Many teenagers believe acne is the bane of their life. There is some comfort in the thought that acne can be outgrown as they grow into adulthood. But unfortunately millions of people still deal with this skin condition through their adult years.
The American Academy of Dermatology has some compelling data. They say over 50 million people in the US develop acne every year. It’s the most prevalent skin condition in the country. The drive to manage and overcome acne has led to a market worth $9.39 billion in 2022. Experts predict the acne treatment industry will reach $13.76 billion by 2030.
There’s a robust demand for skin treatments for acne. This shows in the sheer number of products offered to consumers. New treatments and technology are also developed and introduced all the time.
Finding the best skin treatments for acne is still a puzzle for many. It helps if you understand what acne is. Then you can work with a professional to narrow down the ideal acne treatment.
Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oil. It often takes the form of pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. It can also become painful cysts.
Acne isn’t a threat to a person’s health. But it can lead to some mental and emotional distress. Severe acne is sometimes painful. It could even lead to scarring. This can affect one’s self-confidence. It can even cause anxiety or depression.
The good news is there’s a range of treatments to choose from. Dermatologists often recommend the following:
Laser and Light Therapy
Lasers and other light therapies are becoming popular and may seem like the perfect acne treatment. But using them is actually a bit more involved and the results may be less predictable, even in the skilled hands of a dermatologist. Still, these treatments can be an effective part of an acne treatment plan.
Most people see significant clearing, but it’s not 100%. Studies show that lasers and other light treatments can reduce acne. Rarely can these treatments alone clear acne. To give you the best optimal results, your dermatologist may recommend using another acne treatment, such as a topical medicine in addition to the laser treatment.
Results can vary from person to person. To get the best results, doctors will require a series of treatments. Depending on the severity you may be required to be seen multiple times. Regardless, it does take time to see results no matter which treatment plan you choose.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are substances akin to gel. It’s injected into the area with acne scars. It lifts the depressions in the skin. This will flatten and even out the skin tone. It’s effective and you can see the results in no time.
Facials and Peels
Facials and chemical peels are popular beauty treatments. You can go to any spa or beauty salon and have your skin pampered. These facials and peels aren’t strong or effective enough to treat acne. It would help if you had medical-grade treatments done by a dermatologist.
Your skin doctor will apply a chemical solution. This is safe to use on the skin. It will do a deep exfoliation of the skin. It will also remove the build-up of dead, dry, and oily skin cells. These dead, dry skin cells can cause acne or make it worse.
A popular acne treatment is a salicylic acid peel. It kills bacteria while exfoliating blocked pores. A glycolic peel is an effective acne scar treatment. It helps smoothen your skin’s texture. It can even out or brighten your complexion. It also boosts collagen, which can help lessen target superficial acne scarring.
Oral Medications
Oral medications are also among the best skin treatments for acne. Dermatologists often prescribe oral antibiotics. It helps reduce bacteria, much like its topical counterpart. But you can only use antibiotics for a short time. This is to ensure you don’t develop resistance to it.
Oral antibiotic treatments can take some time for the user to see the results of the pill though. There are also some side effects to using oral medications. The user can experience weight gain and nausea.
Topical Treatments
Many skin doctors prescribe topical medications to control acne breakouts. There are various topical medications available. They are all great at minimizing the severity of acne. They can also prevent scarring or make existing acne scars less obvious.
Retinoids are often prescribed. These drugs contain tretinoin or retinoic acids. They’re effective for moderate acne. Salicylic acid and azelaic acid are also popular. The former can prevent clogged hair follicles. The latter is often used to manage discoloration caused by acne.
Dermatologists also prescribe antibiotics. These kill excess bacteria on the skin. They also reduce inflammation and skin redness. It’s often used with another drug, like a retinoid.
Treating Patients Like Family
Flagler Dermatology treats patients like their family. It’s the mindset that helped make us the best skin care dermatology clinic in West Palm Beach. We provide high-quality medical care. We use the best medicines and the latest technology. We provide personalized treatment plans for the best results. We ensure patients get the best possible care in a welcoming environment. We specialize in medical and surgical dermatology. We also offer top-notch cosmetic services. Why don’t you give us a call at 561-584-8460? You can also message us here.
