Acne
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. More than 50 million people have acne at least once in their lifetime. It is not only teenagers who suffer from unsightly pimples, blemishes, breakouts and red, irritated skin. A growing number of women and men in their 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond are also affected. At SkinSmart Dermatology® we offer a range of effective options for acne treatment in Sarasota.
Healthy, beautiful skin begins at SkinSmart Dermatology®. Request an appointment or call our office in Sarasota at 941.308.7546.
About Acne
Acne begins with dead skin cells. Normally, these cells are shed as they rise to the surface of the pore. However, when the body starts to make lots of sebum (oil), the dead skin cells can stick together inside the pore where they become trapped and create a breeding ground for bacteria. The bacterial infection leads to inflammation, giving acne its red appearance. If the inflammation goes deep into the skin, an acne cyst or nodule appears.
Uncontrolled acne can leave dark marks and permanent acne scars. If acne is treated early, before cysts and nodules develop, these scars can be prevented.
Acne Treatments in Sarasota, FL
By examining your skin, SkinSmart Dermatology providers can determine whether you suffer from acne or from another skin condition that can be confused with it, such as rosacea. While there are many effective treatments for acne, not all of them will work for every case. People who are interested in acne treatment from Bradenton, Brandon, Lakewood Ranch and other Southwest Florida communities depend on us to help them find treatments that work. Possibilities include:
- Over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid
- Prescription topical medications
- Antibiotics, which reduce inflammation
- Birth control pills, which can be effective for females whose hormones are contributing to their acne
- Isotretinoin, which is reserved for acne that does not respond to other treatments
To help with active acne and acne scars, we may also recommend other treatments.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Acne Treatment?
You can benefit from a dermatology consult if you have acne that does not improve with your basic over-the-counter topical solutions. Bringing your concerns to a board-certified dermatologist, you can discover the type of acne that you have and also which form of treatment or combination of treatments will help resolve your breakouts more quickly. The goal of acne treatment is to reduce existing flare-ups and create an ideal situation in your skin and pores that inhibits future breakouts.
How to Prepare for Acne Treatment?
All you need to do to prepare for acne treatment is make an appointment with us! Before your consultation, take care to avoid excessive sun exposure. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen that does not exacerbate your breakouts. You may be advised to stop using exfoliators and harsh chemicals for a few days. This allows your doctor to observe your skin in its most natural state. On the day of your appointment, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and apply a very light moisturizer.
Will my Acne Return After Treatment?
You developed acne because of an overabundance of dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria within your pores. The way that acne treatments work is by reducing the amount of acne-causing bacteria that are present, as well as the amount of oil that your skin produces. Essentially, medications work to create an environment that makes it more difficult for bacteria to infiltrate and clog pores. That said, your biology and skin behavior do not change. If you stop your acne treatment, there is a chance that your pores may clog with oil and bacteria once again, resulting in recurrent breakouts. The good news about acne is that, in most cases, it is a temporary condition that may have roots in several other aspects of your health and lifestyle. Our hope is that we can prescribe the right treatment at the right time to see you through the season of acne and, once your physiology has adjusted, you may no longer need medication to enjoy clean, clear skin.
Recovery and Aftercare for Acne Treatment?
Our acne treatments are gentle but effective and do not require any downtime for recovery. At your consultation, your provider will discuss the ways in which you should take care of your skin by utilizing the medications or other products recommended for your type of acne. Your provider will explain the side effects that may occur, if relevant, and how you can manage your skin as best as possible to enable your medication to work effectively.
How Do I Maintain My Results and Prevent Acne?
To maintain the results of your acne treatment, consistency is key. It isn't enough to turn to topical or oral medications for the management of acne-prone skin. To see your skin through a period in which acne is more likely, you benefit the most from a multifaceted approach. Regardless of how long you use your prescription medication or how well it works, it is advantageous to wash your face every day as directed by your dermatologist. Specific ingredients in the form of creams or serums may also be recommended, and moisturizing is an important step that you should not skip. You may need to schedule periodic check-ups with your dermatologist for a special treatment or facial designed to gently cleanse your pores and reduce the amount of acne-causing bacteria that is present.
If you are experiencing acne and are seeking treatment, visit Sarasota Dermatology. Our providers, including Dr. Elizabeth Callahan, are experienced in acne treatment and have been serving the Sarasota community for over 15 years. At SkinSmart Dermatology, we treat a wide variety of skin problems and care for every individual patient with a personal touch. Schedule an appointment by calling 941.308.7546 or fill out the form on our contact page.
