What Types of Treatments Are There for Acne?

Learn more about your treatment options for getting acne under control

Dealing with acne? Want to know the different treatment options available so you can make a better and more informed decision regarding your skin health? A dermatologist can be the ideal medical specialist to turn to address questions or concerns about your acne. Here are some of the ways you can treat your breakouts,

Lifestyle Changes

If your acne is mild, you may wish to try your luck at changing your current lifestyle, habits and diet to see if that offers an improvement. Most individuals who may these changes do see an improvement in the number of breakouts,

• Quit smoking
• Stay hydrated
• Get an adequate 7-9 hours of sleep
• Avoid the sun
• Eat a healthy, clean diet
• Exfoliate two times a week
• Wash your face twice a day
• Schedule makeup-free days
• Get regular exercise (don’t forget to wash your face after sweating)
• Reduce stress
• Limit alcohol

Home Treatment Options

While a dermatologist should treat more severe or painful acne, if your acne is mild or moderate and you want to see if over-the-counter options work for you, it certainly won’t hurt to try. Look for cleansers and ointments that contain active acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Products containing tea tree oil, aloe vera or witch hazel may also improve acne-prone skin. Just know that no treatment will work overnight. It takes several weeks to see results, so be patient.

Treatments that Require a Dermatologist

Of course, if you’ve been trying to treat your acne for months on your own without success or your acne is deep, nodule or cystic, a dermatologist is the right specialist to turn to for care. Home remedies and lifestyle changes often aren’t effective for more severe cases. The treatment plan your dermatologist creates will be tailored to your needs. Acne treatments may include,

• Prescription ointments or creams with a higher concentration of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide
• Laser or light therapy
• Chemical peels
• Regular facials
• Steroid injections
• Antibiotics
• Hormonal bill control
• Retinoid
• Tretinoin

If acne impacts your appearance and self-esteem, you owe it to yourself to speak with a dermatologist who can provide you with more effective treatment options so you can feel confident in your skin again.