Find out when you may want to turn to a dermatologist to treat your acne.
Acne is a serious problem and one that doesn’t just impact the health of your skin but also your appearance. We also know that acne isn’t always easy to treat. While some over-the-counter treatments may be effective, many people still don’t get the clearer skin they were hoping for. If you are dealing with persistent or severe acne, it’s a good time to turn to our Tustin, CA, dermatologists to find out how to better manage your breakouts.
How to Treat Acne
Most people will want to try treating their acne on their own before turning to a dermatologist. If your symptoms are mild then over-the-counter treatments may be all you need to reduce breakouts. Common at-home treatments include,
- Trying over-the-counter acne products such as a cleanser or topical gel
- Giving any new product at least eight to 12 weeks to take full effect
- Wiping down smartphone screens with antibacterial wipes at least once a day
- Being gentle with your skin and not scrubbing, which will exacerbate your skin
- Staying hydrated
- Reducing stress levels
- Getting regular exercise
- Not picking at your skin or popping pimples
When to See a Dermatologist
If you are following all the tips and tricks above and you still find that your acne isn’t responding then it’s time to schedule an appointment with our Tustin, CA, dermatologists. It’s also time to see our dermatologists if your acne is severe, producing deep painful nodules, or is interfering with your self-esteem.
What a Dermatologist Can Do
We will first determine the cause of your acne to create a treatment plan that’s most effective for you. We will talk to you about the different products you should be using to control your acne. Common treatment options include,
- Topical acne treatments: these products may contain a higher concentration of active acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid, retinoids, or benzoyl peroxide
- Systemic treatments: this includes oral medications such as antibiotics, birth control pills, and isotretinoin (for severe, cystic acne), which can target acne inflammation and bacteria
- Chemical peels: a chemical peel is a great way to treat blackheads and papules (red bumps on the skin)
- Laser therapy: This treatment is great for targeting and killing the acne-causing bacteria that sits on the surface of the skin
- Extractions: sometimes a dermatologist may be able to drain a large cyst to prevent the acne from causing scars (if the cyst is severe, we may need to inject it with medication to treat it)
Are you living with acne in Tustin, CA? Do you want a more effective treatment plan to help reduce your breakouts? If so, call Enhanced Dermatology of Orange County today at (714) 790-0005.