- Acne isn’t just for teenagers.
While acne most commonly occurs during puberty, and usually clears towards the end of adolescence, that’s not always the case. Acne can appear in younger kids at the very beginning of puberty, even at ages 9-11. Acne can also appear in adulthood, particularly in women. Both males and females can be affected by acne.
- There are many causes of acne.
The reason people have acne is multifactorial. Some of the causes include overactive oil glands, a bacteria called P. acnes, and family history. Other factors such as stress and hormones can also worsen breakouts. Diet seems to play a role in breakouts, but it is not yet clear exactly how impactful this is. Keeping a low-glycemic diet with fruits and vegetables, and avoiding milk have been proposed as ways to change diet to improve breakouts, but these have not yet been studied thoroughly. Acne does not come from washing too much or not enough or from greasy hair, although those are some common myths.
- There are treatments for acne.
The good news about acne is that there are plenty of treatment options available. These options include washes, topical creams or gels, and pills. Many washes and creams are available over the counter from brands like Neutrogena and Clean and Clear. These products will typically contain either salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Although these choices are readily available, they may not be strong enough for everyone’s acne.
There are also prescription strength creams and washes that can be prescribed by a dermatologist depending on the type and severity of your acne. It may take a combination of different products to get a clear face, and consistent use is very important.
Oral antibiotics are sometimes used as acne treatment to decrease the inflammation in the skin, but not all antibiotics are used for acne, and pills are not always indicated. If you are dealing with moderate to severe acne that has not responded to washes or creams, consider making an appointment with a dermatologist to see if there are any other options available.
Isotretinoin, also known as Accutane, is also an option at times when acne consists of large cystic lesions or there is significant scarring involved. This is also a pill, and although it is very effective, it is not a cure for acne. This medication is not always necessary, but ask your dermatologist if you have questions about whether it might be an option for you.
Another option is chemical peels for acne. We offer the PCA Skincare line of blended peels, which means they give a great result, but with a much more gentle approach. It typically takes a series of 3 peels to see significant improvement, but the peels can help significantly with pore size, oil production, blackheads, and improving the appearance of marks from previous blemishes.
If you would like more information or to schedule an appointment to talk about your acne, please contact us by calling the office at 706-691-7079. Savannah River Dermatology is located at 575 Furys Ferry Rd, Martinez, GA 30907.
