How Will a Dermatologist Help with My Acne Problem?
If you suffer from acne you don’t have to suffer alone. We know it can be isolating and make you feel uncomfortable, but help is available! The dermatologists at Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute are here to help get your clear skin back. Our dermatologists will help assess the severity of your acne and provide treatment solutions too.
Why Acne Problems Occur
Acne is a common skin disease that affects many teenage and adult men and women. Acne problems most often begin as a teen when changes in hormones occur. As the sebaceous glands are overstimulated from rising hormone levels, the glands produce extra oils and excess skin cells. This creates a blockage in the form of sticky material which appears as whiteheads and blackheads. Occasionally it leads to inflammation or infection and can result in scarring.
Some individuals will have mild cases of acne that last for a few of their teenage years and others will have acne problems that continue throughout their adult life. Additionally, some may not experience acne until adulthood. Regardless of when you experience acne, there are always acne treatments to help control the problem.
Which Acne Treatment is Right for You?
You may wonder how dermatologists treat acne and fortunately Dermatology & Mohs Surgery Institute has various acne dermatologists always available to help. Their first step will be to diagnose the severity of your acne. This will help determine treatment options and which acne products to use. For mild cases of acne, over-the-counter medications may be recommended. These medications will typically include benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, both which help to keep new acne from forming. They should be used consistently for the best results.
If you have severe acne that has resulted in acne scarring, the dermatologist may recommend microdermabrasion or Dermal Optical Thermolysis (DOT) treatments. During a DOT treatment, microscopic perforations are made on the skin to help eliminate bacteria and inflammation. After treatment you will notice some redness and light peeling. Within four days of treatment your skin will look fresh and renewed. Microdermabrasion is a peeling therapy that helps to dramatically improve acne. A minimally abrasive instrument is used to remove old dead skin to improve the skin’s texture and appearance. It is a quick treatment with minimal downtime needed. Some flaking may appear before revealing your new and improved skin.
It is important to remember that whether you have mild or severe acne, there are steps you can take in your daily skincare routine to help clear up your acne. This includes washing your face twice a day with a non-drying cleanser, wearing sunscreen and not picking or squeezing any pimples. Using a gentle cleanser helps to ensure your skin doesn’t dry out and won’t irritate your acne prone skin. Sunscreen helps to protect excess sebum from creating in the sebaceous glands which is a direct cause of acne. Lastly, squeezing and picking at pimples can cause your acne to get infected, inflamed and possibly result in scarring.
You don’t have to be alone on your acne journey, our dermatologists are here to help you. If you are in Bloomington, Illinois or surrounding areas, complete this form to get in touch with an acne dermatologist.