Pimple face

So I a 21 year old male and I have terrible acne. One minute my face looks OK and then literally 10 minutes later i have 2 or 3 pimples popping up. I don't know what to do. I try showering and washing my face 3 or 4 times a day and still pimples. When I try a new acne product all that happens is it drys my face out and I still get pimples.  It's getting pretty embarrassing being with friends and being in pictures and being the only one without a clear face. Does anyone have any suggestions.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Acne is due to an overactivity and plugging of the oil glands. The main cause of acne is increased levels of hormones during adolescence. Acne usually lasts until age 20 or even 25. It is rare for acne to leave any scars unless picked.

Just keep you face clean by washing with a mild soap atleast twice a day. Pat it dry and do not rub it. Avoid picking or pressing the acne. You can also use Benzoyl peroxide 5% lotion or gel once at bedtime. An amount of lotion the size of a pea should be enough to cover most of your face. If your skin becomes red or peels, you are using too much of the medicine or applying it too often. If the symptoms persist then oral and topical antibiotics like Clindamycin and tretinoin/isotretinoin or accutane may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.