You Don't Have to Live with Adult Acne: Your Dermatologist Is Here to Help

Acne doesn’t just happen to teenagers. All too often, adults will wake up to an occasional pimple or blackhead. This, unfortunately, is a part of life and completely normal. However, if you find that you are breaking out on a daily basis or that your acne is ruining your self-confidence and preventing you from taking part in activities you enjoy, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.

Discover how a dermatologist can help treat your adult acne.

Finding and understanding the cause of acne is important

Everything from hormones, to bacterial infections, to common allergens can cause acne breakouts. In order to properly treat your acne, you must identify what is causing you to break out in cysts, blackheads, and pimples. Once you know the root cause of your acne, you can work with your dermatologist to customize your treatment.

When working with a dermatologist, your acne will first be classified into one of two categories: inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Non-inflammatory acne is when you experience blackheads, whiteheads, and the occasional pimple, all of which are usually caused by the pores of the skin getting clogged or blocked. Skin that breaks out in bright, red cysts and lesions is known as inflammatory acne. It’s also possible to suffer from both types of acne at the same time.

After your acne has been classified into one of the two categories, your dermatologist will work with you to figure out what factors are causing you to breakout. Sometimes blood tests or allergy tests can be used to determine what may be causing your acne, but most of the time your dermatologist will conduct a clinical interview with you to determine specific causes. Interview questions might cover the types of foods and drinks you regularly consume, products you use on your skin such as: sunscreen, lotions, and makeup, your stress-level, any known allergens, current medications you’re taking, etc. 

Creating a customized acne treatment plan just for you

Dermatologists can provide you with access to treatment options for your adult acne that you wouldn’t be able to obtain on your own. Antibiotics, prescription-strength topical creams, oral medications, and high-tech treatment options such as light therapy can successfully treat your adult acne, but they are only available to you if you visit a dermatologist.

Some of the possible methods that may be used to treat your adult acne include:

• Antibiotics
• Birth control
• Hormone replacements and supplements
• Oral medication specifically designed for acne treatment
• Light therapy
• Laser therapy
• Topical antibiotic cream
• Topical retinoids
• Topical cream that often includes salicylic acid and glycolic acid

There is a lot of trial and error involved in finding the right type of acne treatment. Dermatologists can often narrow down what type of treatment options may work, but it often takes a little work to determine specifically what combination of treatment options works specifically for you.

Work with a dermatologist to successfully treat your adult acne

Don’t live another day struggling to hide your adult acne. The dermatologists at Holladay Dermatology Clinic will not only discuss treatment options that work to immediately treat your acne, they will also create a long-term treatment plan that prevents future breakouts from occurring. Contact Holladay Dermatology Clinic to schedule an adult acne treatment consultation and discover what treatment options are available to you to help improve your skin.