Acne and blackheads are common skin issues that affect people of all ages. They are caused by clogged pores, excess oil, dead skin cells, bacteria, hormonal changes, stress, diet, and improper skincare routines. Blackheads are a type of acne that appears as small dark spots, usually on the nose, forehead, and chin. Acne can show up as pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, or nodules. Skincare products, hygiene habits, environment, and genetics all play a role in acne development. Treatment includes gentle cleansing, exfoliation, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and professional facials. Lifestyle changes, a balanced diet, stress management, and hydration also help improve skin. Consistency, patience, and self-care are key to healing. Clearer skin takes time, and everyone’s skin journey is different. Even if you have tried topical acne treatments such as creams or gels without any lasting results, laser therapy may be the right solution for you. While I would like you to try natural remedies first, if you are not seeing improvement and severe hormonal acne is making your quality of life worse, other treatments can make a real difference. While it may take a while, treating hormonal acne from the inside out until your hormones are in their natural, happy balance will allow your skin to truly heal. While my approach isn’t an instant solution, and won’t replace everyone’s multi-drug regimen, hormonal acne can be very sensitive to a more holistic approach, which means less medication and more patches. While the studio treatments offered by Carolina Skin Care can be very effective in treating acne, patients should also commit to taking care of their skin at home. Multiple topical treatments, whether it’s steroids for eczema or topical antibiotics for acne, topical treatments may help in the short term, but in the long run, it can damage the skin, making you more likely to take it in the future. In addition to other treatments, you can take the most obvious step to soothe stress-related acne: reduce stress.
“If topical treatment alone does not improve acne, or if acne is severe or extensive, oral medications are the best option. If you’ve tried several topical medications without success, or if your condition is severe, oral acne medications are usually the next step in the treatment process. Treatment usually includes oral antibiotics and applying a prescription gel or topical cream to the skin. Depending on people with acne, treatment may include using prescription creams to prevent acne, taking antibiotics to kill bacteria that contribute to acne, or, if acne is severe, taking stronger medications such as like isotretinoin, or even minor surgery. ranging from lifestyle changes to medical treatments. One of the first steps in acne management is maintaining a consistent skincare routine. Cleansing the skin twice a day with a gentle, non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) cleanser can help remove excess oil, dirt, and bacteria that contribute to acne. Avoid harsh scrubbing, as it can irritate the skin and worsen breakouts. After cleansing, applying an oil-free moisturizer is important to keep the skin hydrated without clogging pores. Topical treatments are a cornerstone of acne management. Over-the-counter products containing ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or sulfur are commonly used to reduce inflammation and prevent clogged pores. For more stubborn acne, prescription-strength treatments may be required. These can include topical retinoids or antibiotics that help prevent new breakouts and treat existing ones. In addition to topical treatments, oral medications may be necessary for more severe cases. Oral antibiotics can reduce inflammation and bacteria, while oral contraceptives are sometimes prescribed to balance hormones that trigger acne, particularly in women. For persistent or cystic acne, a dermatologist may recommend isotretinoin, a powerful oral medication that significantly reduces acne. Lifestyle factors also play a role in acne. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can support skin health, while limiting sugary and greasy foods may help prevent breakouts.
