How Will a Dermatologist Help with My Acne Problem?

The vast majority of people will experience acne, and it’s not exclusive to younger people.

In some cases, acne can affect people as late as their 40s or 50s. It’s an extremely common condition, but it’s mostly annoying rather than harmful. With so many people suffering from acne, questions about the condition come up frequently. People want to know where it comes from, what it is, and how to get rid of it.

The answers to those questions are as interesting as they are useful. We’ll talk about acne and how a dermatologist can treat it in this article.

What Is Acne?

There are a few different causes of acne, but the main cause is oily skin. All human skin produces some amount of sebum, a type of oil that our body uses as a moisturizer. However, some people, especially teenagers and young adults, produce too much sebum, and it clogs their pores.

Another part of the process involves skin cells. You may have heard that skin is the biggest organ in our bodies, and like all parts of our bodies, it’s made up of cells.

Roughly 35,000 skin cells die per minute, and they’re replaced just as quickly. With so many skin cells dying, it might not surprise you to learn that some of them end up getting into our skin pores and clogging them.

Making an Appointment with a Dermatologist

You don’t always have to see a dermatologist for acne treatment, but those with more severe cases probably should. Acne dermatologists specialize in treating acne, so they’ll know what works and what doesn’t. This raises an important question — how do dermatologists treat acne?

A dermatologist might recommend an over-the-counter cream or similar acne treatment. However, there are cases where they might use something stronger.

Keep in mind that dermatologists often use medications that are stronger than the average acne medication, and they often have harsher side effects. It’s best to only see a dermatologist when you have a severe or unidentified skin issue.

Treating Acne at Home

Less severe outbreaks respond to certain over-the-counter acne medication options. When treating acne at home, it’s important to note that it’s better to act sooner rather than later. Acting sooner gives you more ways to treat and prevent acne.

For instance, facial scrubs and exfoliation are great for preventing breakouts, but they won’t do much against a breakout that’s already in progress. For that, creams and other medications work better.

The strangest potential treatment for acne in women is birth control pills. Acne is closely linked to hormones, which are more active during menstruation. If you notice that your acne tends to flare up during your period, it’s likely hormone-related, so birth control pills will prevent it.

Acne Breakouts and How a Dermatologist Can Help

Acne is never fun to deal with, but the fact remains that most people will have to during their lifetime. Sometimes, acne gets bad enough that a dermatologist’s help is necessary. That’s why we’ve discussed acne and what a dermatologist can do for it in this article.

If you want to know more about dermatology or are in need of a dermatologist, visit our site. Please contact us if you have any questions!