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For the 60 million of us who have suffered from acne, we know the pain of breakouts, oily skin, and low self-esteem. Putting our best faces forward is something we all yearn to do in life, but it can feel hopeless when it seems like acne just doesn’t go away. Knowing a little bit more about acne can sometimes help you take the right steps– and your dermatologist can help. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about acne and what you can do about it.

Is my diet causing breakouts?

Generally speaking, a fluctuation in hormones is usually responsible for acne breakouts. Hormonal surges cause oil glands in your face to work overtime, causing an oily film to collect dirt, dust, and grime from the environment around you. This pore-clogging oil stops up the pores on your face, causing breakouts. There are certain foods that may trigger the release of excess hormones in your body, although no conclusive studies have been done with regard to which foods affect most people in that manner.

Will I have to stop wearing makeup if I have acne?

You don’t need to completely stop wearing makeup, but if you notice that your breakouts tend to flare up around makeup application, it may be worth it to consider switching brands or products to see if things improve. Another common culprit that contributes to acne on the forehead and sides of the face is hair product; pay more attention to which products you use and consider switching or even wearing your hair differently.

Does having acne mean that I’m not keeping my face clean enough?

This is not necessarily the case. In fact, if you are scrubbing your face too vigorously, you may be exacerbating the problem. In general, mild facial cleanser and warm water should be sufficient to keep your face free from dirt and excess oil, but if you do not see an improvement simply from cleansing, you may have to consider the use of active ingredients or even prescription medications to get your breakouts under control.

Isn’t acne only for teenagers?

A primary trigger for acne is raging hormones– testosterone especially. When teenagers hit puberty, their changing bodies start re-regulating and readjusting hormone levels. This means it’s common for teens to develop acne due to hormonal imbalances. For some adults, acne is still the result of changing hormones or it can be caused by other factors.

What acne treatments are best for me?

The type of acne treatment that’s best for you has to do with several factors. You’ll need to take into consideration:

• Your age
• Your gender
• The severity of your acne
• Any medications you are taking
• Your family history

Your dermatologist will recommend your best options based on your goals and the above factors. They can also recommend the right steps to take at home to maintain clear, healthy skin.

When should I see a dermatologist?

If you find that your at-home regimen and over-the-counter treatments simply aren’t clearing up and containing your breakouts, it may be time to speak to a dermatologist. A dermatologist can give you additional tips, advice, and treatments that can be prescribed that may be more effective in treating your condition.

Will my acne EVER go away?

Most often, acne clears on its own after puberty. However, it’s not uncommon to still have acne as an adult. That’s okay! A dermatologist can recommend your options for medications and products that can clear your skin with the right use. The key is patience and loving your skin in the meantime.

Schedule an Appointment

If you’re struggling with acne, you’re not alone. Our talented team of skincare professionals can answer questions and make sure you know the right steps to take for clear and healthy skin. To get started, we invite you to contact our Farmington office by calling or filling out our online form.