Treating acne, fading scars, and maintaining clear, happy skin: five key facts to consider!

You’ve come to the right place to leave behind the embarrassment, discomfort, itchiness, and other concerns associated with acne breakouts. The right dermatologist can help you avoid the risk of infections, scarring, and other complications by managing your acne properly. 

No single treatment is suitable for every patient. Braun Dermatology, located in Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, Virginia, recommends the most appropriate products, medications, and therapies. This is based on various factors, including the type and severity of the acne that needs to be controlled.

Given the numerous myths associated with this common condition, we consider it a privilege to provide our patients with credible and trusted information about acne. We have isolated five prominent facts/considerations associated with active acne, related scarring, treatments, etc, below. 

Clogged pores are to blame 

Typically, acne is caused by hair follicles blocked by excess skin cells and sebum. Hormonal changes can result in increased production of this oily substance. Bacterial overgrowth occurs when bacteria feed off of this sebum. Bacteria cause inflammation and may lead to the hair follicle rupturing and forming a red, tender pimple. 

Not just a teenager’s problem 

Acne is often associated with adolescents and teens because hormonal changes during this phase of life can cause the sebum-producing oil glands to enlarge. However, many adults deal with breakouts regularly. They may carry the problem into adulthood or even experience acne for the first time as adults. 

Know your triggers

In addition to hormonal fluctuations and imbalances, acne may be triggered by poor eating habits or certain foods (such as dairy). Additionally, using certain soaps, cosmetics, and even stressful episodes and life events can bring on breakouts. Some medications can also trigger acne or aggravate the condition. Due to the role that these substances and habits can play in the severity and frequency of breakouts, certain lifestyle adjustments may be in order. An elimination diet may give clues about the ingredients and foods triggering acne. We can also advise on appropriate skincare and makeup; for instance, look for products (including shampoos and hair care) that are labeled as “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.”

Tailored treatments 

A skin evaluation is the first step. During your consultation, we will examine your skin closely and try to narrow down potential triggers to get to the root cause of your breakouts. Treatment recommendations for deep acne nodules or cysts may not always align with how we treat blackheads and whiteheads. Generally and as appropriate, a retinoid cream or other topicals may be prescribed to aid in clearing active acne. We’ll also recommend a skincare routine to clear your face and other affected areas and reduce breakouts’ severity and frequency. For painful, deep, severe, or persistent acne, extraction or steroid injections may be in your future to support clear skin. 

Avoiding fading scars

How your skin heals can either minimize or promote the risk of developing scars. Acne scars are most often characterized as atrophic (or depressed) and hypertrophic (or raised). Braun Dermatology advises on techniques and products to prevent scars as your acne clears. Depending on the nature of your scars, therapies such as microneedling (alone or with radiofrequency) and laser treatment may be suitable. Steroid injections and silicone can also improve the appearance of certain scars (such as those that are raised and firm). 

Don’t turn to “Dr. Google” for acne advice. Trust the beauty and health of your skin to our professionals. 

Schedule your evaluation at one of our offices located in two areas today. Call 202-816-7557 to reach our team in Washington, D.C. Or, if our Alexandria, VA location is more convenient, please call 571-449-2555.