What Our Dermatologists Recommend for Acne Treatments

Fun fact: Acne can occur at any stage of life and has the chance to continue even into your 40s. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, and it affects up to 50 million individuals each year.  

Acne develops when an oily substance that lubricates your hair and skin called sebum and dead skin cells clog hair follicles. Bacteria triggers inflammation, and infections result in more severe acne. Acne is a broad term for blemishes such as whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. 

Do you suffer from acne? Let The Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC, help you out. Continue reading to learn more about our acne treatments.

WHAT’S THE HYPE ON DIFFERENT SKIN TYPES? 

Different treatment options are available for each individual, depending on their skin type. See some tips below based on your skin type:   

Dry Skin

If you experience dry skin, exfoliate regularly to avoid your dead skin from getting trapped by oil in your pores which, as a result, triggers breakouts. You can also invest in a quality moisturizer with an oil-free formula and a hydrating serum. Certain products can cause you to continue having acne, so be sure to find the right treatment for your dry skin that won’t aggravate your skin complexion. 

Oily Skin

If you have oily skin, you may have a hard time finding makeup that is suitable for your skin type, like foundation. Makeup mixes with sebum and gives it a different consistency. Wash your face regularly to decrease the amount of oil your skin produces. You can also look into medicated products that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. 

Acne-Prone Skin

It is best to use oil-free moisturizers with antibacterial agents for acne-prone skin. Choose a cleanser that contains salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to clear acne sores. Gently clean your face and use your hands, for using a cloth could cause acne to rupture. Apply an oil-free foundation and avoid putting on heavy makeup to minimize acne flare-ups. 

Aging Skin

Treating your skin without exacerbating your aging skin can be a bit tricky, but it’s not impossible. Clear your skin with salicylic acid or antibacterial wash. These substances will loosen dead skin in pores and sebum doesn’t clog them up. 

Sensitive Skin

With sensitive skin, you’ll need to choose your skincare products carefully. Avoid heavy skin care products that include oil-based lotions, moisturizers and sunscreens. Also be on the lookout for products containing alcohol, dyes and fragrances. These might further irritate your skin. These products leave behind residue that clogs pores, thus developing acne. Find oil-free and noncomedogenic products. 

Additionally, using too many acne products can worsen your acne. Be careful and ask your dermatologist questions about which treatment option is best for you and your skin type to get rid of your acne. 

The Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC strives to find an acne skincare regimen that will work for all of our clients, even teenagers. 

ACNE TREATMENTS AT THE DERMATOLOGY CENTER FOR SKIN HEALTH

Combination therapies are key for treatment of acne. In office procedures, prescriptions and product options include:

• Photodynamic Light Therapy — This treatment is for acne and other skin conditions, and it is a non-invasive therapy that uses multiple sessions of light treatments in conjunction with a photosensitizing agent. The medication used for treatment activates when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
• Microdermabrasion — A treatment option to help decrease the appearance of scars caused by acne. The microdermabrasion wands lift the skin against the appropriate treatment tip and removes the topmost layer of skin.  This procedure deeply cleanses and polishes the skin.
• SkinPen® — The SkinPen is an automated micro-needling procedure that can aid in the treatment of the appearance of acne scars. It creates a fresher appearance and glows to the skin through its tiny needles that create controlled micro-injuries to the skin — this aids in the production of collagen and elastin. 
• 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. 

PRESCRIPTION TREATMENTS

Prescription treatments are dependent on the severity of the acne and include:

• Topical Therapies — Topical treatments such as a retinoid, benzoyl peroxide cleanser or a topical antibiotic.
• Oral Antibiotics 
• Isotretinoin is an effective treatment for most severe types of acne. This product works by shrinking the sebaceous glands, which results in decreased sebum and acne-causing bacteria. Acne clears significantly throughout treatment. There are side effects, including congenital disabilities. It is crucial to understand the medication before agreeing to treatment. 

