June is Acne Awareness Month
June is Acne Awareness month. Acne is one of the most common skin conditions that affects all ages which can impact daily life and self-confidence. It presents in various forms: comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads), hormonal (often along the jawline), inflammatory (red, painful pimples), and cystic (deep, painful nodules).
Acne is caused by four main reasons:
- Excess oil (sebum) production
- Irregular shedding of dead skin cells, which clog the follicles of the skin
- Propionibacterium acnes bacteria (commonly called P. acnes bacteria)
- Inflammation
While some mild cases can be resolved using over-the-counter products, more severe or persistent cases often require professional care. Tareen Dermatology offers three main types of acne treatment.
Topical acne medications:
- Retinoids (ex: Differin, Tretinoin, Tazorac): Vitamin A derivatives which unclog the pores by promoting skin cell turnover.
- Antibacterial (ex: Benzoyl Peroxide, Clindamycin, Sulfa medication): Kills the acne causing bacteria on the skin.
- Combination products (ex. Epiduo, Acanya, Ziana): Combines two anti-acne ingredients to provide a better acne treatment than a single medication.
Oral acne medications:
- Oral antibiotics (ex: minocycline, doxycycline): Taken 1-2 times daily, most commonly for a course of 3 months. Used in combination with topical acne medications.
- Oral contraceptive pills (aka birth control pills): Oral contraceptive pills can improve acne in women; there are 3 types that are FDA approved for acne, including YAZ, ortho-tricyclen, and estrostep. We recommend that patients on birth control follow regularly with an OBGYN.
- Spironolactone: Androgen blocking medication that is excellent for hormonal acne.
Additional treatments:
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- Chemical Peels: A short series of salicylic acid peels can jump start the improvement of acne and help to decrease redness.
- Microdermabrasion: A series of microdermabrasion treatments is helpful for removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which could otherwise lead to clogged pores
- Clarisonic Brush: This at home treatment cleans the pores six times more effectively than traditional cleansing. It is very helpful for reducing and preventing acne.
Our board-certified dermatology team provides personalized treatment plans tailored to your skin using advanced, clinically proven treatments. This June, prioritize your skin and your confidence. Tareen Dermatology can see new patients within three weeks at one of our eleven locations.