Drs. Kevin Dawson, Douglas Chun, and Sarah Grekin of Dawson Dermatology, in Honolulu, HI, understands the difficulties of acne. About 5% of adults and 80% of adolescents suffer from acne, a confidence-crippling condition.

More About Acne

Sebaceous glands secrete sebum, an oil, that moisturizes the skin. Sebum travels from the root of the hair follicle to the surface of the skin. People suffering from acne have a problem with this process. The sebum doesn't reach the surface of the skin but, instead, creates a blockage of sebum and dead cells.

Whiteheads vs. Blackheads

• Whiteheads are formed when the opening of the hair follicle is completely blocked.
• Blackheads are formed when the hair follicle's pore is still open.

The inflammation of whiteheads and blackheads can produce red pustules that lead to skin scarring when inflamed.

How can you treat acne?

Treating acne isn't easy but your Honolulu dermatologist knows just how to help. Here are a few treatment options your dermatologist provides:

1. Benzoyl Peroxide can reduce blocked skin pores for mild acne
2. Antibiotics, oral and topical, can help you deal with acne infections
3. Vitamin A, like tretinoin, helps exfoliate blocked pores
4. Metal instruments extract whiteheads and blackheads manually

What are the acne scars?

Here are some procedures your dermatologist provides:

• Microneedling: This is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that treats skin using collagen induction therapy.
• Chemical peels: This treatment targets different pathophysiological factors to help you deal with photoaging, deep scars, wrinkles, and precancerous skin lesions.
• Laser Skin Treatment: Your dermatologist treats acne scars using laser skin treatment to minimize the appearance of scars by removing people's residual scarring.

Contact Dawson Dermatology

Acne isn't fun for anyone and can deteriorate confidence. Drs. Kevin Dawson, Douglas Chun, and Sarah Grekin of Dawson Dermatology can help you treat acne. For more information on acne, acne scars, and the various acne treatments, call your Honolulu, HI, dermatologists at 808-599-3780.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that 80 percent of young people between 11 and 30 years of age suffer from acne. In addition, so do many older adults and menopausal women. Are you struggling with this unsightly skin condition? Here at Dawson Dermatology in Honolulu, HI, Dr. Dawson, Dr. Chun, and Dr. Grekin can help you achieve clearer skin and higher self-confidence.

What causes acne?

Theories vary as to the causes of the whiteheads, blackheads, and red pustules we know as acne. Some researchers blame hormonal variations characteristic of puberty and menopause. Others say diet, poor skin hygiene, and fatty diets are to blame.

Whatever the underlying reason, acne happens as the skin's hair follicles and sebaceous (oil) glands become blocked, reports the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Blemishes appear on the back, shoulders, neck, and face, and they become sore and inflamed.

Unfortunately, some acne is so severe that it scars the skin. Almost all acne causes embarrassment, sometimes to the point of depression and social withdrawal.

Treating acne

At Dawson Dermatology in Honolulu, HI, our board-certified dermatologists provide compassionate, state-of-the-art skincare for the entire family, with acne being one of our most frequently seen conditions. Depending on the kind and severity of your acne, we may recommend medications, washes, and other interventions to clear your skin.

Acne treatment takes time, patience, and work. Your treatment plan will be different from anyone else's. In fact, it will be specifically tailored to your skin, age, activity level, and more.

Interventions may include:

• Tretinoin, or Accutane
• Acne washes with benzoyl peroxide
• Birth control pills
• In-office excision of cystic acne

Additionally, there are many simple ways to control acne breakouts:

1. Wash your face gently with your fingertips and a mild acne wash.
2. Never squeeze or pop your blemishes.
3. Do not touch your face with your hands.
4. Clean up after sweating.
5. Avoid wearing tight headbands and caps for prolonged periods of time.
6. Do not tan outdoors or in an artificial tanning bed.
7. See your dermatologist routinely for updates on your condition and treatment plan.
    

Get ahead of your acne

The American Academy of Dermatology states that early and consistent management of your acne will help you have fewer outbreaks, scars, and dark spots. So, if you're ready to manage this skin condition, call Dawson Dermatology in Honolulu for a consultation with Dr. Kevin Dawson, Dr. Douglas Chun, or Dr. Sarah Grekin: (808) 599-3780.

Anyone who has ever walked through the skincare aisle of their local drugstore knows that there are tons of acne-fighting products on the market. So, which one is right for you? Should you opt for an acne cleanser or spot treatment, or both? Choosing the right acne treatment can be challenging, to say the least.

