Acne Treatment Specialist in Granville, OH

The exact cause of acne isn’t fully understood, but we consider several factors that may play a role in its development:

● Overproduction of Sebum: Our dermatologists understand that one of the primary causes of acne is the overproduction of sebum by sebaceous glands. Hormonal changes can stimulate these glands to produce excess sebum, which can clog pores, making the skin oily and more susceptible to acne.

● Dead Skin Cells: When dead skin cells do not shed correctly, they can stick together and clog the pores, causing acne. We offer treatments that promote healthy skin cell turnover and unclog pores.

● Bacteria: The bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) can thrive in clogged pores, leading to inflammation and redness that manifests as pimples and cysts.

● Genetics: If acne runs in your family, you might be more likely to develop the condition. Considering your family history, our staff can create individualized treatment regimens for you.

● Diet: Certain dietary factors may trigger acne in some individuals. Our dermatologists can provide advice on diet changes that may help manage your acne.

● Medication: Certain medications can trigger or exacerbate acne.

Other Factors:

● Stress: Our team recognizes that stress doesn’t directly cause acne but can worsen the condition in those who already have it. We provide advice on managing stress levels to control acne flare-ups.

● Comedogenic Products: We recommend non-comedogenic skincare products that do not clog pores and worsen acne.

● Poor Hygiene: We offer advice on the best practices for face washing and makeup removal to prevent trapping oil and bacteria in the hair follicles.

● Environmental Factors: We offer strategies to protect your skin from pollution and humidity, which can irritate the skin and make acne more severe.

Maintaining a Healthy Skin Care Routine

● Cleanse twice daily: Twice daily use of a mild, non-comedogenic cleanser can aid in clearing your pores of debris, perspiration, and extra oil.

● Exfoliate regularly: Our team can guide you on the right exfoliating products and how often to use them.

● Moisturize: Opt for an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer.

● Avoid harsh products: Harsh soaps, scrubs, and astringents can irritate the skin and cause breakouts. Our team can help you choose gentle, fragrance-free products designed specifically for acne-prone skin.

Lifestyle Modifications

● Manage stress: Stress can trigger acne. Our dermatologists can suggest relaxation techniques to help manage stress and prevent breakouts.

● Get adequate sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep can worsen acne, and our team can guide good sleep hygiene.

● Diet and hydration: Some studies suggest that certain diets may help prevent acne. Our dermatologists can provide guidance on dietary changes and hydration practices to improve your skin health.

We offer a variety of medical treatments for acne. If lifestyle changes and a consistent skincare routine do not improve your acne, our dermatologists can discuss options.

Other Tips

● Sun protection: Applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 will protect your skin. We can recommend suitable sunscreens, especially if you’re on acne medications that increase sun sensitivity.

● Avoid picking or squeezing pimples: This can lead to scarring and more acne.

● Cleanliness: We can provide tips on avoiding bacteria transfer and potential breakouts.

● Professional skin care: We provide personalized treatments to manage acne more effectively.

If you’re suffering from severe or persistent acne that covers large areas of your skin, is deep and painful, or is characterized by deep cysts, redness, and inflammation, our team can help. We also specialize in treating acne that does not respond to over-the-counter treatments after two to three months of use or causes scarring, discoloration, or leaves dark spots after clearing.

Our dermatologists also have extensive experience treating acne related to underlying medical conditions. So, if you are dealing with acne and conditions such as hormonal imbalances like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), metabolic disorders like diabetes, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, or inflammatory bowel disease, we are here to assist you.

Our team of dermatologists can provide personalized treatment recommendations, prescribe stronger medications if necessary, and closely monitor your progress to ensure optimal outcomes. If your acne is causing distress or not improving, don’t be afraid to ask our staff for assistance. 

At Midwest Dermatology Centre, we understand that the effectiveness of acne treatments can greatly vary due to a myriad of factors. These factors include the severity of the acne, the type of treatment, individual skin type, and patient response. Generally, under our professional care, it takes between six to eight weeks to observe significant improvements after starting an acne treatment regimen, although the time frame can be shorter or longer depending on the treatment type and individual circumstances.

● Topical Treatments: We offer a range of topical treatments, like creams or lotions, which typically require daily application and may begin to show results within four to six weeks. Over-the-counter (OTC) products may show modest improvement in mild acne within 1-2 weeks. Our prescription retinoids generally require 4-12 weeks for noticeable results, while antibiotic creams or gels can provide rapid improvement within 1-2 weeks. However, for more severe acne, it may take up to three or four months to see a substantial change and long-term use of antibiotic creams is not recommended due to potential resistance.

● Oral Medications: We also provide oral medications, such as antibiotics, which usually begin to show effects after a few weeks. Antibiotics may take 6-8 weeks to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, with optimal results seen after 12-16 weeks. Anti-androgens, used for hormonal acne, can take 4-8 weeks to show improvement.

● In-Office Procedures: We also offer in-office procedures, such as laser treatments, which may provide faster results. Our laser therapy can reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, with noticeable results after several sessions. Light therapy may take several weeks or months for consistent improvement.

The starting severity of acne, compliance to treatment, patient age, and hormonal fluctuations can all influence treatment response. Severe acne may require longer treatment than mild cases. Consistent use of medication and treatments is crucial for optimal results. Younger patients tend to respond more quickly to treatment, while hormonal fluctuations can influence acne severity, potentially delaying treatment response.

While acne can be a challenging condition, it is manageable with the right care. By partnering with our clinic, you can access personalized treatment plans that address your specific needs and help you achieve clear, healthy skin. Dr. Melinda Woofter is dedicated to educating you on effective skin care practices and lifestyle changes that can improve your results. Remember, early intervention is key to minimizing breakouts and promoting long-term skin health. For more information Contact us to book a consultation and take the next step in your skin health journey. We are located at 1959 Newark Granville Rd, Granville, OH 43023. We serve clients from Newark OH, Pataskala OH, Westerville OH, Blacklick Estates OH, Whitehall OH, Gahanna OH, Pickerington OH, Reynoldsburg OH, and surrounding areas.