I think it’s safe to say none of us enjoy having acne. As if having acne wasn’t bad enough, it often leaves us with scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. All of this can lead to increased stress, self-consciousness, and anxiety.

What is acne?

Acne is a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. It primarily affects people aged 12-24, but up to 35% of acne occurs in people who are in their 30’s and 40’s. Predisposing factors are mainly genetic, however it is also influenced by hormonal imbalances and diet (skim milk, high-sugar). The bacteria P. acnes is present in the pores of the skin, and it stimulates inflammatory mediators which contribute to inflammation.

Types of Acne

There are many variants of acne including acne vulgaris (common acne), post-adolescent, acne exocrine (habitual picking of lesions), and more. Based on the type of acne you have, your treatment may differ.

Acne Skincare

There are some basic things you can incorporate into your skincare routine to help improve your acne. These include antiseptics like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and azlelaic acid (Rx). Many people may also find it helpful to incorporate retinoids like adapalene (Differin OTC), tretinoin and isotretinoin (Accutane) because they have great anti-inflammatory properties. Moisturizer is important for EVERYONE, even if you have oily, acne-prone skin. Studies have actually shown that not using a moisturizer may contribute to increased oil production. Just make sure it’s non-comedogenic. Oil-free does NOT mean non-comedogenic.

Topical Antibiotics for Acne

If your acne is needing a little extra TLC, this is where we come in. You may benefit from topical antibiotics like clindamycin or erythromycin, or even oral antibiotics like doxycycline for their anti-inflammatory properties. These are often used at either lower doses or in shorter courses to prevent antibiotic resistance. Your provider may also recommend OCPs like ortho tricyclin or anti-androgens like spironolactone for hormonal-related acne.

Acne Tips

Some helpful tips: non-foaming cleansers are better for dry skin, foaming cleansers are better for oily skin. Acne treatment is long-term and requires more than just spot-treatments. Patience and consistency is KEY in treating active acne and preventing future breakouts. It takes 2-3 months to see appreciable results after altering your skincare regimen, so don’t feel discouraged!

If you’re interested in setting up a skincare consultation with Nurse Sage, please give our office a call at 415-392-3333.