Acne is a common skin condition that affects individuals of all ages, often leading to frustration and a decrease in self-confidence. Fortunately, there are multiple effective solutions to manage and treat acne, ranging from lifestyle adjustments to medical interventions. One of the initial steps in acne management is to maintain a consistent skincare routine. Cleansing the skin twice a day with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser can help eliminate excess oil, dirt, and bacteria that contribute to acne. It is important to avoid harsh scrubbing, as it can irritate the skin and exacerbate breakouts. After cleansing, applying an oil-free moisturizer is essential to keep the skin hydrated without clogging pores. Topical treatments are fundamental to acne management. Over-the-counter products containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur are commonly employed to reduce inflammation and prevent clogged pores. For more persistent acne, prescription-strength treatments may be necessary, which can include topical retinoids or antibiotics that help prevent new breakouts and treat existing ones. In addition to topical treatments, oral medications may be required for more severe cases. Oral antibiotics can decrease inflammation and bacteria, while oral contraceptives are sometimes prescribed to balance hormones that trigger acne, especially in women. For persistent or cystic acne, a dermatologist may recommend isotretinoin, a powerful oral medication that significantly reduces acne. Lifestyle factors also influence acne. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support skin health, while limiting sugary and greasy foods may help prevent breakouts. Managing stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can also help reduce acne flare-ups caused by hormonal changes. It is always advisable to consult a dermatologist for personalized recommendations to find the most effective treatment for your specific type of acne. If topical treatment alone does not improve acne, or if the acne is severe or extensive, oral medications are the best option. If you have tried several topical medications without success, or if your condition is severe, oral acne medications are usually the next step in the treatment process. Treatment typically includes oral antibiotics and applying a prescription gel or topical cream to the skin. Depending on the individual with acne, treatment may involve using prescription creams to prevent acne, taking antibiotics to eliminate bacteria that contribute to acne, or, if the acne is severe, taking stronger medications such as isotretinoin or even undergoing minor surgery. Even if you have previously tried topical acne treatments like creams or gels without lasting results, laser therapy may be an appropriate solution for you. Although it is advisable to try natural remedies first, if you are not seeing improvement and severe hormonal acne is diminishing your quality of life, other treatments can have a significant impact. While it may take some time, addressing hormonal acne from the inside out until your hormones are balanced will allow your skin to truly heal. Although my approach is not an instant solution and will not replace everyone’s multi-drug regimen, hormonal acne can be very responsive to a more holistic approach, which means less medication and more targeted treatments. While the studio treatments offered by Carolina Skin Care can be very effective in managing acne, patients should also commit to caring for their skin at home. Various topical treatments, whether steroids for eczema or topical antibiotics for acne, may provide short-term relief, but in the long run, they can harm the skin and increase the likelihood of future issues. In addition to other treatments, you can take the most obvious step to alleviate stress-related acne: reduce stress. If the creams and antibiotics you have been prescribed are ineffective, or if you cannot tolerate the side effects of medications, you might want to consider acne treatments available at your doctor’s office. Other treatments may include birth control pills to manage acne, hormonal drainage and extraction, and laser or phototherapy.
Dr. Sandra Lee’s Videos, Episode 32
