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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #19063
66 days ago
110

best treatment for acne - #19063

Dev

I am struggling with my skin, and it’s really getting me down. Since I was a teenager, I’ve had these breakouts, but lately, it’s gotten way worse. I never thought I would be 26 and still dealing with adult acne. I’ve tried just about everything over-the-counter, like various creams and cleansers, but nothing seems to work. I read a lot about the best treatment for acne online, yet I feel lost. My friends suggest all these home remedies, like tea tree oil and witch hazel, but I've had mixed results. Recently, I visited a dermatologist who prescribed some antibiotics, but the side effects were pretty brutal – like, my stomach felt terrible, and I was super tired all the time. They also recommended a topical retinoid, which I’m using, but for every night of use, it seems like I get worse breakouts. Seriously, does anyone here know what the best treatment for acne really is? I’m considering doing chemical peels or even talking about Accutane, but I’m terrified and wonder if they’re truly the best treatment for acne or if I’ll just end up disappointed again. Has anyone had success with something that actually works?? I’m just feeling a bit defeated and need some honest feedback.

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Doctors' responses

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the best treatment for acne, as it varies depending on your skin type, severity of acne, and underlying factors. Since you’ve already tried various over-the-counter options, it seems like medical interventions might be necessary. Your dermatologist-prescribed topical retinoid is a common and often effective treatment, though it can lead to initial worsening of acne – this “purging” phase is caused by the medication accelerating skin turnover, and it can be disheartening. It’s crucial to stick with the retinoid for a few weeks or even months before truly assessing it’s effectiveness, unless you experience severe irritation. For those who don’t respond to topical treatments, oral medications like antibiotics can be useful, but as you’ve noticed, they have side effects. If antibiotics aren’t tolerable or effective, and if your acne is more cystic or severe, isotretinoin (Accutane) can indeed be a game-changer. However, due to its potential side effects and strict regulations during pregnancy, it’s generally a last-resort treatment and requires close supervision by a dermatologist. Chemical peels can also be beneficial, though they’re usually more supplementary than standalone solutions and are best performed by professionals to minimize complications. Lifestyle factors shouldn’t be overlooked – maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, and ensuring proper skin care (like using non-comedogenic products) can influence acne. However, home remedies, such as tea tree oil or witch hazel, might help mild cases, but they aren’t consistently effective. While feeling uncertain is natural, don’t hesitate to discuss your concerns or potential treatments further with your dermatologist. They can tailor advice specifically to your situation, which will steer you towards satisfactory outcomes over time. Be patient; sometimes, finding the right treatment for persistent acne takes multiple tries and considerable time.

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