Treatment FAQ

where to go for acne treatment

by Jayde Stiedemann Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Medication

Drying formulas dry up active breakouts and draw out impurities from the skin, which are more beneficial for treating current acne than preventing future breakouts. Evans notes that OTC skin care products containing active ingredients like sulfur and salicylic acid can be helpful in treating acne.

Procedures

And yes, it really is helpful to work with a derm to get it right—especially if your acne is more than occasional or mild. First, your derm will examine your skin to determine the severity of your acne to give it a grade (grade 1 is mild; grade 4 is severe) and figure out which type (or types) you have, the AAD explains.

Therapy

A skin doctor (dermatologist) can help. They might suggest a cream, lotion, gel, or soap that contains ingredients that can help. Many can be bought without a prescription: Aldactone (Spironolactone) blocks excess hormones.

Self-care

A spot treatment can be an effective part of improving acne. Drying formulas dry up active breakouts and draw out impurities from the skin, which are more beneficial for treating current acne than preventing future breakouts.

Nutrition

What are the best ways to treat acne?

Should you see a DERM for acne treatment?

What kind of Doctor can I See to get rid of acne?

How effective is a spot treatment for acne?

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Which doctor is best for acne treatment?

A dermatologist can help you:Control your acne.Avoid scarring or other damage to your skin.Make scars less noticeable.

Is it good to go to a dermatologist for acne?

Enlist a dermatologist's help. If you still have acne after trying these tips — or you have acne cysts or nodules (deep blemishes that leave scars when they clear) — a dermatologist can help. With today's acne treatments and a dermatologist's expertise, virtually every case of acne can be cleared.

Where can I go to clear my acne?

The bottom line If you've tried several types of treatments for your acne and nothing works, make an appointment with a dermatologist. They may prescribe treatments like antibiotics or prescription medications to help clear your skin.

Is it better to go to a dermatologist or esthetician?

Dermatologists can help you identify, control, and heal your skin, hair, and nail concerns that may require medical-grade treatments or medication, whereas estheticians will help you to achieve your more minor and cosmetic skin-care goals with services like facials and extractions.

How much does a dermatologist cost for acne?

Topical acne gels and creams typically cost between $36-$336 a year; oral acne medications cost between $72.53-$1,304.09 for a normal prescription cycle and cost between $167-$2,509 for common acne procedures. There is also an additional cost for visiting the dermatologist, which on average, is around $221.

Will acne ever go away?

Will my acne ever go away? Most often, acne will go away on its own at the end of puberty, but some people still struggle with acne in adulthood. Almost all acne can be successfully treated, however. It's a matter of finding the right treatment for you.

How do I get rid of acne permanently?

Bottom line: You can treat the superficial causes topically, but because acne involves genetics, the only permanent solution would involve gene therapy, which hasn't yet been developed. As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.

Why am I breaking out so much?

Sudden acne breakouts can be because of numerous reasons, including hormonal changes or hormonal imbalance, an unhealthy diet including lots of deep fried and junk food, release of cortisol hormones because of excessive stress, excessive production of sebum and much more.

The basics

If you have acne, you are not alone. Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. About 80% of the population is affected by acne at some point in their life.

Why trust us

Dr. Robinson is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist working in Pennsylvania. She has over 10 years of experience treating patients in outpatient, hospital, and telemedicine settings. She enjoys teaching and promotes education as the foundation for good health.

Do you have acne?

Acne usually affects teenagers but can happen in infants, children, and adults, too. It most commonly involves the face, but the neck, back, chest, and arms can also be affected.

Treatment options for mild acne

Mild acne is usually treated with topical medications, those that are applied directly to the skin. These can be single ingredients or a combination of two or three different medications, and they can exist as over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription-only products.

Treatment options for moderate to severe acne

Moderate acne tends to come with more pus-bumps, cysts, and nodules. It also usually involves more than the face and can affect the chest, back, neck, and arms. Treatment of moderate acne usually involves one or more of the topical treatments used for mild acne listed above, in addition to an oral antibiotic for the first 3 to 6 months.

Treatment options for severe acne

Severe acne usually involves cysts and nodules which are hard to treat and most likely to cause permanent scarring. Because of this, treating severe acne requires the strongest treatments.

Treatment options for hormonal acne

Hormonal changes can bring on acne. This is especially true for adult women. Hormone levels can change at several points during a woman’s life: around her period, during pregnancy, around menopause, and after starting or stopping birth control pills.

What is the best treatment for acne?

Acne treatments include prescription medications, including topical and oral varieties, and over-the-counter (OTC) skin care products.

What is the best OTC skin care for acne?

Experts agree that OTC skin care products containing ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, azelaic acid, and more may serve as a steppingstone to improving mild to moderate acne. For moderate to severe acne, a visit to a dermatologist’s office is usually warranted.

What type of acne is a comedonal?