ACNE SKIN CARE SYSTEMS WE OFFER

Common acne medications include salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, alpha-hydroxy acids and topical retinoids. The Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC, provides acne systems consisting of the following:

Acne System Level I

• Gly/Sal 2-2 Cleanser: Our product is a specially formulated oily skin cleanser that delivers ultra pure glycolic acid and salicylic acid USP, 2 percent for gently cleansing acne-prone and oily skin. 
• Retinol Soothing Pads: Our retinol treatment pads are the ideal therapeutic retinol treatment for acne/problem skin patients and those desiring the convenience of a pad application. 
• Gly/Sal 5-2 Pads: Salicylic acid USP, and glycolic acid are used in combination with hydrating ingredients in these easy-to-use pads to promote exfoliation, control oil, reduce breakouts and clogged pores.
• Benzoyl Peroxide 5 percent Gel: Our gel is the perfect spot treatment utilizing the antibacterial properties of benzoyl peroxide USP, 5 percent.

Acne System Level II

• Gly/Sal 2-2 Cleanser: Our specially formulated oily skin cleanser delivers ultra pure glycolic acid and salicylic acid USP, 2 percent for gently cleansing acne-prone and oily skin. 
• Gly/Sal 10-2 Pads: Salicylic acid USP, and glycolic acid are used in combination with hydrating ingredients in these easy-to-use pads to promote exfoliation, control oil, reduce breakouts and clogged pores. 
• Retinol Soothing Pads: Our retinol treatment pads are the ideal therapeutic retinol treatment for acne/problem skin patients and those desiring the convenience of a pad application. 
• Benzoyl Peroxide 10 percent Gel: Our gel is the perfect spot treatment utilizing the antibacterial properties of benzoyl peroxide USP, 10 percent. 

INDIVIDUAL PRODUCTS FOR ACNE

• Benzoyl Peroxide 5 percent and Benzaderm 10 percent with Aloe — These products contain a non-prescription antimicrobial acne treatment that kills acne-causing bacteria. The washes we offer are a therapeutic soap-free wash that cleanses and treats acne-skin without drying or irritating the skin. 
• Glycolic/Salicylic 5-2 and 10-2 Pads — Our ultra-pure glycolic acid is available in 5 or 10 percent. It contains proven acne-fighting ingredients with salicylic acid USP 2 percent. This formula unclogs pores and accelerates the removal of dead skin cells which interfere with the proper oil drainage of the skin, oral antibiotics and Isotretinoin.

It’s essential to set realistic expectations for your acne treatment. Acne treatments and therapies will not give you immediate results. It’s unlikely for a patient to see improvement after only one treatment. Carefully following the directions and plan provided by your dermatologist.

SUNSCREEN OPTIONS 

The Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC offers several options for acne prone skin:

• Line Subtracter with an Acne Booster – This product is a combination of Vitamin C with AHA to repair and protect against UV radiation. 
• UV Lotion Broad Spectrum 30+ – Our EltaMD lotion helps you develop daily sun protection. This works by keeping the moisturizing sunscreen available for the whole family. Our product will help to hydrate the skin and protect against any potential sun damage. 
• Tinted Physical Sunscreen – This next generation BB cream provides superior broad spectrum SPF 50+ UVA/UVB protection with a skin perfecting tint that reduces the signs of aging and evens skin tone.  Worn alone or under foundation, this matte finish, multi-tasking formula provides all day oil control, antioxidant benefits and gentle hydration for even the most sensitive skin.

CONTACT US | THE DERMATOLOGY CENTER FOR SKIN HEALTH, PLLC

At the Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC, we see many patients who have tried multiple over-the-counter products for their acne with no improvement. Acne is curable, and we want to help. We offer several different products and services proven to be effective in acne treatment.

If you’re ready to make an appointment to discuss options for curing your acne, give us a call at 304-598-3888. We look forward to meeting you and encourage you to make your appointment soon. Waiting will increase the chances that your acne will worsen or scar.

Learn about the treatment options for acne and how to feel like yourself again by downloading our guidebook. This guidebook includes items such as:

• What causes acne?
• Treatment options 
• Prescription products such as Accutane

Learn how you can cure your acne with our free guidebook: