Acne

What is acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that isn’t life-threatening or dangerous. However, it can have a huge impact on both your appearance and your self-esteem. If you have severe acne, it can be painful and leave lasting scars. 

The tiny holes in your skin that lead to follicles, called pores, can fill up with oil and bacteria to become clogged. Each pore contains a hair follicle and an oil gland. When there’s too much oil, dirt, and bacteria in a pore, your skin around it can become inflamed and form a pimple. 

There are lots of rumors and old wives’ tales about what causes acne, but there are several factors that put you at higher-than-average risk. 

Fluctuating hormones during puberty or pregnancy often lead to acne breakouts, as do certain medications. Dr. Keehan can help you identify the factors contributing to your acne. 

What are my treatment options for acne?

At Keehan Dermatology, Dr. Keehan offers a number of treatments for acne that clear your breakouts and reduce your risk of scarring.

You might first try treating your acne at home with simple measures like washing your face regularly, washing your hair regularly, and avoiding touching your acne-prone skin. 

After Dr. Keehan evaluates your acne, he decides which treatments to use to calm your skin. He might recommend:

• Chemical peels
• Prescription topical creams
• Antibiotic medications
• SkinPen® microneedling
• Isotretinoin 
  
  

Eczema isn’t the same as acne, but it also involves irritated skin and intermittent flare-ups. If you have eczema, Dr. Keehan might recommend treatment using an excimer laser. 

The excimer laser emits a powerful beam of light to target and reduce your eczema without harming nearby healthy skin. 

How can I prevent future acne breakouts?

It isn’t always easy to prevent acne, no matter how well you take care of your skin and keep it clean. However, Dr. Keehan can offer you tips on how to reduce your chances of getting another breakout. He may recommend:

• Avoiding oily makeup
• Removing cosmetics before bed
• Washing your face twice daily
• Avoiding refined sugars and carbohydrates in your diet
• Finding ways to reduce stress
  
  

If you’re in puberty, your acne will likely go away as your hormones balance. Acne is especially prevalent in adolescents because of the changes in their hormones, and you’ll likely get much less of it as an adult. 

No matter your age, Dr. Keehan can help reduce your acne, clear your skin, and feel more confident. 

To learn more about acne and treatments for it, book an appointment by phone or online at Keehan Dermatology today.