A dermatologist will closely examine your skin to see which of the different types of lesions appear: Mild noninflammatory acne (aka comedonal acne) includes whiteheads and blackheads. Moderate inflammatory acne includes papules and pustules. Severe inflammatory acne includes nodules and cysts.

Why does acne boil down to clogged pores?

The cause of acne usually boils down to clogged pores when a mix of sebum, bacteria, and dead skin cells are trapped in a hair follicle. Each pore on the surface of skin is the opening to a hair follicle, which is made up of a hair and an oil gland.

What antibiotics are used for acne?

Both oral and topical antibiotics may be prescribed for more severe types of acne. According to Zain Husain, MD, FAAD, a board certified dermatologist in New Jersey, clindamycin phosphate is a “topical antibiotic that is highly effective in killing bacteria and reducing inflammation.

Does toothpaste help acne?

Instead of drying out acne with toothpaste, which can contain ingredients that are too harsh for skin, this paste contains active ingredients proven to combat breakouts, including sulfur, azelaic acid, and tea tree oil. It also contains witch hazel, which is commonly used in home remedies for acne.

Can you use OTC for acne?

While their first recommendation is usually to see a medical professional who specializes in dermatology, some mild acne types can be treated with simple OTC products. For moderate to severe acne, prescription-strength treatments and the expert advice of a dermatologist may be necessary.

What is the best treatment for acne?

Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics work from the inside to prevent acne-causing bacteria from living on your skin. If we prescribe antibiotics it’s usually for a limited time. Spironolactone: Some acne results from androgen hormones causing skin and hair follicles to over-produce oil, trapping bacteria.

How to start acne treatment with Nurx?

To start acne treatment with Nurx, visit the Nurx website or download the Nurx app and fill out a comprehensive online intake, detailing your skin and health history, including photos of your acne. These photos are uploaded directly into your secure Nurx account.

Does birth control cause acne?

Combination birth control: Hormone fluctuations trigger acne in many people with periods. By regulating hormones birth control pills may reduce acne. *Note: We do not prescribe the medication Accutane, which is only for severe acne and requires care by an in-person medical provider. Get Started.

What to do for acne?

For more serious acne, your doctor may prescribe: Antibiotics to kill bacteria. Birth control pills for women with acne due to hormones. Isotretinoin to help you make less oil. You may need a combination of oral medicine and a cream or lotion. Don’t stop using your treatments if your skin clears.

What is the best treatment for acne?

Some people use natural treatments like tea tree oil (works like benzoyl peroxide, but slower) or alpha hydroxy acids (remove dead skin and unclog pores) for their acne care. Not much is known about how well many of these treatments work and their long-term safety.

How to treat a swollen face?

A skin doctor (dermatologist) can help. They might suggest a cream, lotion, gel, or soap that contains ingredients that can help. Many can be bought without a prescription: 1 Aldactone ( Spironolactone) blocks excess hormones. 2 Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria and removes extra oil. 3 Clascoterone (Winlevi) is topical treatment that blocks hormones that cause acne 4 Resorcinol is an exfoliant to help unclog blackheads and whiteheads. 5 Salicylic acid keeps pores from getting clogged. 6 Sulfur removes dead skin cells.

What is the best acne treatment without a prescription?

Benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria and removes extra oil. Clascoterone (Winlevi) is topical treatment that blocks hormones that cause acne. Resorcinol is an exfoliant to help unclog blackheads and whiteheads.

How to get rid of acne on face?

Keep your hair, hands, and phone off your face. For men, shaving can irritate your skin and make acne worse. Try an electric razor, or be very careful with a blade.

How does acne affect people?

They can affect your mood and make you self-conscious. Acne happens when a pore gets clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It can affect people of all ages. But there are treatments that can help. The trick is finding what works best for you.

Where do acne pimples show up?

It often appears as an outbreak of pimples on your face. But it can also show up on your chest, neck, back, or shoulders.

What is the best acne treatment for a mild acne?

Below are the best acne treatments for occasional, mild, and some moderate acne. 1. Salicylic acid. Oh, hello, old friend. Salicylic acid is the go-to fix for pimply preteens. And cruising through the aisles at the drugstore, you’ll find it as the active ingredient on the majority of products labeled “acne wash” or “spot treatment.”.

What is the best birth control for acne?

Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Estrostep, and YAZ are all FDA-approved as acne treatments. 13. Spironalactone. Sometimes birth control alone isn’t enough to really make a difference in hormonal acne.

What grade is acne?

First, your derm will examine your skin to determine the severity of your acne to give it a grade (grade 1 is mild; grade 4 is severe) and figure out which type (or types) you have, the AAD explains. Then, they’ll see which type of treatment would work best: topical or oral (or both).

Can antibiotics help with acne?

A dermatologist can prescribe oral antibiotics to help with acne, but it’s not typically the first choice. While you might see immediate results, the acne will return as soon as you get off of the antibiotics. And Linkner warns, “While you’re on them, [you can get] yeast infections, nausea, upset stomach.”.

