Is it time to turn to our Batavia, IL, dermatologist to treat your acne?

Acne is one of the most common skin problems that our Batavia, IL, dermatologist Dr. Sharon Horton and the team at Advanced Dermatology and Mohs Surgery treat. While most people assume that acne is simply just an issue that impacts teens, the fact is that persistent acne can impact everyone from kids to older adults. If persistent acne is getting to you, it might be time to turn to us.

Lifestyle Changes for Clearer Skin 

Leading a healthy lifestyle can improve the appearance of your skin and reduce breakouts. Some simple lifestyle changes include,

• Washing bedding regularly
• Keeping hands off your face
• Washing your face after exercise
• Eating a healthy, low-sugar diet
• Limiting or removing dairy from your diet
• Managing stress
• Staying hydrated
• Getting quality sleep

Topical Treatment Options 

There are so many acne products on the market these days that you may be wondering which one could help you. Some of the acne-fighting ingredients to look for when buying a skincare product include,

• Salicylic acid (a popular ingredient)
• Benzyl peroxide
• Glycolic acid
• Sulfur
• Lactic acid
• Retinol

No skincare product works overnight, so it’s important to be patient when trying out a new acne treatment. It can take up to two to three months before you start seeing results. If you don’t see an improvement after two months of using a product it may be time to try something new.

Seeing a Dermatologist 

While these over-the-counter acne creams, ointments, and cleansers may help those with mild acne or the occasional breakouts, they aren’t going to be effective for everyone. Our Batavia, IL, dermatologist Dr. Horton has helped many patients get control over their acne symptoms through simple lifestyle changes, as well as through more aggressive treatment options including,

• Prescription-strength cleansers and creams, which contain a higher percentage of the active acne-fighting ingredient
• A cortisone shot, which is most often used to treat large cystic acne
• Birth control pills
• Oral antibiotics
• Isotretinoin (a strong medication that is used for severe and treatment-resistant acne)

If you or your teen is dealing with acne that isn’t responding to at-home care, it’s time to turn to our Batavia, IL, dermatologists. Here at Advanced Dermatology and Mohs Surgery, we are also proud to serve the Wheaton, Elgin, Dekalb, Naperville, Aurora, and St. Charles, IL, communities. To schedule an appointment, call us at (630) 482-3700.