Acne Treatment and Rosacea Treatment Updates from a Memphis Dermatologist

George Woodbury
9 minutes ago
4 min read

by George Woodbury Jr. M.D. (12/16/2025)

Cordova Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury with an Acne patient — Memphis Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury explaining Acne to a young male patient

Acne and Rosacea can have negative effects upon a person’s mood and self-confidence. Fortunately, Dermatologists like myself now have a growing number of promising, new Acne treatment and Rosacea treatment options, customizable for people with dry skin, combination skin, or oily skin, enabling us to reduce Acne scarring. Let look at some of these options, from my perspective of Board-certified Memphis Dermatologist for the last 32 years:

Young woman washing her face as part of Rosacea Treatment — Young woman washing her face as part of Acne Treatment

Acne is due to a clogging of the openings of the pores to the surface of the skin’s Epidermis, so Acne treatment options include antibiotics like doxycycline and minocycline, with prescription topicals (meaning “on top of the skin”) for blackheads (comedones), papules, or cystic acne: Tretinoin Cream, differin gel (Adapalene), benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or topical dapsone. Sometimes we consider a five months’ course of an oral medicine called isotretinoin or Accutane treatment (Accutane treatment), therapy which dries up the oil glands and which is often highly effective, but which also involves strict avoidance of pregnancy while on treatment, and monthly labwork to monitor cholesterol levels. Sometimes Dermatologists also look at hormonal therapies, like spironolactone pills, or even birth control pills.

Cordova Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury discussing Acne with a young male patient — Memphis Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury discussing Acne with a young male patient

For cysts, Dermatologists often discuss with patients the options of medical management versus surgical management, which can involve injecting the cyst sac, or even removing the cyst, under a shot of local anesthetic, the goal being to cut down the risk of acne scars.

Young male Acne patient who would merit Acne Treatment with topical Retinoids — Young male Acne patient trying to pinch a pimple which is not a good approach because it can promote Acne scarring

In 2024, Dermatologists also have a new oral antibiotic for Acne which seems to have a quicker onset of action – Sarecycline – and a newer retinoid gel – Aklief® (trifarotene). There is also a variation of acne – called fungal acne – which can be treated with prescription antifungal medicines. We also have a topical hormone-regulating medication - Winlevi® (clascoterone) – to complement existing Aczone® (dapsonel Gel, Finacea® (azelaic acid) gel, Duac® Gel (benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin), Epiduo® (benzoyl peroxide/adapalene), and Ziana® (tretinoin/clindamycin).

Young female patient seeking Best Acne Treatment to cut down on the risk of scarring — Young female Acne patient with before and after photos showing how Acne Treatment can cut down on risk of Acne scarring

Acne scars can traditionally be treated with topical (meaning for use “on top of” the skin) Glycolic Acid, with a treatment called a chemical peel, with prescription creams called retinoids (like Retin A Cream), with a cosmetic treatment called dermabrasion or with laser therapy.

Young couple seeking Acne Rosacea treatment — Young couple using Rosacea treatment with topicals or medications used on top of the skin

Dermatologists also have promising new therapies for Acne Rosacea, also called Rosacea, to complement existing topical Metrogel® and Desonide Lotion: Mirvaso® Gel (brimonidine) is a new alpha adrenergic compound that helps reduce the severe flushing and redness that can accompany Rosacea.

Cordova Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury with Big River Silk Skincare staff — Memphis Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury with Big River Silk Skincare staff

After 25 years of practicing dermatology, in 2016 I decided to establish a skincare products company - Big River Silk Skincare™ Inc. – to manufacture and distribute organic skincare products for people going onto prescription therapies. I incorporated cleansers and moisturizers that my family of Woodbury Dermatologists has used for years for Tennessee and Arkansas Dermatology patients: AmberSoy™ Soap Gel and GlycoShea™ Facial&Neck Lotion.

AmberSoy Soap Gel can be used as a best Acne mask as part of Acne treatment — AmberSoy Soap Gel makes a Best Acne Wash due to its soft glycerine composition

AmberSoy Soap Gel is a great cleanser option for people with oily or combination skin. It can be used as a type of acne face mask, or best Acne Wash, wherein it’s applied to the skin, then left on for 5-10 minutes. Available in 1 oz ($14.95), 2 oz ($22.95), and 8 oz ($74.95), it comes in Mint, Lemon, and No Fragrance Added, with no dyes, formaldehyde, nor propylene glycol.

GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid that can be used as an exfoliant by people with Acne and Acne Rosacea — GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion makes an exfoliating moisturizer as part of Acne treatment and Rosacea treatment due to its Glycolic Acid

GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion is a helpful fragrance-free exfoliating moisturizer that acts as a face scrub, due to its Glycolic Acid, an AHA or Alpha-hydroxy Acid originally discovered in pineapple. It also helps to even out the appearance of fine lines in the skin, making it into an effective anti-wrinkle cream. 1 oz ($45.95), 2 oz ($68.95), and 8 oz ($229.95).

Young Acne coupe using Refined Shea Butter in GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion as an exfoliating moisturizer — Young Acne couple using Glycolic Acid as an exfoliating moisturizer

Big River Silk Skincare’s AmberSoy Soap Gel and GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion are available for over-the-counter purchase at our headquarters, 8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova TN 38018, Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. They can also be ordered at www.Bigriversilkskincare.com (shipping: $7.50 for orders under $75.00; $12.50 handling and shipping for Canadian orders under $75.00). 1-901-753-0168.

Young Acne couple applying AHA or Glycolic Acid moisturizer as one can find in GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion — Young Acne Rosacea couple applying Alpha Hydroxy Acid exfoliating moisturizer

If you or a family member has complexion issues or Acne, Acne scars, or Acne Rosacea, consider first getting a checkup with a Board-certified Dermatologist. I myself am a Memphis Dermatologist, my own Memphis Dermatology practice since 1993 having been with Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates, 8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova, TN, near both Germantown TN and Bartlett TN (www.Rheumderm.com or www.Bigriversilkskincare.com) (1-901-753-0168). Or if you’re looking for a “Dermatologist Near Me,” or “Dermatologists Near Me,” or “Best Dermatologist Near Me” in your own neighborhood, try starting at the American Academy of Dermatology web site, AAD.org. Just plug your zip code into the “Find a Dermatologist” tab.