What
is Acne? What Causes it? How should it be treated? For answers
to these questions, click here to go to our acne
info pages.
Who
gets acne? Acne is most common among adolescents, with nearly
85 percent of people between the ages of 12 and 24 suffering from
it at least occasionally. But people of all ages can experience
it. And acne occurs in people of every race and ethnicity, though
it is somewhat more common among Caucasians.
Do
men and women differ in how they get acne? Acne affects men
and women with roughly the same frequency, though there are some
gender differences in how acne is expressed. Women are often affected
by acne flare-ups related to hormone changes connected with their
menstrual cycles, pregnancy or with the onset or cessation of oral
contraceptive use. Men, possibly due to their higher concentrations
of androgen hormones, are somewhat more likely to experience more
severe and long-lasting forms of acne than women.
I
just started using Stridex products and haven't noticed any improvement.
Do they really work? Although it's frustrating, it's a fact
that no acne products work immediately. Some people even report
that their condition gets worse for a few days after using a new
medication, probably due to their skin adjusting to the medication.
All acne treatments, including prescription products, must be used
consistently over time in order to achieve their maximum results.
Salicylic
acid, the active ingredient in most Stridex products has long been
shown to be highly effective for acne treatment and prevention.
It works by promoting the shedding of dead surface skin and by decreasing
the thickness and stickiness of skin cells and proteins that can
get trapped in the follicle. To see the best results, you should
apply Stridex products one to three times daily for a period of
at least three to four weeks.
I
scrub and scrub my face but I still get acne. What's my problem? Strangely enough, maybe the problem is the scrubbing. Too vigorous
scrubbing or the use of harsh cleansers can sometimes make the problem
of acne even worse. Face skin should be cleaned gently in the morning
and evening, and after heavy exercise. And look for cleansers that contain mild
non-irritating ingredients. Also, you might try using an acne medicated
pad, such as Stridex pads, after cleansing to leave an acne-fighting
medication behind to provide a more lasting preventative benefit
than you can get from cleansing alone.
Acne's
not such a big problem. Do I really need to do anything about it? For most people, acne is a generally mild condition. Of course,
a pimple at the wrong time is never desirable, but in truth, there
are far more concerning issues than acne. For some people, however,
severe cases can result in permanent scarring if left untreated.
Which
Stridex product is right for me? Click here for a description
of the different Stridex products, including
a summary of their benefits, ingredients and usage directions.
Some
products I've tried irritate my skin...what can I do about it? Everyone's skin is different, so it's impossible to pinpoint one
cause of skin discomfort. Often, irritation can be caused by using
a product incorrectly (too often, too vigorously, for too long of
a period, etc.) or by using the wrong type of product for your skin.
To solve the first problem, always follow directions carefully,
and, if possible, start with the minimal recommended dosage and
gradually build up as needed. For people with sensitive or irritation-prone
skin, it is sometimes best to use products formulated to be gentle
on skin, such as Stridex Sensitive
Pads. Stridex Sensitive Pads, Maximum Pads, and Essential Pads also now feature an improved, specially-textured pad with improved cleansing and a better, gentler feel.
You should immediately
discontinue using products that cause severe reactions.
At
what age can I start using Stridex products? Since everyone's
skin is different, it's impossible to give one "right" answer. Usually, the onset of acne occurs between the ages of 10
and 13, and it is appropriate to begin using Stridex products at
any point during this period or after.
When
will I stop experiencing breakouts? Will I just "grow out of" acne? For many people, acne decreases in frequency and
severity, often virtually "going away," sometime in their
early twenties. It is not unusual, however, for it to persist into
the thirties and beyond--and some people even experience acne for
the first time as adults.
Where
can I buy Stridex products? Stridex products are carried by
most major Food, Drug and Discount stores throughout the U.S. For
a partial list of retailers carrying our individual items near you,
click here.
What
company makes Stridex? The Stridex line of products is made
by Blistex Inc. of Oak Brook,
Illinois.
