Acne Has Ruined My Life. What Should I Do?

If you’ve struggled with acne for a long time, you’ve probably tried an exhausting amount of skincare routines and products. With acne in adults on the rise, many sufferers of this skin disease feel disheartened, isolated, and defeated.

There is, however, a possible solution: working with a skilled dermatologist. Through a number of tactics tailored to you, a dermatologist can put you on the road to clearer skin. Here are four ways they can help.

Focusing Your Skincare Routine

Many people who battle acne on their own share common misconceptions about it. They think the problem lies with dirt, grime, and sweat, so they scrub with abrasive cloths and harsh cleansers.

In many cases, this makes acne worse. A dermatologist can help you find a balanced routine fit for your skin. After a consultation, they can help you determine how frequently to wash, what to wash with, and what factors make your acne worse.

Helping You Find Over-the-Counter Medications

There’s a vast market of acne-improving medications to try. While this can be encouraging, it’s also intimidating. Trying every available acne medication is tough on your wallet and skin.

Maybe your acne would be more receptive to products containing benzoyl peroxide instead of salicylic acid. Perhaps you’re afraid of using medication because previous treatments caused allergic reactions.

With a dermatologist’s guidance, you can narrow your search and avoid harmful products. Instead of wasting time on medications not suitable for your skin, you can find medications that actually work.

Prescribing Medications

While mild to moderate acne is often receptive to over-the-counter treatments, severe and long-term cases sometimes aren’t. Whether your acne is caused by hormones or an abundance of dead skin cells clogging pores, you might need a prescription-strength solution.

The most commonly prescribed acne medications include:

• Isotretinoin for scar-forming cystic acne

• Antibiotics that kill acne-causing bacteria

• Tretinoin for blackheads and clogged pores

• Spironolactone and oral contraceptives for women with acne caused by hormonal changes

These medications may cause side effects, but by working with an experienced dermatologist, you can find one that meets your skincare goals.

Clinical Acne Treatments

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 5.1 million Americans sought medical treatment for acne in one year. For many children and adults with acne, clinical acne treatments are the only solution.

One of the most popular treatments is a chemical peel. While they’re generally used to make skin more radiant and smoother, salicylic acid peels may actually improve oily, acne-prone skin. Unlike other topical treatments, chemical peels break down skin oils on a molecular level.

These types of services are only available from licensed professionals because they can be damaging if done improperly. However, with a dermatologist’s help, they may mean the difference between coping with acne and moving past it.

Let The Dermatology Group Help You Be Acne-Free

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment for acne. We approach each case with the care and individuality our patients deserve. If acne is damaging your self-esteem, contact us today for hope and help.