If you are struggling with stubborn breakouts, you are not alone. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 50 million Americans are affected by acne each year, making it the most common skin condition in the United States. Acne usually begins in puberty, but it can occur at any stage of life.
Acne is more than an annoyance. Treating acne can be a frustrating process and is different for everyone. Though there is no overnight remedy, our dermatologists at the Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC, can help you find the right treatment options to improve your skin and acne. And while medication is a commonly prescribed treatment option, there are other alternatives to treating acne without taking it. Continue reading to learn more.
WHAT IS ACNE?
Acne is a common chronic skin disorder that affects the hair follicles and the sebaceous gland. It occurs when hair follicles become blocked by excess skin cells and combine with sebum, which blocks pores. Sebaceous glands produce sebum, which is an oily substance that lubricates skin and hair. When the oil gland gets clogged, bacteria builds up and causes inflammation of the follicle resulting in a breakout.
WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF ACNE?
Acne is most often found on the face; however, it can also be found on the neck, chest and back.
Characteristics of acne can include:
- Blackheads and whiteheads
- Inflamed papules and pustules
- Nodules and cysts (severe acne)
- Skin discoloration and scars
The number and type of lesions will help your dermatologist classify your acne as mild, moderate or severe, as well as determine the best course of treatment.
HOW CAN ACNE BE TREATED WITHOUT TAKING MEDICATION?
Acne can create an emotional toll on those affected by it, but there is hope — acne is treatable, and new breakouts are preventable. While medication is a commonly prescribed treatment option, there are alternatives to obtaining clearer skin without taking medication.
Acne is also treated with a combination of acne-friendly skincare products, lifestyle changes and skin treatments and procedures based on the type and severity of acne that you have. Your dermatologist will develop a personalized treatment plan that is right for you.
Use Acne-Friendly Skincare Products
Common active ingredients found in acne skincare products include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide and topical retinoids. These ingredients each fight against the different causes of acne.
- Benzoyl peroxide decreases P. acnes bacteria
- Salicylic acid eases inflammation and unclogs pores
- Retinoids unclog pores and reduce oiliness
You should only incorporate products that will not cause breakouts. Look for skincare products that are oil-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic. At the Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC, we offer our Acne Skin Care System, which allows you to try some of our medical-grade acne-friendly products for a discounted price.
You can view a list of all of our acne-friendly skincare products here.
Finding the right combination of products to treat acne can be challenging since treatment is different for everyone and depends on many considerations. It is best to enlist the help of your dermatologist to tailor the best products to your needs.
Wash Your Skin Twice Daily
Acne-prone skin is sensitive. Therefore, The American Academy of Dermatology recommends only cleansing your skin twice each day. Cleansing more often than that can irritate your skin and cause your acne to worsen. For best results, dermatologists recommend gently washing your face in the morning and at night or after sweating.
Gently cleanse with your hands and never scrub your skin. Scrubbing can irritate and cause your acne sores to rupture. Choose a cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to clear acne sores and rinse your skin with lukewarm water. You can find benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in some of our medical-grade cleansing products.
Treat Acne-Prone Skin With In-office Procedures
Combination therapies are essential for the treatment of acne. Our in-office procedures include:
- Photodynamic Light Therapy: Photodynamic Light Therapy is a non-invasive therapy that uses multiple light treatment sessions in conjunction with a photosensitizing agent — an inactive medication that only activates when exposed to ultraviolet radiation or sunlight. The medication used for treatment activates when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. It can help treat acne and other skin conditions.
- Dermasweep: Dermasweep is a 30-minute micro-surfacing treatment engineered to treat different skin conditions, including acne. The procedure is performed in two stages. The first stage involves the exfoliation of clogged pores and dead skin using a vacuum with a gentle bristle tip. The second stage involves the infusion of healing solutions such as alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acid to help regulate oil production, aid in killing P. acnes bacteria and calming inflammation. This treatment also stimulates collagen production and thus can help decrease the appearance of scars caused by acne.
- SkinPen: The SkinPen is an automated micro-needling procedure that can aid in the appearance of acne scars. It offers a minimally invasive, non-ablative option for rejuvenating the skin. This micro-needling tool utilizes needles that penetrate the skin at a 90-degree angle, creating hundreds of small, vertical routes to the dermis so that your skin’s natural healing factor is triggered.
- Chemical Peel: A chemical peel is a skin-resurfacing procedure that removes the top layers of the skin. Your regenerated skin is smoother and more youthful in appearance. It can help improve acne and other skin conditions.
- Vascular Laser Treatment: Vascular laser treatments send pulsed laser energy into blood vessels or pigmented areas. At the Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC, we use the VBeam Perfecta®. This system yields excellent results with no damage to the surrounding skin and can help treat acne scars and other skin conditions or lesions.
Additional Tips to Consider
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends these additional tips to achieve clearer skin:
- Resist the temptation to touch, pick or pop your acne
- Keep your hands off your face to avoid flare-ups
- Wash your pillowcases, hats and other things that touch acne-prone skin
- Stay out of the sun and tanning beds
WHAT SHOULD THE EXPECTATIONS FOR ACNE TREATMENT BE?
You must have realistic expectations for your acne treatment. Acne treatments and therapies will not give you immediate results. It is unlikely for a patient to see improvement after only one treatment. Carefully follow the directions and plan provided by your dermatologist to see optimal results. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should begin to see results in four to six weeks; it can take two to three months or longer to see acne clearing.
HOW CAN MY DERMATOLOGIST HELP? CONTACT THE DERMATOLOGY CENTER FOR SKIN HEALTH, PLLC
Patients often experience embarrassment and anxiety as a result of their acne. The psychological effects can impact social lives and in extreme cases, even employment. But the treatment of acne usually leads to a significant improvement in self-esteem. If you are ready to make an appointment to discuss options for curing your acne, give us a call at (304) 598-3888 or click here. We’re currently accepting new patients and encourage you to make your appointment soon. We look forward to hearing from you!
We also recommend downloading our Guide to Acne if you would like to learn more about curing acne and how to feel like yourself again.
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Skin conditions by the numbers
