Some people say that after spending a lot of money on acne ointment, their face actually got worse. Lee Sang-ju, a dermatologist who runs a skin concern counseling center, says that in most such cases, the cause is not the medication itself, but rather the method of application.
Acne Ointment is Medicine, Not Cosmetics
Director Lee Sang-ju defines acne ointment as medicine. He explains that using a lot of medicine does not make it heal faster; instead, it can damage the skin barrier due to irritation. Therefore, controlling the amount is paramount. He explains that a pea-sized amount is sufficient for the entire face, and a grain-of-rice-sized amount is enough for localized areas.
Application Order Determines Results
Many people, including those with sensitive skin and general acne patients, experience stinging when applying ointment immediately after washing their face. Director Lee Sang-ju recommends applying the ointment after completing basic skincare with facial cleansing and moisturizer.
After applying in this order for about 2 weeks and allowing your skin to adapt, you can then apply it immediately after washing your face.
The application time also varies depending on the ingredients. Vitamin A derivative ingredients are sensitive to light, so it is best to apply them at night. Antibiotic ointments, on the other hand, are applied consistently twice a day, morning and evening, to prevent bacterial growth. When using both ingredients together, one method is to apply the antibiotic ointment in the morning, and then apply both or only the Vitamin A derivative in the evening.
Observation is Needed for the First 2-3 Days
Director Lee Sang-ju advises observing your skin's reaction for 2-3 days, or up to 1-2 weeks, when starting an ointment for the first time. If it stings too much, or if there is severe exfoliation or itching, it may not be suitable for your constitution. In such cases, he recommends stopping the application, allowing the skin to calm down sufficiently, and then restarting with a small amount. He explains that irritation from ointment usually stems from one of three causes: a large amount, frequent use, or sensitive skin, so it is desirable to adjust according to the cause.
Director Lee Sang-ju's conclusion is that simply applying acne ointment correctly can reduce the number of times you need to visit a dermatologist again.