I'm Embarrassed About My Acne

When you hear someone talk about cosmetic dermatology, acne treatments are often excluded from the conversation. But even though many people think acne is a problem you leave behind after becoming an adult, it affects 15% of adult women in the United States.

Many people don’t seek help because they’re embarrassed about the problem or think a dermatologist can only help with adolescent acne. But this isn’t true.

Dr. Malouf Dermatology offers a number of treatment options for acne whether you’re dealing with it as a result of puberty or later on in life. Our providers — Peter Malouf, DO, Amanda Miller, FNP-C, and Haylee Terry, PA-C — will help you find the best option for your needs.

Why acne happens 

Many people misunderstand acne, thinking it means you don’t take good care of your skin or that you’re not as clean as you should be. But this just isn’t true. Yes, certain products can contribute to acne, as can sweat and oil from your sebaceous glands. But more often than not, acne is something much harder to control. 

Many people experience acne because it runs in their families. They may get it as younger individuals and see it resurface later in life. Hormonal changes, stress, and the food you eat may also play roles in causing acne to form. 

Acne is nothing to be embarrassed about, but you should also be able to look and feel your best, whatever that means for you. Fortunately, there are several treatments that can help you fight your acne, manage and treat acne scarring, and have smoother-looking skin. 

Dr. Malouf Dermatology’s options for acne treatment 

1. Medication

You might’ve tried certain over-the-counter medications to treat your acne in the past and experienced mixed results. But getting medication from a health care provider is a whole different situation. Retinoids, oral antibiotics, and medications that can help shift your hormonal imbalance could be much more helpful. 

2. Isotretinoin

Isotretinoin is another type of medication you can be prescribed for acne, but it’s usually best as a last result after other options haven’t provided the desired results. This treatment can work for some people, but it can also cause serious side effects. 

3. Intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment 

IPL is a fantastic procedure for acne because it’s noninvasive and only minimally uncomfortable. It involves highly specialized lasers that target the oil production in your skin. IPL can also treat acne scarring by speeding up collagen production, which helps to heal your skin.

4. Laser resurfacing 

Laser resurfacing is very similar to IPL, though it’s a little less gentle on the skin and requires more downtime. It also utilizes laser technology to treat acne scarring as well as to tighten and smooth skin to make it look younger and more even in tone. 

Treat your acne today

You don’t need to be embarrassed of your acne; you can seek treatment at one of our three clinics in Dallas, Cleburne, or Fort Worth, Texas today. Just call or book an appointment online now.