While acne is a common problem among teenagers, many people don’t just leave acne behind the minute they toss out those graduation caps. In fact, many adults well into their 20s, 30s and beyond still deal with regular acne outbreaks. So, how do you properly treat acne? There is no singular way to treat acne and the best treatment option for you and your skin will depend on the cause. While you might not know what’s to blame for your acne symptoms a dermatologist certainly can help.

Treating Acne on Your Own

If you are dealing with mild to moderate acne, look for products that contain these powerful acne-fighting ingredients:

• Salicylic acid
• Benzoyl peroxide
• Glycolic acid
• Sulfur
• Retinol

How a Dermatologist Treats Acne

If you’ve tried over-the-counter acne products for more than 12 weeks and aren’t seeing results, or if you are experiencing severe, deep or cystic acne then it’s time to turn to a skin care professional for help. The first thing your dermatologist will do is determine the cause of your acne. From there, one or more of these treatments may be recommended:

Prescription topical medications: Certain topical medications act as an anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory, which reduces redness and inflammation associated with acne while also removing acne-causing bacteria from the surface of the skin.

A simple extraction: You should never pick at your acne or try to pop a pimple on your own, as you could end up causes further irritation or scarring; however, a dermatologist knows the safest and most effective techniques for extracting blackheads and whiteheads safely.

Birth control pills: For women who notice breakouts that correspond to their menstrual cycle, certain birth control pills may be able to reduce the amount of androgen hormones, which in turn can reduce breakouts. Talk to your dermatologist about the birth control pills that are FDA approved to treat acne.

Isotretinoin: This is an extremely intense oral retinoid that is used for treating severe, cystic acne that isn’t responsive to other treatment options. Isotretinoin is better known as Accutane, and this treatment can take up to nine months to see full results. Some patients will require multiple courses of treatment. Due to the nature of this strong medication, there are some possible side effects. It is important to discuss these side effects with your dermatologist before beginning Isotretinoin.

If you are having trouble getting your acne under control it’s important that you have a dermatologist that you can turn to for customized care. Take control of your acne once and for all.

Discover helpful acne-fighting tips and trick to achieve clearer skin.

You’re trying to find the right way to get your acne under control, right? Well, there are certainly so many options out there that it can be a bit daunting. First and foremost, if you are just starting to deal with acne then you may want to tackle the issue from the comfort of your own home before turning to a dermatologist for help.

At-Home Treatment Options

The first line of defense is usually to try an over-the-counter acne cleanser or topical cream that contains an active ingredient such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. It’s important to be patient when it comes to seeing results. No acne product will work overnight. In fact, it can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks of consistent use before you start to notice results from commercial acne products, so don’t give up on a product too soon.

Other tips to follow include:

• Cleaning your smartphone with disinfectant wipes at lease once a day (imagine just how much bacteria your phone picks up everyday).
• Washing your face twice a day, once in the morning and at night before bedtime, and immediately after sweating.
• Being gentle with your skin. Harsh scrubs and being aggressive won’t get rid of acne; it will actually just make it worse.
• Using cosmetic products that won’t clog pores (look for words like “non-comedogenic” or “oil free”)
• Leaving acne alone (do not pick acne or try to extract it yourself, as this can lead to scarring)
• Washing pillowcases regularly to get rid of pore-clogging bacteria

When to See a Dermatologist

If you are having trouble getting your acne under control after weeks of trial and error, or if your acne is severe and painful then it’s time to enlist the help of a dermatologist who will be able to provide you with more effective strategies for getting rid of your acne. After all, there are different things that can cause acne and it’s important that your skin doctor figures out what’s causing your acne so that they can create the right treatment plan for you.

Dermatologist-Approved Acne Treatment Options

Depending on what’s causing your breakouts, a dermatologist may recommend these treatment options:

• Topical treatment: Prescription-strength cleansers, ointments, and creams containing glycolic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids can target and eliminate acne.
• Topical or oral antibiotics: Antibiotics can reduce inflammation and kill the bacteria responsible for acne.
• Oral contraceptives: If you are dealing with breakouts that occur around your menstrual cycle then hormonal fluctuations could be causing your acne. There are certain types of birth control pills that have been FDA approved to fight acne.
• Isotretinoin: More commonly referred to as Accutane, this powerful oral medication is used for those dealing with severe cystic acne that can lead to deep scarring. This is often recommended when other treatment options haven’t been effective.

Have questions about getting your acne under control? Then it’s time to consult with a dermatologist.