How do dermatologists treat acne?

The acne treatment plan that’s right for you depends on many considerations, including:

• What type of acne you have
• Where the acne appears
• When the breakouts started
• Your age
• Whether the acne has left you with spots or scars

Whiteheads, blackheads, or both:

With these types of breakouts, you’ll most likely apply acne medication to your skin. Your treatment plan may include one of the following:

• A retinoid
• A retinoid + benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or salicylic acid
• Benzoyl peroxide + an antibiotic you apply to your skin

Pimples:

Mild or moderate pimples can be treated with medication applied to your skin. Treatment will often consist of applying one of the following:

• Benzoyl peroxide
• A Retinoid
• Azelaic acid
• Benzoyl peroxide + a retinoid or an antibiotic you apply to your skin

Women who continue to get breakouts may need medication, such as a birth control pills that have been approved to treat acne as well.

Acne nodules and cysts:

With deep, painful acne that often leaves a permanent scars, treatment can help you see clearer skin and prevent additional scars.

Treatment may consist of:

• Prescription medication that you apply to your skin + taking an antibiotic
• Hormonal therapy (women only)
• Isotretinoin

Acne friendly skin care helps you get the best results

Skin care is of the utmost importance. Without it, you may never get the results you are looking for. Even following perfect acne treatment, its possible that new breakouts can appear if you’re rough on your skin.

You need gentle skin care to clear acne. Even scrubbing or washing your face too often or several times a day can be irritating to your skin. Any time you irritate your skin, it can lead to breakouts.