When you have acne, it can make you self-conscious. You can try over-the-counter acne treatments, but many of them contain harsh chemicals which can irritate your skin. Many of them just don’t work. Visiting your dermatologist for professional skin care is a much better idea. Dr. Elizabeth Gawey of Gawey Dermatology in Oklahoma City, OK, provides a wide range of dermatology services, including the treatment of acne and acne scarring.
What You Need to Know about Acne
Acne can develop as whiteheads, blackheads, and painful cystic acne. The blemishes can be caused by excess oil, dirt, and dead skin cells plugging up your pores. Acne can also develop from underlying bacteria which can cause an infection in your pores.
There are several factors that can make acne breakouts worse, including:
- Hormonal changes occurring during puberty, menstruation, and menopause
- Dietary factors including consuming dairy products and greasy foods
- Using makeup and skincare products which can clog up your pores
Your dermatologist has several effective acne treatment options, including:
- Benzoyl peroxide products, which work by clearing blocked pores
- Topical and oral antibiotics, kill the underlying bacteria infecting your pores
- Hormonal acne treatments, which are highly effective to treat hormone-related acne
- Tretinoin products, clear out material blocking your pores, to eliminate blackheads and whiteheads
- Extraction treatment, which uses an instrument to completely remove whiteheads and blackheads
- Laser light therapy, which uses heat and light to kill the underlying bacteria causing acne
Remember not to pick and pop acne blemishes, because this can cause acne scarring. If you have acne scarring, your dermatologist has several treatment options to help diminish the appearance of acne scars. Your dermatologist may recommend:
- Chemical peels
- Microdermabrasion
- Laser light therapy
- Skin resurfacing treatments
Want to Know More?
To find out more about the causes and treatments for acne, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Gawey of Gawey Dermatology in Oklahoma City, OK. You can reach her in the office by calling (405) 951-8711, so call today.