It’s important to pinpoint the root cause of your acne before we begin treating it.
Acne is the most common skin problem in the US, but what do you actually know about it? Do you know how acne happens, what can trigger outbreaks, and how to properly manage your acne to prevent breakouts in the first place? If you are currently battling acne our Tribeca, NY, dermatologists Dr. Gilberto Alvarez and Dr. Shari Marchbein can give you the answers you’re looking for.
The problem with many at-home acne treatments is that they manage your symptoms without actually targeting the underlying cause. This means that breakouts will continue to show up despite your current habits and routines. To know how to properly treat acne you first need to understand what causes it.
Four factors directly lead to acne:
- An excess of oil production
- Clogged pores
- Bacteria
- Inflammation
Of course, other factors can also indirectly aggravate your acne. These factors include,
- Diet: what you eat can increase widespread inflammation, which can make acne-prone skin worse
- Hormones: everything from your menstrual cycle to menopause can impact oil production
- Stress: stress leads to the production of cortisol and other hormones from the endocrine system that can also increase oil production and increase systemic inflammation
- Products and makeup: some of the hair and skin products you’re using, as well as makeup (including brushes and sponges), can also clog pores
- Medications: some medications such as corticosteroids can make acne worse
If you’re having a difficult time pinpointing what’s causing your acne, our Tribeca, NY, dermatologists can provide you with the answers you’re looking for, as well as customized treatment options. Some treatment options include,
If you’re dealing with whiteheads and blackheads…
You most likely have bacteria on the skin and clogged pores. Our dermatologists may recommend prescription-strength retinoids or an over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide cleanser to keep pores clean and to kill acne-causing bacteria.
If you’re dealing with papules or pustules…
Pustules are little pus-filled bumps on the skin and papules are any hard acne bumps. These are usually caused by bacteria, clogged pores, and excess oil. Products that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help.
If you’re dealing with nodules and cysts…
These forms of acne develop deep within the skin, and it’s important to see a dermatologist for treatment, as cystic acne is prone to scarring. Systemic medications are usually more effective in treating these types of acne. Some medications used to treat nodular and cystic acne include antibiotics, corticosteroids, oral contraception (for women), and isotretinoin.
If you are having trouble getting your acne under control, you could simply be using the wrong products to target the cause of your acne. Let our Tribeca, NY, dermatologists at Downtown Dermatology help you get clearer skin. Call us at (212) 233-2995 to schedule an evaluation.
