Acne is a very common skin condition that can affect people of any age. If left untreated, acne may also cause scarring, affecting the appearance long-term. The expert providers at West Sound Dermatology in Poulsbo, WA can help.
What Causes Acne?
Acne is the result of blocked hair follicles, which can become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, or dirt and other debris. There are many potential underlying causes or triggers for acne, which can range from hormonal changes to side effects of medication to stress. Acne is most common among teenagers but can occur at any age.
Types of Acne
There are several common types of acne, which include:
- Comedones, commonly called whiteheads or blackheads
- Papules, which are small, red bumps
- Pustules, which are pimples that contain pus
- Nodules, which are solid, painful, and located just below the skin’s surface
- Cysts, which are similar to nodules but contain pus
Acne Treatment Options
There are many treatment options available to help resolve your acne, and the best choice varies depending on the type of acne you have.
First, your provider may recommend a topical or oral prescription. Options include antibiotics to reduce inflammation and kill acne-causing bacteria. For acne caused by hormone imbalances in women and girls, your provider may recommend birth control pills. Other patients may benefit from prescription-strength benzoyl peroxide or corticosteroids. Finally, severe acne may require isotretinoin, a vitamin-A based medication commonly known by the brand name Accutane.
Professional in-office cosmetic treatments can also treat acne or acne scars. Options include:
- Chemical peels
- Facials
- Microneedling
- Laser treatments
Finally, your provider may recommend specific skin care products to use at home.
What foods cause acne?
Foods high in fat, sugar, and dairy can all be potential causes of acne.
What does stress acne look like?
Acne takes many different forms depending on its severity. It can be blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps or red pumps with a white top indicating it is a pus pimple.
What Causes Acne?
Acne can be caused by hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy; emotions such as depression, anxiety and stress; poor diet such as too much fat, sugar, or dairy; and using oily substances on the face.
What can I drink to clear my skin?
Water alone is one of the best remedies for clear skin. You can also mix in lemon, turmeric, or apple cider vinegar.
How long does acne last?
Acne should clear up by itself after 1-2 weeks. If your acne treatment is not working after 4-6 weeks, you may want to try another treatment or consult a dermatologist.
What is the best treatment for acne?
The best treatment for you depends on your skin type and the severity of your acne. Topical medications with retinoids, antibiotics, or salicylic acid have been commonly used to treat acne. If acne persists, you can also try a chemical peel, extractions, or steroid injections.
When treating acne Does it get worse before better?
It is possible that your skin will react to certain chemical treatments with swelling, redness, and dryness. As dead skin pushes its way to the surface, more pimples may pop up before the treatment has time to fully work and show results.
How do you know if acne treatment is working?
If you are breaking out less and your acne is healing quicker, it’s a good sign that your treatment is working.
Should I moisturize at night if I have acne?
Moisturize is important to use because when your skin is dry, it will make more oil. If your skin is acne-prone, you can use an oil-free moisturizer that will not clog your pores.
What should I do after my acne treatment appointment?
Once your doctor has given you a diagnosis, you may need to come back for follow-up appointments. Follow through with their treatment plan, stick to a healthy diet, and stay hydrated.
What foods cause acne?
Foods high in fat, sugar, and dairy can all be potential causes of acne.
What does stress acne look like?
Acne takes many different forms depending on its severity. It can be blackheads, whiteheads, red bumps or red pumps with a white top indicating it is a pus pimple.
What Causes Acne?
Acne can be caused by hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy; emotions such as depression, anxiety and stress; poor diet such as too much fat, sugar, or dairy; and using oily substances on the face.
What can I drink to clear my skin?
Water alone is one of the best remedies for clear skin. You can also mix in lemon, turmeric, or apple cider vinegar.
How long does acne last?
Acne should clear up by itself after 1-2 weeks. If your acne treatment is not working after 4-6 weeks, you may want to try another treatment or consult a dermatologist.
What is the best treatment for acne?
The best treatment for you depends on your skin type and the severity of your acne. Topical medications with retinoids, antibiotics, or salicylic acid have been commonly used to treat acne. If acne persists, you can also try a chemical peel, extractions, or steroid injections.
When treating acne Does it get worse before better?
It is possible that your skin will react to certain chemical treatments with swelling, redness, and dryness. As dead skin pushes its way to the surface, more pimples may pop up before the treatment has time to fully work and show results.
How do you know if acne treatment is working?
If you are breaking out less and your acne is healing quicker, it’s a good sign that your treatment is working.
Should I moisturize at night if I have acne?
Moisturize is important to use because when your skin is dry, it will make more oil. If your skin is acne-prone, you can use an oil-free moisturizer that will not clog your pores.
What should I do after my acne treatment appointment?
Once your doctor has given you a diagnosis, you may need to come back for follow-up appointments. Follow through with their treatment plan, stick to a healthy diet, and stay hydrated.
