Here are some helpful tips to find the ideal acne treatment for you.
As you might already know, not all acne treatments are created equal. What works for one person may not work for another, so there is some trial and error involved. Of course, if you’re struggling to get your skin problems under control you may wish to turn to our Savannah, GA, dermatologist Dr. Adam Pritzker for acne treatments. Here are some tips to help you find more effective acne-fighting solutions.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Most mild to moderate cases of acne have been successfully treated with creams that contain benzoyl peroxide. This active ingredient helps reduce the amount of acne-producing bacteria on your skin by causing the skin to dry out and peel. Since this product is milder compared to other treatment options, it may be used in conjunction with other topical or oral medications.
Tretinoin
This form of vitamin A is often found in popular skin products like Retin-A. Tretinoin helps to unclog pores, reducing the appearance of both whiteheads and blackheads. When using this treatment, new cells take the place of your pimples’ cells, preventing new ones from forming. This topical treatment is used to treat mild to moderate forms of acne but is also used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots.
Antibiotics
Sometimes, our Savannah, GA, dermatologist may recommend oral antibiotics such as doxycycline or tetracycline to kill the acne-producing bacteria that also cause inflammation and redness. Oral antibiotics are often a popular treatment for teen acne since these breakouts are usually caused by a fluctuation in hormone levels and an increase in the skin’s oil production.
Hormonal Treatments
If your acne is hormonal (e.g. occurs around your menstrual cycle), then you may benefit from oral contraceptives. There are three oral contraceptives on the market that are FDA-approved for the treatment of acne, so when you come in for your appointment, we will sit down and decide together as to which contraceptive will improve your acne. This option is extremely effective in treating hormonal acne; however, this isn’t a quick fix. Most patients see an improvement throughout a couple of months.
Extractions
When you visit our dermatologist for a professional extraction, we will use a small, sterilized instrument to remove the material that’s trapped inside the pimple. Extractions can be performed on blackheads, whiteheads and milia. Through extractions, we can thoroughly clean out debris and bacteria to remove the pimple. This is a great option for severe forms of acne and for those cases where other treatments haven’t been successful.
Is acne impacting not just your appearance but also your self-esteem? If so, our Savannah, GA, dermatologist Dr. Pritzker offers a wide range of acne treatments to fit your needs and goals. To schedule a consultation, call Savannah Dermatology Clinic today at (912) 352-8974.