My Acne is Embarrassing: Can You Help?

Whether you work from home or walk the runway, having acne is no fun and can affect your self-confidence. The common skin condition is especially prevalent in teens and preteens because of their active hormones, but it’s possible to experience a breakout from time to time at any age. Even a single pimple can be an inconvenience and a stubborn source of insecurity. 

Our team of board-certified dermatologists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants invite you to visit Orlando Dermatology Center in Oviedo, Orlando, and Lake Mary, Florida, for professional and highly effective acne care. We assess your case before recommending the most suitable course of treatment for your acne, whether it’s mild or cystic and inflamed. 

Many people see their acne disappear without treatment in a matter of 1-2 weeks, but others aren’t so fortunate. If you’re embarrassed by your acne and not having any luck with over-the-counter products, give us a visit. Our dermatologists use the latest acne products and treatments to improve even the most severe and painful acne breakouts. 

Understanding how acne starts

Pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and nodules all form on the skin because of clogged pores in your skin, which become congested with sebum (natural oil produced by your skin), dead skin cells, and bacteria. Bacteria thrive among the dead cells and oils: While bacteria on the skin are entirely normal, build-up bacteria can trigger inflammation to upset your skin and cause redness or discomfort. 

Clogged pores and acne formation can happen on occasion to anyone, but large acne breakouts typically have some underlying cause to thank. For example, your skin might produce excessive oil because of your genetics. Hormones are also a major cause of acne and are responsible for many cases in teens, pregnant women, and people who take hormone-based medications. 

Stress, certain foods, greasy products, and medications can also trigger acne breakouts, which are most common on your face, neck, or chest. 

Discover the treatments that work

Acne can resist your initial attempts at managing it, but our team is up for the challenge. Mild acne is typically easiest to treat using only over-the-counter products from your local drugstore. 

If your acne resists treatment, keeps coming back, or only gets worse, professional dermatological care is your next step. After examining your skin and taking inventory of your medical history, our team makes individualized recommendations and may prescribe medication. Currently, the top treatment options for acne are:

Topicals

Many topical products are obtainable without a prescription, but our team can guide you in the right direction. If you’re looking for an acne product to clear your skin, check labels for ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids. Your dermatologist might also prescribe topical antibiotics to reduce bacteria and inflammation.  

Oral medications

Sometimes oral medications are the best choice for acne, including a few that (surprisingly) contain hormones. Many oral contraceptives can result in acne clearance as can certain types of hormone therapy. 

Isotretinoin, an oral retinoid available by prescription, reduces acne by reducing the size and activity of your sebaceous glands. 

Chemical peels

Think chemical peels are just a spa service? Think again. Depending on their ingredients, some chemical peels ultimately help reduce acne. Your dermatologist can guide you through our selection of superficial peels for acne at Orlando Dermatology Center.  

Laser treatments

Rarely used alone for acne, some laser treatments offer clearance by reducing bacteria and inflammation. You might need a few follow-up treatments to see ideal results. 

Steroid injections

A corticosteroid injection can target a large and stubborn acne nodule beneath your skin for an instant reduction of its inflammation. 

What about acne scars?

Even if your acne clears up and is no longer active or uncomfortable, acne scars can remain on your skin because of damage from inflammation. These scars look like divots or pockmarks and can last for years, affecting your skin’s texture. 

Our team can continue to assist you with acne scar care once your acne has cleared. If you feel self-conscious about your skin texture because of acne scars, consider cosmetic treatments like chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, or microneedling. Several medicated creams can also make acne scars a little more shallow. 

Experience clear skin today

Your acne treatment journey begins with a consultation in one of our offices. Call the Orlando Dermatology Center nearest you or use the online booking button to reserve an appointment today.