Acne Dermatologist

Looking for a Acne Dermatologist near me? 

Acne may be a very common skin condition, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to handle all on your own. If you’re struggling with acne, no matter how severe, getting help from a dermatologist is simple and can do a great deal of good for your skin and self confidence.

How Dermatologists Help Acne

1. Can dermatologists help with acne?
Yes, dermatologists can definitely help with acne. They are medical professionals who specialize in skin care and can provide a range of treatments for acne, including topical and oral medications, in-office procedures, and advice on skin care routines.

2. What do dermatologists recommend for acne?
Dermatologists may recommend a variety of treatments for acne, depending on the severity of the condition and the individual needs of the patient. These may include topical creams or gels, oral medications such as antibiotics or hormonal treatments, chemical peels or microdermabrasion, or a combination of different approaches.

3. Why does my acne won't go away?
There are many reasons why acne may persist, despite efforts to treat it. These can include underlying hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, stress, poor diet or lifestyle habits, certain medications or skincare products, or simply an ineffective treatment regimen. It is important to work with a dermatologist to identify the root cause of your acne and develop a personalized treatment plan.

4. What does hormonal acne look like?
Hormonal acne can take many different forms, but it tends to appear in areas of the face that are most sensitive to hormones, such as the chin, jawline, and lower cheeks. Hormonal acne may appear as deep, painful cysts or nodules, or as smaller, red bumps or pustules. It may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as irregular periods or increased facial hair growth in women.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR ACNE

The first step in treating acne is determining what its primary cause is. Acne happens when the skin produces too much sebum, or oil. While this oil is necessary for protecting the skin from dryness, too much of it is a bad thing.

Excess oil collects dirt and dead skin cells, leading to clogged pores that in turn develop into acne. But what causes the body to produce excess oil? The most common issue is hormones.

Hormones are at high levels in the body during certain periods in a person’s life, most notably puberty and pregnancy. Some people have naturally oily skin, and hormones don’t factor into their acne much.

Adult acne can persist despite the lack of hormonal changes. It’s important to make sense of what may be leading to your acne so that it can be best treated, as there are some options that are unsafe for pregnancy.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

Usually, when a dermatologist observes moderate to severe acne and determines a probable trigger, they will start treatment with a topical medication. To take quick control of severe breakouts, a combination of antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide are prescribed.

These topical drugs work together to kill bacteria on the skin that can make acne more intense. Antibiotics are not something that can be taken for very long, as their potency diminishes. But as a first line of defence, antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide can be indispensable. If this controls a person’s acne, it’s possible no further treatment will be necessary.

The next commonly prescribed drug would be a topical acid like salicylic or azelaic acid. Ointments containing these compounds are available over the counter, but many times acne needs a prescription strength drug to help. Acids do a few things for treating acne. They can help to eliminate excess oil on the surface of the skin. Additionally, acids dissolve dead skin that can collect and clog pores. By performing double duty, acids can greatly reduce mild to moderate acne.

Finally, there are the retinoids. The most commonly prescribed drug, isotretinoin (or Roaccutane), is a high dose of vitamin A. This oral drug works to inhibit the skin’s oil production, thereby reducing the likelihood of acne forming.

This is a powerful drug, and it should only be prescribed for moderate or severe acne that hasn’t responded to other prescription treatments. It isn’t without its side effects either. Since it’s so powerful at stopping oil production, it can cause dry skin, which poses other problems.

IN-OFFICE TREATMENTS

Fortunately, even if Accutane doesn’t work for you, there are other powerful acne treatments that your dermatologist can administer right in the office. Microdermabrasion is a process for greatly reducing the appearance of acne. It works by jumpstarting the skin’s natural healing processes.

During microdermabrasion, a tool is administered to the skin that exfoliates and removes the top layers of dead skin and dirt. This allows the skin to heal from acne and shrinks pores, which are less prone to become clogged in the future. Microdermabrasion should be done before undergoing prescription treatment, as it can have negative interactions for people taking retinoids or antibiotics.

Laser treatment is another effective way your dermatologist can reduce the appearance of acne. Since there are many different types of acne, there are many different types of highly attuned lasers for treating each type.

Their goal is the same, however, to penetrate the skin and eliminate bacteria using concentrated heat and light. By damaging the skin, laser treatment also encourages healthier skin to grow in the place of acne, no matter how deep it goes.

Your dermatologist can do far more for your acne than even the best at-home and over-the-counter treatments. Get a handle on your acne.

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