Acne is caused when the pores in the skin become clogged owing to dead skin cells, bacteria build-up, or the overproduction of oil. Acne can affect people at any age but is most commonly observed in teenagers. The fluctuating hormones at the time of puberty cause the skin to overproduce oil resulting in acne. Some other factors that may trigger acne are stress, medication, pregnancy, and varying hormone levels.
Acne typically involves inflamed skin lesions or cysts that may contain pus. It is also observed in the form of blackheads, whiteheads, or scars that are persistent on the face and may sometimes be painful. In most cases, you can consult a dermatologist and receive proper treatment for your acne.
Recommended Treatments for Acne
The aim of acne treatment is to remove dead skin cells and bacteria, reduce oil production leaving the skin healthy. There are 3 types of acne treatment based on the type of acne and its severity.
Topical Treatment: This is the first type of treatment that involves applying ointments or creams to the affected skin surface. These prescription topical treatments have retinoic acid in them that exfoliate the skin and reduce the build-up of bacteria and dead skin cells. Retinoic acid is known to decrease acne formation by working at the cellular level. Topical treatment also includes other ingredients like azelaic acid and salicylic acid that function as a cleanser and remove bacteria from the pores thereby reducing inflammation and boosting skin cell turnover.
Oral Prescription Medication: Acne can also be treated by prescription oral antibiotics that are aimed at eliminating the bacteria and reducing inflammation. Mild acne can be treated by administering antibiotics such as clindamycin, or dapsone. While severe cases of acne can be treated by taking isotretinoin if any other acne treatment is not efficient. Women suffering from cystic acne are often prescribed a low dose of oral spironolactone that is known to slow down the oil production process by preventing hormones from binding with oil-producing glands.
Cosmetic Acne Treatment: Cosmetic acne treatment is recommended to treat severe acne conditions. This treatment method involves using a chemical procedure to peel off the acne. As this treatment involves chemicals, it is more effective when compared to physical exfoliation. Varying concentrations of glycolic acid, trichloroacetic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid, or lactic acid are used as chemical peelers. The peel stimulates the body’s natural collagen production and smoothens out acne scars. Other medical or surgical cosmetic procedures like laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion, microneedling, and injection with dermal fillers can also be applied to treat severe acne.
Treating Your Acne
Several skincare companies in the market provide effective treatment for acne condition so that you can look and feel your best. Whether it is teenage acne or acne occurring in adulthood, you can get treatment to reduce skin inflammation, scarring, and improve the skin’s health and appearance.
With a variety of acne treatments available for all kinds of acne, your acne does not have to go unattended. If you have this condition, contact a good acne dermatologist immediately, like the ones at Dallas Dermatology Partners and get a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for you.
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