• Resist Picking or Squeezing: Rub ice pustules and pimples for a couple of minutes, twice a day. IMPORTANT: if you pick, squeeze, and break the skin, that scab will leave a red or dark mark that will be there for months longer than if you left it alone.
• Birth Control and Hormone Replacement: Forms of birth control that contain low doses of estrogen can be higher androgen hormones, and that combination may aggravate acne-prone skin. Please speak with your doctor about the birth control method that will be best for you. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the benefits and risks of any birth control. Please see the Birth Control and Acne Simplified handout for more detailed information.
Progesterone hormone replacements may exacerbate acne. If you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, it can cause hormonal changes and breakouts.
• Prescription Drugs: Prescription drugs that may exacerbate acne include some topical and oral steroids, anticonvulsants, thyroid medications, fertility drugs, Isoniazid, Imuran, Danazol, Gonadotrophin, Cyclosporin, Disulfiram, and drugs that treat ADD/ADHD.
Other topical drugs that must be discontinued at least 14 days prior to receiving a treatment or starting active products include Azelex, Finacea, Retin-A, Tazorac, Differin, Clindamycin (Cleocin-T), Erythromycin (Erygel), and Dapsone (Aczone). This includes any topical treatment from Proactive or Curology that is not benzoyl peroxide only.
If you are taking oral Isotretinoin, consult your Acne Expert for guidance on how long you must wait after discontinuing use, prior to starting treatments and active products.
• Recreational Drugs: Recreational drugs that may exacerbate acne include marijuana, cocaine, and amphetamines (speed).
• Chemicals: Coal tars (roofers), grease (mechanics, cooks, waiters), chlorinated industrial chemicals, and dioxin can exacerbate acne.
