Managing Acne in Charlevoix, MI
Acne is one of the most common skin problems in the US. Acne isn’t just a rite of passage that happens to teens. We’ve seen everyone from children to older adults still dealing with acne that impacts their health and appearance and makes them feel self-conscious. If this is you, our dermatologist and the team at Rogers Dermatology in Charlevoix, MI can provide you with a customized plan to get your acne under control.
When to See Your Charlevoix, MI Dermatologist
Seeing a dermatologist just because you have acne isn't always necessary. Of course, there are certainly moments when you should call us. These moments include,
- If you’ve never actually been diagnosed with acne
- If acne is getting worse even with at-home care
- If you have severe acne or inflammatory or cystic acne
- If acne isn’t responding with treatment
- If your acne is impacting your self-esteem and quality of life
Acne Products Take Time to Work
It’s essential to remember that any acne product you use, whether over-the-counter or prescription, takes time to work. There are no miracle treatments or quick fixes when it comes to acne. It’s important to give even your at-home acne products up to 12 weeks to be fully effective. If you don’t see results after that, it’s time to try something else.
We Need to Find Out What’s Causing Your Acne
It’s important to understand that there are different reasons why you may be dealing with acne. Figuring out the cause of your acne is our number one priority, as this will determine the most effective treatment options to reduce the severity and frequency of your breakouts. Our team can help you with this when you come in for a consultation.
Treating Your Acne
Those with minor acne breakouts can often get their symptoms under control with simple at-home cleansers and other products; however, our dermatologist can prescribe stronger cleansers and even topical medications to help target acne-causing bacteria. Common topical acne treatments include,
- Retinoids
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Salicylic acid
- Azelaic Acid
- Dapsone
Women whose acne is due to hormones can benefit from certain oral contraceptives designed to reduce acne. Sometimes oral antibiotics can be prescribed to help kill the bacteria responsible for acne. Those with severe inflammatory or cystic acne may require stronger medication such as Accutane. This pill is used to treat severe acne and acne scarring.