Should I See a Dermatologist for Acne? When and How to Get Professional Help

When to See a Dermatologist for Acne

Should I See a Dermatologist for Acne?

If you’ve been struggling with acne despite using various over-the-counter products and don’t see improvement, it might be time to consider seeing a dermatologist.

You might be asking yourself, “Do dermatologists actually help with acne?” The answer is yes! Dermatologists are trained professionals who specialize in skin conditions, including acne.

Their expertise allows them to provide the best possible treatments, which can clear your skin faster and more effectively than general skincare products.

Dermatologists are not just experts in treating acne; they are trained in all skin diseases.

They can guide you toward treatments that suit your unique skin type, saving you from wasting money and time on products that might not work for you.

Additionally, many insurance plans cover visits to dermatologists, and a large portion of prescription costs may be covered as well.

So, if you’ve tried every acne treatment under the sun without seeing results, it’s a good idea to consult with a dermatologist.

Whether your acne is mild, moderate, or severe, dermatologists have the experience and tools to help you manage and treat it effectively.

You can easily find a dermatologist near you by visiting resources like the American Academy of Dermatology, which provides a list of board-certified dermatologists, or by using online directories for acne specialists.

For personalized advice and a custom skincare routine, you can take our acne skincare quiz to get tailored recommendations from dermatologists, helping you choose the right treatment for your skin.

How to Find an Acne Specialist Near Me

Finding an acne specialist is simple with the help of online tools. Websites like Skin Type Solutions can guide you in locating dermatologists near you who specialize in acne treatments.

These professionals can design a personalized acne skincare regimen based on your skin type and the severity of your condition.

While dermatologists are often the best choice for acne treatment, other healthcare providers such as family doctors and aestheticians can also be helpful, especially for basic acne concerns.

Can a Family Doctor Treat Acne?

Family doctors can prescribe medications for acne, but they are not specialists in dermatology.

Unless a family doctor has specific training in skincare, they may not have the expertise to provide advanced treatments for acne.

Dermatologists and medical professionals trained through programs like Skin Type Solutions are the best equipped to address more complex acne issues.

Can a Pediatrician Treat Acne?

Pediatricians can help manage acne, particularly in younger patients, and can prescribe basic acne treatments.

However, if you’re looking for an acne expert, a dermatologist trained in skincare would be the best option. A dermatologist can provide more specialized treatments and a tailored approach to acne care.

What Can a Dermatologist Do for Acne?

Dermatologists use a variety of treatments to address acne, from basic skincare products to advanced therapies depending on the severity of the condition.

What Do Dermatologists Use to Treat Mild Acne?

For mild acne, dermatologists often recommend topical treatments such as acne cleansers, benzoyl peroxide, antibacterial washes, and retinoids.

These treatments can be effective for managing small breakouts and helping your skin stay clear.

Treatments like the VBeam vascular laser may also be used in certain cases to reduce inflammation and speed up healing.

Additionally, red light therapy can be used to treat pink pimples and reduce redness, making it easier to manage acne flare-ups.

What Do Dermatologists Use to Treat Moderate Acne?

If your acne persists despite using over-the-counter treatments, dermatologists may prescribe oral antibiotics or blue light therapy.

These treatments target the bacteria responsible for acne and help control inflammation. Some dermatologists may also recommend acne facials and facial extractions to clear out blackheads and whiteheads.

Moderate acne that doesn’t respond to topical treatments may require stronger medications, including oral antibiotics such as tetracyclines (minocycline and doxycycline).

For more persistent nodules or cysts, dermatologists may use steroid injections, often referred to as “Kenalog” injections, which help reduce the size and inflammation of painful pimples.

What Do Dermatologists Use to Treat Severe Acne?

Severe acne is characterized by large, inflamed cysts, nodules, and numerous bumps on the skin.

This type of acne is more likely to cause permanent scarring, which makes it especially important to seek professional treatment.

Severe acne is typically treated with stronger medications prescribed by dermatologists.

Prescription retinoids, such as tretinoin or adapalene, are effective in treating severe acne.

Benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics may also be prescribed, but in more severe cases, oral isotretinoin (known as Accutane) is often the most effective solution.

Accutane is an oral retinoid that can offer long-term acne relief if the appropriate dosage is used over the required time period.

What Would a Dermatologist Prescribe for Acne?

Your dermatologist will choose the best acne treatment based on your skin type and the severity of your acne. Here are some common prescription treatments that dermatologists may recommend:

Topical Antibiotics:

Erythromycin: This antibiotic is less commonly used due to antibiotic resistance in acne-causing bacteria.

Clindamycin: Often found in combination with retinoids, clindamycin targets acne-causing bacteria.

Aczone (Dapsone): Contains dapsone, an antibiotic that helps reduce acne-related redness and inflammation.

Benzoyl Peroxide:

Benzoyl peroxide is a common and effective acne treatment. It kills acne-causing bacteria but can cause irritation, dry skin, and free radical damage, leading to faster skin aging.

Despite these side effects, it remains one of the most widely used treatments for acne.

Oral Antibiotics:

The tetracycline family of antibiotics, including minocycline and doxycycline, is frequently prescribed for moderate to severe acne.

These oral medications can disrupt the skin’s microbiome, so they should only be used for persistent or severe acne.

Retinoids:

Retinoids are some of the most effective acne treatments. Isotretinoin, commonly known as Accutane, is an oral form of retinoid used to treat severe acne.

Topical retinoids such as tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, and trifarotene can also be prescribed.

Medications that Affect Hormones Used to Treat Acne

For patients whose acne is caused by hormonal imbalances, medications that influence hormones may be prescribed.

Oral contraceptives: Birth control pills are often used to treat acne in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or acne caused by hormonal fluctuations.

Spironolactone: This oral medication blocks testosterone, which can be a contributing factor to acne. It is particularly helpful for patients with elevated testosterone levels.

Winlevi® (Clascoterone): A new topical treatment that works by blocking testosterone on the skin, helping to reduce acne caused by hormonal factors.

How to Treat Acne Based on Your Skin Type

To get the best results from your acne treatment, it’s crucial to follow a routine that’s customized to your skin type.

Dermatologists often recommend personalized acne skincare regimens, which include specific products that work best for your skin.

Take the Skin Type Solutions quiz to learn about your skin type and receive expert advice on how to treat acne with a tailored skincare routine.

By addressing your acne with the right products and treatments, you can improve your skin and prevent future breakouts.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected