While a typical response to an acne breakout is to rush to wash the face, no acne-not even blackheads-is caused by dirt. In fact, it has been proven that sebum or bacteria on the surface of the skin do not aggravate acne. Washing would improve acne only if greasy cosmetics, hair preparations, or extremely oily working conditions were contributing to blocked pores.
Otherwise, no amount of scrubbing, pore stripping, astringent, or so-called cleansing grains will get at the sebum, bacteria, and dead cells that lie in the follicles, where acne is actually caused. In fact, over-aggressive cleansing makes acne worse. Of course, normal gentle cleansing does make the skin feel better and is good for overall appearance and hygiene.
Patients often are concerned about long-term use of oral antibiotics, but over four decades of use have proven their safety.
In fact, oral antibiotics are used in acne not for their antibacterial effect but for their anti-inflammatory action. Your physician may change your antibiotic, but not because your body “gets used to” a particular one.