My Acne Is Embarrassing: Can You Help?

Acne can make you feel deeply self-conscious, and once a breakout develops, there’s little you can do to lessen the appearance of those lesions. But professional treatment can minimize acne breakouts and give your skin a chance to heal. 

At Dermatology & Laser Center of San Diego, our team of skin health experts understands that the effects of acne are more than just skin deep. We’re happy to partner with you to find a treatment path that aligns with your skin’s needs as well as your aesthetic goals. 

Numerous factors can cause or contribute to acne

When it comes to many health conditions, the best treatment path involves addressing the root cause. With acne, that approach is not as simple as it sounds. That’s because one of the leading causes of acne is hormonal fluctuation, which is a natural part of moving through puberty. 

Adolescents and young adults develop acne at higher rates than older adults (although you can still encounter the condition well into adulthood). As your body begins producing higher volumes of hormones, the sebaceous glands in your skin enlarge, producing more sebum. 

Sebum is an oil-like substance that helps keep skin lubricated and hydrated. Having too much can clog your pores. Inflammation and bacteria also contribute to acne breakouts. 

Some people develop acne when taking certain medications. Your diet can exacerbate acne, as can high levels of stress. One thing that researchers agree on is that acne isn’t caused by having “dirty” skin. In fact, aggressive cleansing can irritate skin and boost sebum production, making matters worse. 

You have options when it comes to treating acne

When you rely on Dermatology & Laser Center of San Diego for acne treatment, the first step is a thorough skin assessment and a discussion of your experience with acne. Your practitioner then explains the treatment options that best align with your needs to help you make an informed decision about your care. 

Topical medication

This approach involved applying a medicated cream or ointment directly to your skin. Most contain retinoids, which help clear pores and reduce breakouts, but benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics are also common. You might need to use a combination of two or more topical treatments to achieve the best results. 

Oral medication

If topical treatments aren’t enough, oral medications can help. Antibiotics can clear an existing outbreak, but aren’t used for long-term treatment. Birth control pills can be effective in regulating hormone production in women and girls. There are also prescription medications that target acne. It’s important to understand the risk of side effects with drug therapy. 

Light therapy

One of the most exciting innovations in acne care is the use of lasers and other light-based therapies. These treatments create a controlled heat in the deeper layers of your skin, which can kill bacteria and trigger your body to create new tissue that smooths and softens the skin. 

Chemical peels

A form of chemical exfoliation, a peel safely removes the outermost layers of dead skin and debris. This helps clear pores while removing excess sebum from the skin, which, in turn, can reduce future acne outbreaks. 

Ready to learn more? We’re here to help

The sheer volume of acne treatment options can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, the dermatologists and support staff at Dermatology & Laser Center of San Diego have the training and experience needed to help you find the best possible path toward clearer skin. 

Acne breakouts are uncomfortable enough without adding embarrassment to the mix. Don’t delay seeking professional care. We are standing by to answer any questions you have about treatment and get you started on a customized treatment plan. Call the office today to schedule a visit, or use our easy online booking tool.