What You Can Do when Over-the-Counter Topicals Haven’t Combated Your Acne

Skincare can be a daunting task when you lack the results you desire, especially when your attempts for a solution become costly and annoying. Acne is common in growing adults of ages 13 to 25 but may even persist in older years. Here are a few helpful tips to guide you on what to do when over-the-counter topicals do not clear your acne.

1) Try Dermaplaning

All skin types are susceptible to acne and stubborn acne scars. When over-the-counter topicals can’t seem to do the trick, a longer-lasting solution like dermaplaning may be your best option. Dermaplaning is a painless procedure done by an expert dermatologist or esthetician that exfoliates your skin by removing dead skin cells and impurities using a special tool similar to a razor. Accompanied with regular skin cleansing and protective skincare like using sunscreen regularly and wearing sunglasses, a lighter and more natural glow is the typical result you will get. Our skincare experts will advise you on dermaplaning as an option for your skin type to ensure that your results will not regress.

2) Consider the Extraction of Acne

Instead of popping that pesky pimple, try getting it extracted professionally. When your pores are clogged because of dead skin and dirt, you get a breakout of blackheads, cysts, or whiteheads. Popping them at home makes the breakout worse and can even cause an infection. It is therefore advisable to extract acne with a professional dermatologist or esthetician’s care. Acne is extracted using extractors and blades to pull out fluids and solids that are inside the bump. It may take two to three weeks to heal completely after the extraction. If the bumps are not completely cleared out, you may experience the following side-effects:

• Flaring up of fresh acne
• Discomfort
• Scarring
• Infections

This is why it’s important to rely on the help of a dermatologist. Having a professional do it for you ensures that your skin is carefully treated and the results are what you desire.

3) Get a Chemical Peel

Want to try something a bit different but long-lasting? Getting a chemical peel may be exactly what you need. This procedure is essentially the painless cosmetic removal of your outermost skin cells by the use of chemicals to clear away clogged pores. This process, when done regularly over a period of time, gives you an improved appearance thanks to the micro-injury caused by the chemical reaction. Over time, your skin cells will begin to peel and slough away, leaving behind fresh, new, rejuvenated skin. If done by an expert dermatologist or esthetician, the effects of a chemical peel are more likely to be far more successful and long-lasting. Using sunscreen often, wearing sunglasses, and cleansing regularly will help keep the results from regressing.

So, if you’re experiencing challenges with clearing acne, you want to stop wasting money on topical treatments, and you live in Cincinnati, Ohio, our experts at The Dermatology Group can offer you dermaplaning and chemical peel treatment along with advice and other resources. Give us a call today!