’m a male, 25 with acne and lots of oil.

Dr. Irwin
May 6, 2012
Hello doctor, Iam 25 years old male Suffering with oily skin and acne from 4 years. My parents never had oily skin. Do I suffer with oily skin life long? Is there any product to reduce my oily skin? Please tell me

This is a little tough because you don’t tell me how bad your acne/oil is?  There are basically 4 types of acne.

 

  • Grade 1-  just blackheads and whiteheads (closed & open comedones –  plugs in the pores)
  • Grade 2-  #1 PLUS red bumps (papules)
  • Grade 3-  #1 and #2 PLUS pustules (pus filled bumps) and more redness (inflammation)
  • Grade 4-  #1, #2, #3 PLUS deep cysts that can cause scarring (indentations)

 

(Here is some more information on what these acne terms mean.)

Your oil production is related to your acne and many people with oily skin suffer with acne at some point in their life.

So what to do –  if you have Type 3 or Type 4 – the types that can cause permanent scars, you really need to see a dermatologist if you have one anywhere near you.  Permanent scarring can be almost completely prevented now with good treatment and caught early enough.

If you have  the two milder forms (#1 & #2), it’s reasonable to try the nonprescrition things first. For example, in the morning, use a salicylic acid or glycolic based wash (like the Glycare), put the Solvere Acne gel over that.  At night use the same cleanser with the SkinMedica Retinol, for example.  Link to these products. It takes 8-10 weeks to see a difference with a new acne program.  If no progress in 2-3 months or your acne gets worse, see a doctor!!  Dr. I

 

 

 

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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