Does it feel like you’ve gone through every product and home remedy in a futile attempt to treat your acne, only to make it worse or see no results?
You’re not alone.
Here are six recommendations from a top acne specialist in Washington, DC to consider for long-term acne relief!
But First, You Need to Know Why an Expert Opinion Matters
With so many articles and opinions out there, it can be difficult to know what advice is worth following and what advice isn’t. Certain tips claiming to get rid of acne can be downright dangerous, only worsening the situation and potentially leaving behind permanent damage. Yikes!
By meeting with a board-certified dermatologist, you’re bypassing the trial-and-error that comes with treating acne, as well as keeping your skin’s safety a top priority. A dermatologist is a doctor that specializes in hair, skin, and nails, meaning they also specialize in anything and everything acne related.
Even if it’s just to receive product recommendations, consider visiting an acne specialist to take control of your skin and get rid of your acne for good.
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Consider the Cause of Your Acne Before You Treat It
Treat the source, not the symptom. Although acne can be a matter of genetics, most acne has an underlying cause for its existence. It could be related to hormones, reproductive conditions, smoking, certain medications or products, or other causes.
So, when you’re gearing up to attack your acne, take a look at your lifestyle to see if there might be contributing factors that are causing or worsening this unpleasantly stubborn skin condition. And, if your cause of acne is genetic or beyond your control, that’s okay! You can still battle your acne and win.
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Give the Acne Treatment Time to Work
Most treatments take at least four to six weeks before you start to see improvement. If you’re trying an acne treatment, you need to stick with it and give it time to shine before you fully judge it. The only exception to this rule is if a certain treatment is posing immediate harm and worsening your acne.
Consistency is key. Try not to hop around from treatment to treatment, as that can cause irritation to your skin and cause new breakouts.
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Opt for a Professional Grade Treatment
Over-the-counter products and remedies not doing the trick, or working as quickly or effectively as you’d like? Consider a professional treatment performed by a dermatologist! Broadband light therapies, facials, professional extractions, and other treatments should be on your radar.
Sometimes, all you need is a skilled set of hands and professional tools to see the results you want.
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Pay Attention to How You Treat Your Acne-Prone Skin
Whether consciously or subconsciously, how you’re treating your skin might be holding you and your clear skin back.
If you’re washing your face more than twice a day, picking at and / or popping your acne, or scrubbing your face in an attempt to thoroughly cleanse your skin, you’re only going to irritate your skin and potentially worsen your breakouts. Acne-prone skin is sensitive skin.
Instead, avoid touching your face as much as possible and wash twice daily with a gentle cleanser suited for acne-prone skin. By being gentle with your skin, you’ll also prevent acne scars.
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Revamp Your Skincare Routine
Not only does it matter how you treat your skin, but the products you use on your skin matter as well. Learn about the ingredients that are best for treating acne, and use them. Ultimately, you want products that are oil-free, non-comedogenic, and won’t clog pores.
For example, salicylic acid is great for unclogging pores and taking down some of that inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide decreases the bacteria responsible for creating or worsening acne. Tea tree oil, although harsh for eczema or particularly sensitive skin, is also great as an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory.
For more advice on which skincare products are right for you, talk to a dermatologist for high-quality, carefully developed skincare.
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Visit a Board-Certified Dermatologist
This ties in with tip three. When all else fails, go to the doctor! A skin doctor, to be more precise.
Dermatologists are trained in everything that has to do with the skin, including acne. Even the most stubborn, complex, and painful acne cases are no match when it comes to a dermatologist.
A dermatologist will assess your skin as well as your lifestyle, health history, and current medications or supplements, and factor every little detail in their master plan for treating your acne. Working with a dermatologist is the easiest way to get rid of your acne, and keep it under control for good.
Step away from those sketchy at-home remedies, ditch that suspiciously cheap, irritating drugstore product, and enlist the help of a professional for products and treatments that actually work.
Book an Appointment With the #1 Acne Specialist in Washington, DC to Kick Blemishes to the Curb!
Acne is an incredibly stubborn skin condition that can make you feel insecure. So, don’t let acne get you down any longer when there are solutions that work – let our skilled team help! We specialize in a variety of high-quality cosmetic services to treat even the most complex acne cases.
Book a consultation with our acne specialist in Washington, DC today by calling (202) 664-8342! We can’t wait to help you take control of your skin’s health so you can say goodbye to acne for good.