How Can You Treat Acne?
What is the best acne treatment? Nearly 50 million people in the United States have this common skin issue, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). If you're one of the millions of people who have acne, take a look at what you need to know about visiting a dermatologist and your treatment options.
Do At-Home Treatments Work?
Over-the-counter (OTC) at-home treatments are often the first line of defense patients try. These treatment options are easy to find, easy to use, and may help to stop some types of blemishes. But a moderate or severe case may not respond to conservative OTC treatments. If you've tried cleansers, spot treatments, masks, or other similar products at home and haven't seen results, the next step is an acne consultation with a medical provider.
Why Should You Choose An Acne Consult Service?
What are the top reasons to visit the dermatologist for this type of skin condition? Again, if at-home products haven't cleared your skin, then you will need help to reduce or eliminate breakouts. A dermatologist can examine your skin, make a diagnosis, and provide you with treatment options that you can't find in a retail store or online.
What Treatments Are Available?
Professional-strength or prescription treatments go beyond the OTC options. While some prescription treatments may include the same ingredients that you would find in OTC products, the concentration is typically stronger. A stronger concentration can provide better or quicker results.
Common ingredients found in prescription and other acne treatments include retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid. You can find these ingredients in topical creams, lotions, gels, and spot treatments.
Other treatment options that you can't find on a drugstore shelf or at your local beauty retailer include prescription antibiotics and other oral medications. Some women respond well to hormonal therapy, such as birth control pills (for hormone-induced breakouts). Isotretinoin is another oral option. This medication is used for severe acne that does not resolve with topical treatments, antibiotics, or other prescription options.
Laser therapy and the use of light devices may also help to clear your skin. But you may need to combine this type of treatment with topical/oral products.
Which Treatment Is the Best Option?
There is no one best treatment for breakouts. Different types of acne respond better or worse to different treatments. Likewise, different causes will require different solutions. This makes a visit to the dermatologist an important part of your treatment plan. The dermatologist will need to examine your skin and ask you questions about your health history, other medical conditions, and lifestyle factors (such as diet) to determine the type of acne you have and the cause behind it.
For more information, contact a company such as Aesthete Skin Studio.