Blackheads and breakouts can ruin your day. If acne is a persistent issue for you, an acne specialist near Seattle can help you achieve lasting clearer skin. If at-home treatments haven’t worked, it may be time to visit Miller Family Dermatology and take control of your acne once and for all.

What is Acne?

Acne is a frustratingly common condition, affecting over 80% of teenagers and many adults. Various factors contribute to acne, including genetics, hormones, environmental exposures, and personal habits. Acne develops when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and other debris. This buildup can feed bacteria that cause inflammation, redness, and soreness. Acne can range from non-inflammatory blackheads and whiteheads to deep, painful cysts that may lead to permanent scarring.

What Treatment Works Best for Acne?

Each person’s acne is unique, so your treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs. An acne specialist near Seattle will typically start with readily available treatments, such as face washes and topical ingredients. If these initial treatments aren’t effective, they may progress to stronger medications or prescriptions.

Topical Treatments

An over-the-counter face wash with salicylic acid is one of the least irritating yet often effective treatments. It can be paired with a benzoyl peroxide treatment, ensuring the concentration is no stronger than 5%. We recommend allowing six to eight weeks for the treatment to take effect before considering the next step. This next step may involve using topical retinoids like Differin® for nightly application, which you can buy at your pharmacy without a prescription. For stronger topical retinoids, a prescription is required.

Oral Treatments

If other methods fail to control your acne, oral treatments may be prescribed. These medications can include antibiotics like Doxycycline. For hormonal acne, an acne specialist near Seattle might recommend oral contraceptives or a retinoid called isotretinoin (Accutane). Oral treatments can be very effective in managing severe acne and preventing scarring.

Many acne treatments can cause skin dryness. To combat this, use an oil-free moisturizer and reduce or stop topical treatments if dryness becomes excessive. Retinoids can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so avoid sun exposure and consistently use sun protection. Medications can have additional side effects, so it is important to follow your dermatologist’s instructions carefully.

HydraFacials

The HydraFacial uses a patented, three-step treatment regimen using a state-of-the-art hydra-dermabrasion device. Like microdermabrasion, hydra-dermabrasion uses force and movement to remove the outermost layer of dead skin. By cleansing your skin and pores of impurities, the HydraFacial combats the oil and grime that cause acne. HydraFacials also provide deep moisturization to rejuvenate the skin and maintain a balanced oil-water level. By effectively removing dead skin cells and clearing clogged pores, HydraFacials not only address existing acne but also prevent future breakouts and lighten acne scars. Here at Miller Family Dermatology, we offer a HydraFacial Club that provides monthly treatments and special perks!

Acne Specialist Near Seattle

If you are interested in learning more from an acne specialist near Seattle, call us to schedule a free consultation. At Miller Family Dermatology we offer both medical and cosmetic dermatology. We offer many medical spa treatments such as Botox, lip fillers, dermal fillers, laser facials, laser hair removal, and more.