About 50 million Americans suffer from acne every year, making it the most common skin condition. But even though acne is so widespread, a lot of misunderstandings about acne persist that might be preventing you from getting the care you need to enjoy healthier skin and a clearer complexion.
Leading dermatologists in the Washington, DC, area, Todd Perkins, MD, and Edward Stolar, MD, use a custom, patient-centered approach to acne treatment for patients at Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center, tailoring care plans on a patient-by-patient basis for optimal results.
In this post, we bust six common acne myths that could be keeping you from getting care.
It’s true that acne tends to occur most often during the teenage years, when hormonal fluctuations cause your skin to produce more oil. But acne affects millions of adults, too, often lasting into the 20s, 30s, or beyond.
The crux: Treatments that worked during your teens might not work during your adult years. See a dermatologist on a regular basis to ensure your acne treatment stays on track and focused on your evolving needs.
Acne can eventually clear up over time, but it can also last well into adulthood. Even if it does clear up as you get older, those breakouts can still leave lasting scars unless they’re properly treated.
A custom acne treatment plan helps prevent breakouts, and it also helps improve your skin’s health now and in the future.
Not true. Acne happens when pores get clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria that occur naturally in your pores get trapped and begin to multiply. The result: inflammation that shows up as pimples, pustules, and sore, red skin.
While gentle cleansing is important for skin health, using harsh cleansers, rubbing your skin, or exfoliating too frequently can actually make your condition worse.
Many people think plenty of sun exposure helps acne by drying up the excess oil that clogs your pores and initiates acne breakouts.
But actually, too much sun can wind up causing your skin to produce more oil to compensate for that extra drying action. Plus, excess ultraviolet radiation can lead to more inflammation over time. Instead, limit your time in direct sun and use plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin.
Actually, the opposite is true. Popping a pimple can lead to more inflammation and actually spread the bacteria that cause those breakouts. Plus, when you pop a pimple, you can damage the skin surrounding the clogged pore, resulting in an increased risk of scarring.
Acne treatments have become much more effective over the past couple of decades, and there are many more treatments, too. These treatments are based on a better understanding of how and why acne breakouts occur.
The key to finding a treatment that clears your skin is to work with our team on a regular basis, so we can find the therapy or combination of therapies that suits your needs and goals.
We offer an array of acne treatments, including topical and oral medications, hormone therapy, chemical peels, and acne facials. Every treatment plan features lifestyle guidance to help you keep your skin healthy, as well as ongoing support from our team of skilled, compassionate professionals.
If you’re ready to enjoy clearer, healthier skin, we can help. Call 202-659-2223 or request an appointment online with our team at Metroderm DC today.
