Incredible advancements in topical products, oral medications, and skin procedures have made acne treatments more accessible than ever. Achieving clearer, less-blemished skin in your battle against acne is now within reach. If over-the-counter products haven’t worked for you, the board-certified dermatologists at Houston Laser Skin Center are here to help.
Our clinic diagnoses your condition and creates a personalized treatment plan tailored to your skin. Control breakouts and prevent future scarring and skin damage with a safe, effective acne treatment plan from Houston Laser Skin Center and Dr. Solomon Brickman.
If you suffer from acne, you could be wondering “What causes acne?” Let’s review.
What causes acne?
Acne occurs when skin pores become clogged with bacteria, dead skin cells, or oil. This can lead to infected, raised spots known as acne. While dirty skin and greasy foods are often blamed, they are not direct causes. Left untreated, acne can result in permanent skin damage.
Acne is common among adolescents and teens due to hormonal changes during puberty, which increase skin oil production. However, it can persist into adulthood. Factors triggering adult acne include stress, certain medications, birth control, and other hormonal changes.
When should you seek help for your acne?
Over-the-counter acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can be effective when used consistently for 1-2 months for moderate cases. If these do not yield the desired results, medically supervised intervention may be necessary.
Attempting to treat acne on your own can be frustrating. Using multiple over-the-counter medications can irritate the skin and cause complications. For severe acne, consulting an experienced dermatologist like Dr. Solomon Brickman is crucial. Early treatment is key to preventing permanent scarring.
What are some options for acne treatments?
Available options include:
- Topical acne treatments
- Oral prescription medications
Topical Acne Treatments
The first line of acne treatment typically involves topical creams and ointments. At Houston Laser Skin Center, we may prescribe treatments with higher concentrations of retinoic acid (tretinoin) to exfoliate the skin at the cellular level, reducing dead skin cell buildup and preventing pimples. Other options include salicylic and azelaic acids to cleanse bacteria from pores, promoting cell turnover and reducing inflammation. For milder cases, we may recommend topical antibiotics such as clindamycin and dapsone.
Oral Prescription Medications for Acne
For moderate acne, we may prescribe oral antibiotics to target acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. For severe cases, isotretinoin may be used, but it is not suitable for everyone and requires thorough patient education on risks and side effects. For adult women with cystic or persistent acne, low doses of oral spironolactone can block hormones from binding to sebaceous glands, reducing oil production and pimple formation.
Treat Your Acne Today at our Houston-area clinic
At Houston Laser Skin Center, we believe you deserve confident, healthy skin. Whether you’re dealing with childhood or teenage acne, adult acne, or hormonal acne, our board-certified dermatologists will create a treatment plan tailored to your needs, aiming for bright and radiant skin. Conveniently located near Jersey Village, Spring, Cypress, and Copperfield, contact us today to arrange an acne consultation.