Can a dermatologist help with acne?

But finding the right treatment for you is part of acne self-care, and with the help of your dermatologist, you can find an acne treatment regimen that’s best for your skin. And yes, it really is helpful to work with a derm to get it right—especially if your acne is more than occasional or mild.

Can acne be in your 20s?

But adult acne is a thing, and it’s actually something that can affect people in their 20s and 30s, and even well past their 50s. And if you thought blackheads and whiteheads were annoying, the deep painful pimples that often pop up in adult acne are much more aggravating—and harder to get rid of.

Is azelaic acid good for acne?

Azelaic acid. Dermatologists aren’t sure why azelaic acid is so effective at clearing up inflammation, but it’s often used as an option for sensitive skin or pregnant patients. The ingredient is good at treating melasma, acne, and the bumps associated with rosacea, Linkner says.

How to reduce acne naturally?

Several studies suggest that taking zinc orally may reduce acne. 3. Make a honey and cinnamon mask. Honey and cinnamon have the ability to fight bacteria and reduce inflammation, which are two factors that trigger acne ( 14.

How many people have tried alternative acne treatments?

In fact, one study found that 77% of acne patients had tried alternative acne treatments ( 2 ). Many home remedies lack scientific backing, and further research on their effectiveness is needed. If you’re looking for alternative treatments, though, there are still options you can try.

What is the most common skin condition?

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the world, affecting an estimated 85% of young adults ( 1. Trusted Source. ). Conventional acne treatments like salicylic acid, niacinamide, or benzoyl peroxide are proven to be the most effective acne solutions, but they can be expensive and have undesirable side effects, such as dryness, redness, ...

How to use apple cider vinegar on sensitive skin?

How to use it. Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar and 3 parts water ( use more water for sensitive skin). After cleansing, gently apply the mixture to the skin using a cotton ball. Let sit for 5–20 seconds, rinse with water and pat dry. Repeat this process 1–2 times per day, as needed.

Why is zinc important for acne?

Zinc is an essential nutrient that’s important for cell growth, hormone production, metabolism, and immune function. It’s relatively well studied compared with other natural treatments for acne. Research indicates that people with acne tend to have lower levels of zinc in their blood than those with clear skin ( 9.

What is the process of removing dead skin cells?

Exfoliation is the process of removing the top layer of dead skin cells. You can use chemicals to achieve this, or exfoliate mechanically by using a brush or scrub to physically remove the cells ( 48#N#Trusted Source#N#).

What are the causes of acne?

Many factors may contribute to the development of acne, including: genetics. diet. stress. hormone changes. infections. Standard clinical treatments are the most effective for reducing acne. You can also try home treatments, though more research on their effectiveness is needed. Below are 13 home remedies for acne.

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Treatment

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Coping and Support

Preparing For Your Appointment

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Chaitra Prakash
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment depends on the age, type, and severity of acne.
Medication

Retinoids: Prevent clogging of hair follicles. Prescribed as topical or oral medication. To be taken under physician supervision only.

Tretinoin . Adapalene . Isotretinoin


Antibiotics: Prevent spread of bacterial infection. Prescribed as topical and oral medication.

Azithromycin . Tetracycline . Amoxicillin


Keratolytic agents: Promote skin exfoliation. Prescribed as topical agents.

Salicylic acid


Dicarboxylic acids: Reduces bacterial infection and inflammation. Prescribed as topical agents.

Azelaic acid


Sulfones: Reduces inflammation. Prescribed as topical or oral agents. Recommended in some cases.

Dapsone


Oral contraceptives: Helps control hormonal acne in women. Prescribed as oral agents. Recommended in some cases.

Estrogen/Progestin


Antiandrogens: Prevents the effect of androgen on oil glands in the skin. Prescribed as oral agents. Prescribed as oral agents. Recommended in some cases.

Spironolactone


Corticosteroids: Reduces inflammation. Prescribed as topical, oral or injection forms in severe acne.

Cortisone . Triamcinolone

Procedures

Extraction of pimples: Special tools are used to clear clogged pores, particularly whiteheads and blackheads.

Therapy

Phototherapy - Intense pulsed light:Reduces inflammation. Uses fixed frequency light to treat affected parts of skin under physician supervision.

Chemical peel:Promotes exfoliation and prevents clogging of hair follicles. Involves application of chemical agents (Alpha and beta hydroxy acids) on skin under physician supervision.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Clean the affected area with a gentle cleanser.
  • Avoid contact with irritants.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Low glycemic diet such as fruit, vegetables, pulses, fish etc
  • Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids such as canola oil, cod liver oil, flaxseed oil and mustard oil

Foods to avoid:

  • High glycemic load diet, such as chocolates, sugary foods, white rice
  • Dairy products such as white bread, milk, cheese

Specialist to consult

Dermatologist
Specializes in the study of the skin and its disorders.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

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