What Is the Best Acne Treatment? Our Answer: It Depends

Acne is a very common skin condition that results in blemishes on a patient’s face, shoulders, chest and/or upper back. Acne breakouts can be mild or more severe and may appear in the form of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads or cysts. While acne most often affects teenagers, it can develop during childhood and may persist into adulthood for some individuals. If you or your child is suffering from acne, you may be wondering: What is the best acne treatment?

The answer to this question will vary from patient to patient depending on the severity and cause of their acne. Here are a few treatments that may be prescribed:

Topical/Oral Retinoids – Retinoid medications like Accutane and Retin-A work to prevent the production of excess oil, thereby helping to reduce breakouts. They may be taken by mouth or applied topically as a cream, gel or lotion.

Topical/Systemic Antibiotics – Antibiotics can help fight off bacteria and minimize inflammation in the skin’s hair follicles, thus reducing redness and preventing acne. They are often used in combination with a retinoid for acne therapy.

Chemical Peels – Chemical peels work to improve acne by removing the top layer of skin in order to encourage new skin growth and unclog pores. They can also be useful in reducing acne scarring.

Birth Control Pills – Oral contraceptives may help clear up acne by inhibiting the production of endogenous hormones, thus decreasing sebum (oil) production. It may take a few months to begin seeing results from this option, so another treatment may be prescribed in the meantime.

Ultimately, the answer to “what is the best acne treatment?” will be different for every patient. A skilled dermatologist can assess the acne that you or your child is experiencing and help you create an individualized treatment plan. Depending on the type, severity and source of the acne, this may include one or more of the treatment options mentioned above.

Come to Kessel Dermatology for Personalized Acne Treatment

We hope you now have a clear understanding of why there is no one-size-fits-all answer for “what is the best acne treatment?” If you or your child is dealing with persistent acne, the experienced staff at Kessel Dermatology can help you manage it effectively. After performing a physical examination, we will recommend a treatment plan that is tailored to the acne breakouts you or your child is having.

To schedule a consultation with one of our acne treatment specialists, call our office today at (609) 890-2600. We look forward to helping you achieve a clearer complexion.