Acne Problems? Here are some Treatments

Get your acne symptoms under control with help from your dermatologist.

Treating acne isn’t always simple. That’s because there are many things that can cause this skin issue, meaning that you will need a treatment plan that will target the root cause rather than just the acne itself. Although finding out what’s causing your acne can be a bit difficult, the dermatologists here at Newton Wellesley Dermatology Association in Wellesley Hills, MA, have the expertise and tools necessary to help.

Treating Acne

While we certainly wish that treating acne was as simple as handing everyone the same type of cream or medication, it simply doesn’t work like that. Acne is a complex skin problem that involves a variety of different factors, so it requires different types of treatments. Fortunately, our dermatologists offer a wide range of acne treatments that are designed to target all causes of acne to help you obtain clearer skin. Some of the most common forms include:

Topical medication

There are certain acne-fighting ingredients that will need to be present within your medication in order to help treat acne. Some of these ingredients include benzoyl peroxide (which is great for unclogging pores and destroying acne-causing bacteria), salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and retinoids (for more serious and stubborn forms of acne).

The goal is not to pile up the skin with a ton of different acne-fighting creams, ointments, and cleaners, which will often just lead to further irritation; we will work with you to find the right combination or single medication that your skin responds best to.

Oral Medication

There are types of oral medications that can also fight acne bacteria, including certain antibiotics (think doxycycline). While antibiotics aren’t often used to treat acne, they may still provide you with effective results. Conversely, women who deal with acne may also see results from taking birth control pills.

If you’re dealing with severe cystic acne that isn’t responding to other treatment options, then your doctor may recommend a powerful medication, isotretinoin (better known as Accutane).

Other Options

Of course, our dermatologists also offer other ways to unclog pores, clean skin, and shrink enlarged oil glands. These other options include:

• Extractions (to remove blackheads and whiteheads)
• Chemical peels
• Facials
• Laser therapy

Want Clearer Skin? Give Us a Call

Don’t let acne affect your appearance and your confidence. Our Wellesley, MA, skin doctors can create the right treatment plan to effectively manage your acne. To learn more about the acne treatments that we offer, call Newton Wellesley Dermatology Association at (781) 237-3500.