They start as awkward red bumps in our early years—firm to the touch and a little sore. Later, those same bumps rise and erupt, leaving small discolored scars or sunken pockmarks.
For many of us, this is where the acne story ends. Hormonal changes in our teen years result in a temporary battle for clear skin, but one day, the battle just ends.
Unfortunately, for upwards of 50 million American adults, this first skirmish is only the beginning. Acne affects men, women, adults, and teens each and every year. To make matters worse, acne has no cure. And while acne treatments may be numerous, it can take decades to find one that works.
So, how have acne treatments changed? What are the latest, greatest options for teens and adults suffering from frequent acne outbreaks?
The State of Acne Treatments in Frisco, TX – A Rodgers Dermatology Guide
If you’re stuck relying on the same, moderately effective topical cream or pill, you may be missing out on the latest, scientifically-backed acne treatments. Browse the latest, scientifically-backed acne treatments below and schedule your appointment today.
The Most Effective Acne Treatments in 2023 & Beyond
Everyone’s acne is different. For some, injections provide the most relief. Others experience amazing results from oral medication or topical solutions. At Rodgers Dermatology, we take a multimodal approach to acne treatment, combining and recombining the latest solutions until we find one that works for you.
Here are just a few of the acne treatments we recommend for our patients.
Benzoyl Peroxide Gel
Ideal for mild to moderate acne, benzoyl peroxide gel works by cleansing the skin of acne-causing bacteria. Available as a gel, facewash, and other forms, this treatment is easy to apply and use at home.
Benzoyl peroxide gel can start working in as few as four weeks, leading to clearer skin and fewer outbreaks. While over-the-counter (OTC) varieties are available, prescription-strength alternatives may work better depending on your circumstances.
Salicylic Acid
One of the primary drivers of acne is an overproduction of sebum—a naturally occurring skin oil. This sebum traps dead skin cells, bacteria, oils, and toxins which then make their way into your pores where they cause infection.
Salicylic acid reduces acne outbreaks by cleaning and exfoliating the skin. Over time, this acne treatment opens pores and reduces the risk of flare-ups caused by infection.
Azelaic Acid
Treating acne is one thing, but treating acne scars is another. Azelaic acid is an excellent pre- and post-outbreak treatment. Azelaic acid reduces scarring and discoloration by limiting the production of the tyrosinase enzyme.
Additionally, the solution also boasts antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, soothing the skin and preventing severe scarring. Finally, this treatment encourages healing for faster, less damaging outbreaks.
Topical Retinoids For Acne
While all topical solutions treat the causes of acne, topical retinoids are ideal for those suffering mild symptoms. If you’ve had acne for 5-10 years, you’ve almost certainly heard the name tretinoin before.
Retinoic acids treat acne by keeping pores (hair follicles) clear of the bacteria, oils, and toxins that feed acne outbreaks. Topical retinoid solutions are frequently combined with other products to prevent skin from drying out or becoming susceptible to sun damage.
Oral Antibiotics For Acne
The struggle against moderate to severe acne can be exhausting. Few easy solutions make a drastic difference in your everyday quality of life. But oral antibiotics offer a promising way forward.
Ideal for short-term use, oral antibiotics for acne work by focusing on outbreak-causing bacteria. They can also inhibit your production of sebum and reduce inflammation, leading to fewer outbreaks and less damage.
Topical Antibiotics For Acne
Like oral antibiotics, topical solutions work by attacking bacteria, limiting sebum, and reducing inflammation. Often used in combination with benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics go by many names, including clindamycin (Cleocin T) and erythromycin.
Topical antibiotics are effective in treating severe acne and are often the starting point before moving on to oral alternatives and other treatment options.
Spironolactone (spai-ruh-now-lak-tone)
Long trusted as a diuretic (a medication that reduces fluid buildup), spironolactone is effective at treating high blood pressure and even heart failure in some patients. Thankfully, the same effects that make it a life-saving treatment for some patients also make it a figurative lifesaver for acne patients.
Spironolactone acts on androgens—a classification of hormones that contribute mightily to hormonal acne. These hormones can supercharge sebum production, trapping additional oils, toxins, and bacteria on the skin and in pores.
By reducing sebum and inhibiting androgen hormones, spironolactone can effectively reduce the frequency and intensity of hormonal acne outbreaks.
Accutane® (Isotretinoin)
If you suffer from severe acne, you likely know the name Accutane. Accutane is among the most popular acne treatments in America today—and for good reason.
Accutane’s primary ingredient is isotretinoin—a vitamin A derivative that can reduce activity in the sebaceous gland. This gland is responsible for the production of sebum, and by inhibiting it, Accutane can drastically reduce some of the worst acne symptoms.
Additionally, isotretinoin can accelerate skin cell turnover, reducing the food that acne thrives on and preventing clogged pores for fewer infections. Great for skin, proven at reducing acne, and widely available, Accutane is a heroic treatment option for millions of patients across the globe.
Find An Acne Treatment That Finally Works For You
Thankfully, these acne treatments are only the tip of the iceberg. Modern dermatology is constantly innovating and expanding the list of effective options for acute and chronic acne. Additionally, numerous aesthetic treatments exist to heal scars and discolored skin.
If you’re tired of sticking to the same acne routine without seeing the results you deserve, it may be time to try something new. To discover a new acne treatment that works for you, call Rodgers Dermatology at (972) 808-5196 or contact us online.
Schedule Your Appointment at Rodgers Dermatology in Frisco, TX
The battle against acne is ongoing. For many, the fight for clear skin can feel fruitless and exhausting. But you don’t have to accept the status quo acne treatment—especially if it’s not working or not working well enough. At Rodgers Dermatology, we’ll try every combination we can think of to unlock a path toward clearer skin, fewer acne scars, and fewer outbreaks. Let us pair you with a treatment that works. Schedule your appointment today.