Acne Treatment Strategies: From a Board certified Dermatologist

Acne can have really negative effects upon a person’s mood and self-confidence. Fortunately, Dermatologists like me now have a growing number of promising, new options for acne and complexion issues, for people with dry skin, combination skin, or oily skin. Let take a look at some of these options, my perspective being that of a Board-certified Dermatologist for the last 30 years.

Traditional therapies for acne include antibiotics like doxycycline and minocycline, with prescription topicals (meaning “on top of the skin”) for blackheads (comedones), papules, or cysts: Tretinoin Cream, Differin gel (Adapalene), benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or topical dapsone (Aczone®). Sometimes Dermatologists also consider a five months’ course of oral isotretinoin, or Accutane, which helps by drying up the oil glands. Accutane is highly effective, but requires strict avoidance of pregnancy while on treatment, and monthly bloodwork. We sometimes look at hormonal therapies, too, like spironolactone pills, or even courses of birth control pills.

In 2021, Dermatologists have a new oral antibiotic which seems to have a quicker onset of action – Sarecycline® – and a newer retinoid gel – Trifarotene®. There is also a variation of acne – called Pityrosporon folliculitis or fungal acne – which can be treated with prescription antifungal medicines.

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: AmberSoy™ Soap Gel and the GlycoShea™ Creams, based upon cleansers and moisturizers that the Woodbury family of four Dermatologists has used for many years in Tennessee and Arkansas. For more, check out my blog post: “Complexion Option for People with Acne,” at www.Bigriversilkskincare.com.