Farah Dermatology & Cosmetics Talk

Uncovering beauty, lifestyle, and wellness

You’re trying to find the right way to get your acne scar problem under control, right? Well, there are certainly so many options out there that it can be a bit daunting. First and foremost, if you are just starting to deal with acne then you may want to tackle the issue from the comfort of your own home before turning to a dermatologist for help.

At-Home Treatment Options

The first line of defense is usually to try an over-the-counter acne cleanser or topical cream that contains an active ingredient such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. It’s important to be patient when it comes to seeing results. No acne product will work overnight. In fact, it can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks of consistent use before you start to notice results from commercial acne products, so don’t give up on a product too soon.

Other tips to follow include:

  • Cleaning your smartphone with disinfectant wipes at least once a day (imagine just how much bacteria your phone picks up every day).
  • Washing your face twice a day, once in the morning and at night before bedtime, and immediately after sweating.
  • Being gentle with your skin. Harsh scrubs and being aggressive won’t get rid of acne; it will actually just make it worse.
  • Using cosmetic products that won’t clog pores (look for words like “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free”)
  • Leaving acne alone (do not pick acne or try to extract it yourself, as this can lead to scarring)
  • Washing pillowcases regularly to get rid of pore-clogging bacteria

When to See a Dermatologist

If you are having trouble getting your acne under control after weeks of trial and error, or if your acne is severe and painful then it’s time to enlist the help of a dermatologist who will be able to provide you with more effective strategies for getting rid of your acne. After all, there are different things that can cause acne and it’s important that your skin doctor figures out what’s causing your acne so that they can create the right treatment plan for you.

Dermatologist-Approved Acne Treatment Options

Depending on what’s causing your breakouts, a dermatologist may recommend these treatment options:

  • Topical treatment: Prescription-strength cleansers, ointments, and creams containing glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids can target and eliminate acne.
  • Topical or oral antibiotics: Antibiotics can reduce inflammation and kill the bacteria responsible for acne.
  • Oral contraceptives: If you are dealing with breakouts that occur around your menstrual cycle then hormonal fluctuations could be causing your acne. There are certain types of birth control pills that have been FDA approved to fight acne.
  • Isotretinoin: More commonly referred to as Accutane. This powerful oral medication is used for those dealing with severe cystic acne that can lead to deep scarring. This is often recommended when other treatment options haven’t been effective.

Other Top Articles

banner-mole-removal

Mole Removal Diagnosis And Treatment

Farah Dermatology & Cosmetics Talk Uncovering beauty, lifestyle, and wellness Mole Removal Worried about that mole? A mole is a dark spot or irregularity in the skin. Everyone is at risk of skin cancer and should keep an eye on their skin and moles. Simply thinking about having a skin mole removal might send shivers…
Read More
What is Vitiligo

What Is Vitiligo?

Farah Dermatology & Cosmetics Talk Uncovering beauty, lifestyle, and wellness What is Vitiligo? Are you or someone you love dealing with vitiligo? The Mayo Clinic reports that there are more than 200,000 new cases of vitiligo each year in the US alone. Vitiligo is a chronic disease where the melanin, which gives your skin its…
Read More
SPF (Sun Protection Factor)

Best SPF Sunscreen For Optimal Skin Protection

Farah Dermatology & Cosmetics Talk Uncovering beauty, lifestyle, and wellness Choosing the Best Sunscreen For Optimal Skin Protection There is a wide variety of sunscreens available, including lotions, sprays, creams, gels, wipes, and lip balms, to name a few. These topical products absorb or reflect some, but not all, of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation…
Read More
Skin cancer

Everything You Need to Know About Skin Cancer

Farah Dermatology & Cosmetics Talk Uncovering beauty, lifestyle, and wellness Skin cancer is one of the most common of all cancer types. Which occurs when malignant cells are found in the outer layers of your skin. More than 2 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the United States. Although the incidence…
Read More
Teenage Acne

Battling Teenage Acne

Farah Dermatology & Cosmetics Talk Uncovering beauty, lifestyle, and wellness Are you a teenager and battling with Acne? Teenage acne is by far the most common skin complaint among teenagers these days, affecting nearly all of those between the ages of 12 and 17 at least occasionally, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. In…
Read More
Girl With Moles

How To Monitor Moles

Farah Dermatology & Cosmetics Talk Uncovering beauty, lifestyle, and wellness Moles Although moles are usually harmless, but you should know how to monitor moles by yourself. In some cases they can become cancerous, causing melanoma. For this reason, it is important to regularly examine your skin for any moles that change in size, color, shape,…
Read More
Psoriasis

Living With Psoriasis

Farah Dermatology & Cosmetics Talk Uncovering beauty, lifestyle, and wellness What is Psoriasis? Psoriasis is a common, chronic, and often frustrating skin condition that causes skin scaling, inflammation, redness, and irritation. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by an overactive immune system, which causes the skin to form inflamed…
Read More
Rosy Complexion

Rosy Complexion? Flushed Cheeks? You May Have Rosacea

Farah Dermatology & Cosmetics Talk Uncovering beauty, lifestyle, and wellness Rosacea Rosacea is a chronic skin condition of the face that affects an estimated 16 million Americans. Because rosacea is frequently misdiagnosed and confused with acne, sunburn, or eye irritation, a large percentage of people suffering from rosacea fail to seek medical help due to…
Read More
Nail Care

Nail Care: Keeping Fingers and Toes In Tip-Top Shape

Farah Dermatology & Cosmetics Talk Uncovering beauty, lifestyle, and wellness Your Nails The nails take a lot of abuse. From gardening and dishes to regular wear and tear, harsh chemicals and hard work can really take a toll on the condition of fingernails and toenails. Many nail problems can be avoided with proper care, but…
Read More
Skin Type

Know Your Skin Type

Farah Dermatology & Cosmetics Talk Uncovering beauty, lifestyle, and wellness Your Skincare Skincare should be an important part of your daily hygiene. This should include cleansing the face daily, moisturizing, applying sunscreen, and avoiding harsh products. A good skincare routine starts with understanding the unique needs of your skin type. In many cases, skin can…
Read More