The #1 Acne Treatment in San Antonio
Acne is a common skin condition characterized by areas of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and inflamed cysts. It is caused by clogged hair follicles, excess oil production, bacteria, and dead skin cells. Acne can occur on the face, back, chest, neck, shoulders and upper arms. It ranges in severity from mild to severe.
Getting effective acne treatment from a dermatologist can help clear up acne and prevent new breakouts. This can prevent scarring and improve self-esteem. Dermatologists have access to prescription medications like antibiotics, retinoids, and hormonal therapies that treat acne at the source. Following an acne treatment plan as prescribed can lead to clearer skin over time.
What is Acne?
Acne is known for being an unpleasant teenage experience, but the truth is that many people deal with acne throughout their life.
Broken down to its basics, acne is an inflammation of the skin. A hair follicle becomes plugged with oil and dead skin cells. That’s it. That’s the source of all of our problems. A pore that should be clear and free of substance has become clogged with old, dead material. Left unattended, the pore becomes dirty, and this problem manifests in these blemishes.
While the condition can clear up on its own, it can also become chronic and very difficult to manage, and that’s when it’s time to call in an acne dermatologist in San Antonio.
While it can appear anywhere, it most commonly appears on the face, shoulders, back, and chest.
Acne Treatment
Acne treatment refers to medications, procedures, and lifestyle changes aimed at clearing up acne breakouts and preventing new ones. Common treatments include over-the-counter topical products like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and retinoids to kill bacteria and unclog pores. Prescription options include topical and oral antibiotics, birth control pills, isotretinoin, and steroid injections for cystic acne. Procedures like chemical peels and laser therapy may also be used alongside other treatments.
Getting effective acne treatment from a dermatologist can help clear current breakouts faster with prescription-strength products, prevent future breakouts and scarring, and improve self-esteem that may be negatively impacted by acne. Following the treatment plan as directed can lead to visible improvement within weeks or months.
Common Causes of Acne
There is no single cause of acne. We will go over the most likely reasons for acne to appear, especially in excess.
Stress
It may seem like every condition has stress listed as a cause, and skin conditions are no exception. Our body responds poorly to stressful conditions, and it’s a leading cause of outbreaks.
Too Much Moisture
This is the driving force behind most acne and why younger people are more susceptible to it. The skin becomes overly oily, this attaches itself to the hair follicles in your skin, and that’s when acne appears.
Diet
Eating too many overprocessed foods can lead to a bigger presence of those unwanted blemishes. A small change in diet can work wonders.
Menstruation
For women, acne breakouts are much more likely to happen around the time of their menstrual cycle. This is something that happens to women all around the world, so don’t feel isolated if this happens to you. Just be sure to take extra care of your skin during this time.
Genetics
For some people, acne runs in the family – but this doesn’t have to be a sentence. It can be a genetic predisposition like any other condition, and understanding this can improve treatment. If that’s so, you might need extra skin care.
Underlying Illnesses
Acne can be the main problem, but it can also be the symptom of a bigger problem. Acne often accompanies high blood pressure, dehydration, liver problems, excess hormones, and digestive issues.
Other Causes Include:
Excess Oil Production
Excess oil (sebum) production is a major cause of acne. Sebum is produced by sebaceous glands in the skin to keep it moisturized. However, when too much sebum is produced, it can clog pores and cause inflammatory acne lesions to form. Several factors can trigger increased sebum production, including hormones, genetics, diet, stress, and certain medications. To help control excess oil and prevent acne, it is important to establish a proper skincare routine.
Clogged Pores
Clogged pores form when dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria become trapped within pores, creating the perfect environment for inflammatory acne lesions. Excess oil production, accumulated dead skin cell buildup, skin products that clog pores, and hormones like androgens can trigger clogged pores. To minimize clogged pores and prevent acne, it’s important to gently exfoliate skin and use oil-free, non-comedogenic products.
Bacteria (P. acnes)
The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) plays a key role in the development of inflammatory acne lesions. P. acnes is part of the normal skin microbiome but overgrowth in clogged follicles causes the release of inflammatory chemicals, triggering papules, pustules, and cystic acne. To minimize P. acnes overgrowth and acne, it’s important to regularly exfoliate skin and use products containing benzoyl peroxide or retinoids, which reduce bacteria.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations, especially androgen hormones like testosterone, can trigger excess sebum production and inflammation, leading to acne. Hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands, causing more oil that can clog pores and allow acne-causing bacteria like P. acnes to overpopulate. To control hormonal acne, lifestyle changes like stress reduction, proper sleep, a low glycemic diet, and exercise can help stabilize hormones.
Cosmetics and Skin Products
Many cosmetics and skin care products contain comedogenic ingredients that can clog pores and trigger acne breakouts. Thick creams, oils, and silicone-based products tend to be the most pore-clogging. To prevent acne, it’s important to use oil-free, non-comedogenic, and non-acnegenic labeled cosmetics and skin care. Avoiding heavy makeup and frequently washing makeup brushes also helps prevent product buildup that can clog pores. Using oil-blotting sheets to manage shine, as well as oil-free sunscreens and moisturizers formulated for acne-prone skin can help.
For better diagnosis, book an appointment with us.
Types of Acne
This condition presents itself in many forms – here’s how to tell them apart.
Blackheads
These are those annoying dark spots that typically appear on your nose. These are pores filled with dead skin and hair cells.
Whiteheads
Whiteheads are similar to blackheads, but whereas blackheads are open, whiteheads are closed.
Papules
These are the small red bumps that are tender to the touch.
Pustules
More often known as a pimple, when there’s a bump on the skin with a small bump of pus at the top. It’s very tempting to pop them, but you shouldn’t do this without the guidance of a professional, as it can lead to scarring.
Nodules
This is a large and painful bump under the surface. Unlike the other types of acne, there is no visible “opening” (such as the pus on pustules or dark spots on the blackheads.
Cysts
This is the most distressing type of acne and the easiest to spread. This type of acne is actually the buildup of cysts underneath the skin. That’s why it’s so dangerous to try to pop them.
Learn more and understand how to treat these symptoms. Get in touch for an appointment today.
Why RFSA Dermatology to Help You With Acne?
RFSA Dermatology is the most reliable acne dermatologist in San Antonio. We offer bespoke skin care plans and needs for many conditions and offer the most compassionate care.
Our methods are proven to be completely safe and yield results. Many of our clients have started to see results from just one treatment, faster than any other acne dermatologist in San Antonio.
We do more than surface-level treatments – we understand the underlying causes of a problem and build a personalized care plan, including medication, lifestyle changes, and personal support. We will get to the root of your problem and solve it so you can walk with your head held high and be proud of your skin.
Our team comes from many years of experience and can treat any variety of skin conditions, from acne to wrinkles and aging spots to even skin cancer. Pain and shame are our enemies; we’re here to ensure they leave you alone for good.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re here, acne is interfering with your life. You want to make it a part of your past. When you work with us, that’s not a wish – it’s a plan, and we have the expertise for the job. Your journey to the next chapter of your life could begin right now.
If you’re ready for acne to get out of the driver’s seat so you can reclaim your spot, it’s time to call us for a compassionate consultation so we can develop a plan to beat acne for good.
