from the Holiday 2001 Issue
With the holidays around the corner and pre-teens, teenagers, and college students having a break from school schedules, now is a good time to start thinking about getting acne problems under control. You may have tried over-the-counter remedies or prescriptions given by your primary care doctor, but aren't satisfied with the results. Dermatologists are familiar with all prescription medications available to treat acne and their proper use. The first-line treatment for most acne is a topical retinoid. There are many different generic forms and brand names out there, and we will choose the type that is best for your skin. Topical retinoids work to open the blackheads and whiteheads that lead to deeper pimples if they are not treated. Retinoids also help to diminish the amount of oil on the skin.
The next step is an anti-inflammatory, usually in the form of a benzoyl peroxide formulation or antibiotic or both. Depending on the severity of the disease, we may prescribe topical preparations or oral antibiotics, or both. These medications work to heal the larger pimples that have already formed. The last line for acne treatment is Accutane®. This is a very good medication for acne and is a long-term solution for most patients, but it has many potential annoying as well as serious side effects that should be discussed in detail with a dermatologist before deciding to commit to the treatment course of four to six months.
A very important and basic part of acne treatment is washing, not scrubbing, your face twice a day with a mild soap to help keep the amount of oil at a minimum. Also, for girls and women who wear makeup, it is important to use water-based, non-comedogenic products. Another recommendation I always make is to use a light moisturizer with sunscreen in the morning, over your morning topical medication and under your makeup if you wear it. This serves two purposes: it helps to offset the dryness many people experience from the nightly application of their topical retinoid, and it protects the irritated skin from the harsh effects of the sun.
Acne can affect self-esteem and confidence, especially in the teenage population, so use the holiday period to consult a dermatologist about treatment options.
For more information, see:
Acne Treatment
for Youthful Skin
Fall 1999
Acne Update
Spring 2005
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