What You Need To Know About Acne
Acne is one of the most common skin problems treated by a dermatologist. Acne is a condition affecting both teenagers and adults. If you have acne, you may be wondering about treatment options. Your dermatologist can tell you more.
The most common cause of acne is plugged pores. Pores can become plugged with dead skin cells, excess oil, bacteria, and debris. Many of the most effective acne treatments are designed to get rid of debris and other substances, opening up plugged pores. Acne treatments of this type include benzoyl peroxide topical products to help clear pores, extraction to remove blackheads or whiteheads completely, and isotretinoin products to treat severe cystic acne.
Bacteria on the skin can also cause acne. Acne treatments to clear up acne related to bacteria include topical and oral antibiotics to clear up underlying bacteria causing your acne, and laser treatment to kill underlying bacteria infecting your pores.
A third cause of acne is hormonal fluctuations, which explains why acne breakouts can increase during puberty, menstruation, and even menopause. For hormone-related acne, your dermatologist may recommend hormonal supplementation, including birth control pills to stabilize hormone levels.
When you have an acne breakout, it may be tempting to pick or pop your blemishes. Unfortunately, this habit can lead to ugly acne scarring. If you have acne scarring, your dermatologist may recommend skin resurfacing treatments, including microdermabrasion (using mild abrasive agents and suction to renew skin), microneedling (to promote collagen production to renew skin), and laser treatment (using heat and light energy to resurface skin).
You can do a lot to prevent acne by keeping your skin clean. Remember to cleanse your skin at least twice daily, avoid going to bed with makeup on your face, clean and disinfect your cell phone regularly, and use non-comedogenic makeup that won't clog pores.
Want To Know More About Acne and Acne Treatments?
To find out more about the causes and treatment options for acne, talk with an expert.