Acne is a very common skin condition; about 90% of all people will experience acne at some point over a lifetime. While acne is sometimes regarded as a skin condition experienced only during puberty and young adulthood, the fact of the matter is that acne can be common for people well into their 40s. It isn’t always possible to outgrow acne or avoid skin damage, but at Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta in Alpharetta, GA, we know the key to managing your acne is with acne treatments curated by professional dermatology experts.
Who Is a Candidate for Acne Treatments?
If acne is so common, then do you really need treatment? The truth is that acne can be very damaging to your skin and your overall self-confidence, so most people who have acne may want to consider treatments to manage and control acne breakouts. It’s important to remember that treating your acne doesn’t mean there is something wrong with your skin or your appearance – treating your acne is merely a choice about your skin health.
Most people who are candidates for acne have been dealing with acne breakouts for at least a few months or years. For example, we frequently see teenagers during the early stages of acne and treat them to avoid possible skin damage in the future, but we also see adults for the treatment of acne that isn’t calming down with age. Some signs it may be time to see treatment include:
Your Acne Bothers You
Having acne can be a huge blow to your overall self-esteem and self-image. While there is nothing shameful about this common skin condition, many people feel embarrassed about their acne – even to the point where they avoid social gatherings when breakouts are particularly bad. If your acne is interfering with your ability to lead a confident, happy lifestyle, then it may be time to seek treatment.
Your Acne Is Leaving Scars
There are some types of acne that are more likely to scar the skin and that can lead to permanent skin damage. Acne scars like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation may go away by themselves, but scars like boxcar scars, icepick scars, and rolling scars can permanently diminish the quality of your skin texture. For these types of acne scars, there are no adequate at-home treatments that can increase collagen production to smooth the appearance of the skin, which means you will need treatment from a dermatologist.
Your Acne Breakouts Are Constant
Some people have occasional breakouts when they are stressed or because of the odd clogged pore. But when your acne breakouts are constant, that’s a problem. Constant acne breakouts can make your skin irritated, more sensitive, and even more likely to develop future breakouts. Usually, constant breakouts are caused by uncontrolled acne-causing bacteria, so the best way to manage that is with dermatology treatments.
Your Over-the-Counter Treatments Aren’t Working
Certain over-the-counter acne products, such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, can manage minor acne breakouts and regulate oil production to prevent future acne. But it’s often the case that over-the-counter acne products aren’t made with high enough concentrations to be effective – and sometimes these products can even make acne worse. If you can’t find over-the-counter products that can manage your acne, then you may need help from a skin professional.
You Have Sensitive Skin
People who have sensitive skin are both more likely to easily breakout when using certain acne products and are more likely to develop acne scarring. Sensitive skin means that your skin is highly reactive to chemicals and pollutants, which means your skin may be easily dry or red when acne is causing constant skin irritation.
You Have Complex Acne
Everyone experiences acne differently. While some people mainly deal with excess oil and blackheads, other people deal with severe pustules that are difficult to treat. But in general, most people who seek treatment for acne are dealing with complex acne, which means they have more than one type of acne at one time or their skin condition is severe. Complex acne can include:
- Pustules
- Cysts
- Nodules
- Comedones
- Hormonal acne
- Pustules
If any of these factors apply to your acne situation, then you are likely a good candidate for treatment. A consultation will be able to determine your eligibility for different treatments based on your age, skin tone, acne type, and medical history.
How Can a Dermatologist Help?
So, if you’re in need of acne treatment, then how can a dermatologist help? Professional skincare experts will be able to assess the type of acne you have and your skin type to build a plan that will treat current acne and prevent future acne breakouts. Dermatologists employ several methods to treat acne, including oral medication, topical creams, medical-strength cleansers, acne extractions, and other treatments that minimize the appearance of acne scarring.
Finally Get Clear Skin With Acne Treatments
When it comes to acne, finding the treatment that works for you can feel like an uphill battle. Fortunately, dermatologists can pinpoint the acne treatments that can help you finally get the clear skin that will restore your confidence. Please contact Premier Dermatology and Mohs Surgery of Atlanta in Alpharetta, GA to schedule your consultation today.