Clear Things Up With These 4 Acne Treatments

Find out which acne treatment could help improve your appearance and your confidence.

Acne affects people of all ages and is considered the most common skin problem in the United States. In fact, about 85 percent of people experience acne at some point in their lives, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. If you’ve been dealing with acne for a while now, you’ve probably been looking for ways to combat the problem for good. Here are some of the most common ways your Tulsa dermatologist will help you get acne-free skin:

1. Extractions: One of the first things any dermatologist will tell you is to never pick at your skin, as you can cause inflammation, infection, scarring or just make acne worse. However, your Tulsa dermatologist has the special equipment needed to help extract some of those annoying whiteheads and blackheads. Using an extractor tool we are able to bring all the material inside the acne to the surface and out from under the skin. You may experience some redness immediately after extractions; however, this will go away rather quickly.
2. Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics have been a common form of acne treatment for years, as they reduce both acne-causing bacteria and inflammation. This form of treatment is often prescribed for no longer than six months. The most common types of antibiotics used are erythromycin and tetracycline.
3. Hormone Medications: When we talk about hormonal acne we are often talking about the types of acne that flair up around a woman’s menstrual cycle. In these cases, oral contraceptives can be an effective way to treat this type of acne. However, there are only three types of oral contraceptives that are FDA-approved to treat acne: Yaz, Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Estrostep. The combination of estrogen with progestin helps to stabilize hormonal changes to keep acne at bay.
4. Retinoids: The main job of retinoids is to unclog pores and is often used in conjunction with other topical medications to kill the infection and bacteria that cause acne. Retinoids are often recommended for those with more moderate to severe forms of acne. Retinoids are effective in reducing the frequency of acne outbreaks and can be used with antibiotics or other topical medications. Some patients may experience dry, burning and itchy skin, as well as sensitivity to sunlight while using this medication.

Acne treatment in Tulsa can give you the clearer skin you’ve been looking for. Enjoy the confidence that comes with beautiful, acne-free skin. No matter your age you can benefit from acne treatment. Call us today to schedule your next appointment with us.