Can you have beautiful skin if you have acne??

Hey!! My name is Grace and Im 16 almost 17 and I have been battling acne for a while. All of my friends all have beautiful clear skin and I hate it. I have tired almost every acne wash and over the counter treatment, and honestly it kept getting worse. I went to the doctors and went through so many percriptions to help with my acne. I have used epiduo, adapalane, benzoyl peroxide, oral antibiotics. I feel like I have ruined my skin in a way. My sister never washed her face and she never stuggled like I do. I feel like I always have to wash my face cause it either feels gresey or dirty. I think I overwash it causing more acne. I just want it gone. I have recently stopped messing with my skin but am still taking the doxycycline. Help me get beautiful skin

Grace –  thank you for writing because I think many other share your concerns.  Bottom line – the answer is yes……..as long as you can prevent any permanent scarring (indentations in the skin), you will have beautiful skin some day.  I know some days it doesn’t feel like it, but if you put a little time and energy into finding the solutions, it will clear up.

My first question for you though is………do you have or are you starting to get true acne scars, not just the temporary dark spots, but scars where there are either pits in the skin or indentations???  If you are, generally and the vast majority of dermatologists would agree, it’s time for a course of generic Accutane.  This is the only medication that stops acne dead in it’s tracks and prevents scars if your acne is cystic or deep enough to be causing scars. Medical insurance will usually pay for this if you have the type of acne that qualifies.

Second, I want you to read this article on the different types of acne.  If you know the different types, you can talk to your dermatologist more effectively about the different options to find just the right combination for you.

In the meantime, while you are waiting for your appointment, here are some acne products that may help.  Also consider working with a good facialist/aesthetician who can do microdermabrasion and is experienced with acne.  You want someone who has been working at least 5 years.

Hope this helps,  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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Hi, I’m Dr. Irwin. I believe that consumers deserve a medically trained and unbiased skin care advocate.

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