Acne

Do you have acne? Get clearer skin, with the right treatment plan.

Still get breakouts even after trying multiple acne treatments? Are you convinced nothing is going to work for your acne? Are you waiting for your acne to clear on its own?

You don’t have to wait. With the right medication and skincare plan, almost everyone can see clearer skin. Here’s what you can expect when you see a dermatologist.

How do dermatologists diagnose acne?

If you have acne, your doctor will diagnose you by looking at your skin and asking you questions about your breakouts.

How do dermatologists treat acne?

The acne treatment plan that’s right for you will depend on many things that your dermatologist will consider including:

• What type of acne you have (i.e., blackheads, pimples, etc.)
• Where the acne appears on your skin
• What treatments you’ve already tried
• When the breakouts started
• Your age
• Whether the acne has left you with dark spots or scars

While a treatment plan can vary from one patient to the next, even for 2 patients who have the same type of acne, treatment often follows these guidelines.

Whiteheads, blackheads, or both: If you have these breakouts, you’ll likely apply acne medication to your skin. Your treatment plan may include one of the following:

• A retinoid
• A retinoid + benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or salicylic acid
• Benzoyl peroxide + topical antibiotic you apply to your skin

Pimples: Mild or moderate pimples can be treated with medication you apply to your skin. Treatment options usually include the following:

• Benzoyl peroxide
• A Retinoid
• Azelaic acid
• Benzoyl peroxide + a retinoid or a topical antibiotic you apply to your skin

Women who continue to get breakouts may need hormonal medication, such as a birth control pill that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved to treat acne. The birth control patch may also be effective, as can some other medications, such as spironolactone.

Acne nodules and cysts: If you have moderate or severe acne, effective treatment can help you see clearer skin and prevent new scars.

Treatment may consist of:

• Prescription medication that you apply to your skin + taking an antibiotic
• Hormonal treatment (for women only). Specific types of birth control or anti-androgen treatment such as spironolactone)
• Isotretinoin (Accutane)

Acne-friendly skin care routine:

Skin care is so important for acne treatment and prevention. Without it, you may not get the results you want, even if you follow your acne treatment perfectly.

You need gentle skin care to clear acne. If you’re scrubbing your face clean or washing it several times a day, you’re irritating your skin. Any time you irritate acne-prone skin, it can lead to breakouts.

Your Tono dermatologist can help you find the best skincare routine for you, especially if you have acne or acne-prone skin.