Don’t let acne problems cause you distress. It might be easier to treat than you realized.

There are many ways that our Honolulu, HI, dermatologists - Dr. Kevin Dawson, Dr. Douglas Chun, Dr. Sarah Grekin and Dr. Erin Fuller - can help you conquer your acne outbreaks if you aren’t able to get the results you want through over-the-counter remedies. Some of the options we offer for treating your acne include:

• Prescription medications (oral or topical)
• Laser therapy
• Extractions
• Chemical peels

During your consultation, our Honolulu, HI, skin doctors will be able to examine your skin, determine the cause or causes of your outbreaks and then determine the best course of action. We may just recommend taking medication or we may recommend multiple treatment options depending on the type and severity of your acne.

Of course, did you know that there are ways for you to keep skin free from acne? People have a lot of bad habits that they may not even be aware of that could be making them more susceptible to breakouts:

Touching Your Face

How often do you find yourself rubbing your face? Perhaps you like to rest your face in your hands. Now think about where your hands have been and the last time you washed them. You could easily be rubbing bacteria and germs all over your skin, which could be leading to those annoying little pimples along the jawline or hairline.

Using Your Cell Phone

We are about to ask you a potentially gross question. How often do you disinfect your cell phone? We will let your answer sink in for a moment. We know that most people don’t clean their phones at all, let alone every day. Of course, people are often glued to their phones, which harbor tons of bacteria. Make sure to pack those disinfecting wipes and use them on your phone at least once a week.

You Use Too Many Products

That’s right; you can overdo it on acne products. Some people think that if one acne product will work then two or three may be even more effective. Don’t buy into this misconception. You have to use a product for several weeks before deciding that it isn’t working and switching to something new. Using too many harsh products, particularly together, could end up making acne worse. If you aren’t sure which products are good to use we would be happy to provide recommendations.

Acne can be a difficult skin problem to handle on your own. If you feel like you are losing the battle then turn to the medical professionals at Dawson Dermatology in Honolulu, HI, to get one step closer to acne-free skin.

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.