Acne can be a tough experience for most of us and usually leads to frustration for those who are still experiencing it. Investing in good skincare products and making an effort to follow a daily skincare routine is always helpful in maintaining clear and healthy skin. However, some may find themselves in a more complicated situation where the experience is more severe and requires medications prescribed by dermatologists, facial treatments, or laser therapies. The best thing about combating acne is that today, competent acne treatment dermatologists and their services are more accessible.

Why is consultation with dermatologists important?

The most important part of finding the best skincare routine is a consultation with a professional. Individuals have varying skin types and are not suitable for the same treatment plan that others have. These differences make it more challenging to identify the best products that would be beneficial for you in your treatment plan. Another factor that makes it all even more complicated is the number of acne products readily available today. Add that to the sea of information and sometimes misinformation about tips on how to reduce acne that is on the internet, and you have a really complex and confusing situation.

The use of products recommended by web search results and skincare trends can potentially be more of a threat to your skin than a help. This is why it is very important to have your skin situation assessed by a trained professional who deals with specific problems like acne.

What are the benefits of visiting dermatologists?

The skin is the largest organ of the body, and it is a physical representation of how well your health is being taken care of. Dermatologists are experts in their field, and often, they not only help take care of the skin but your overall health as well. So, visiting a skin doctor should also be a regular part of your health care routine. Here are some of the benefits of consulting a dermatologist:

Complete skin evaluation. Evaluation is the most crucial part of pursuing a treatment plan. Dermatologists can pin-point any unusual changes in the skin, moles, hair, and nails, and create a treatment plan based on their findings. They also know what related signs and symptoms to be cautious of and can make any needed modifications to your treatment.

Skin screening. Potential cancerous cells are one of the things that dermatologists are on the lookout for, before they progress and worsen over time. Dermatologists can catch these signs earlier than most of us, who have untrained eyes. And like the old adage says, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Cosmetic procedures. Dermatologists also offer cosmetic procedures for anyone who is looking to improve their skin. These cosmetic procedures include chemical peels and dermabrasion for exfoliation, facial fillers for fine lines and wrinkles, and laser treatments to remove acne scarring and discolorations.

Acne Treatments

Acne treatments differ depending on the severity and extent of the condition. Some people experiencing it may only need topical medication to control their acne, while others may require oral medications and more invasive procedures to treat it. Below are some of the treatments that you might encounter as you go through your acne treatment.

Azelaic acid and salicylic acid: These are two of the most common ingredients in topical medications for acne. Azelaic acid has antibacterial properties that are effective in clearing up acne when used twice a day. It is also a safe option for pregnant and lactating women, although you still need to talk to your doctor before taking it. Salicylic acid also has antibacterial properties and helps clear up clogged pores to reduce the development of acne pimples. Both agents can induce side effects such as minor skin irritation, redness, and discoloration.

Retinoids. Retinoids are considered when you have moderate to severe acne and if the case has not responded well to topical medications. This type of medication requires a doctor’s prescription as it has an increased potential for side effects including burning or stinging sensations, unusual drying of the skin, crusting, allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, etc.), and increased sensitivity to the sun.

Antibiotics. These medications help reduce the redness and swelling of inflammatory acne and can also help kill excess bacteria on the skin. They are used for moderate to severe acne and are usually used in combination with other topical agents.

Isotretinoin. This medication is prescribed to treat deep, painful cystic acne and nodules. Isotretinoin brands like Acnetrex are available in both 10 and 20 mg and require a prescription from a physician due to its potential to cause severe side effects. It should not be used by women who are pregnant, lactating, or planning to conceive because of its teratogenic effect.

Light Therapy. Blue light therapy and red light therapy are types of phototherapy that are safe and easy options for anyone with mild to moderate acne pimples. It is an effective treatment for acne that is caused by inflammation or bacteria, but it may require several sessions for significant results. Dermatologists will also be able to tell if you are a good candidate for this treatment, what kind of phototherapy to use, and how many sessions you’ll need.

Chemical Peel. A treatment used for mild acne. It uses chemical solutions such as salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or retinoic acid to peel off the top layer of the skin to reveal a healthier skin surface. It is a great way to rejuvenate the skin and is effective for exfoliation.

Drainage and extraction. Used for larger and cystic acne and nodules, it is a procedure that uses a sterile surgical blade to extract whiteheads, blackheads, and whatever else is inside a pimple, cyst, or nodule.

Steroid injection. Cortisone shots are considered when inflamed, swelling, and painful cystic acne is not responding to any topical medication. It involves injecting a small amount of steroid into an acne cyst or nodule to reduce swelling, redness, and pain.

Consult A Doctor

One good find for anyone who is looking for a go-to guide to having healthy skin is a feature from the WeCareForSkin website called ‘Consult a Doctor’. This feature shows all the acne treatment dermatologists in the area of your choosing, and it is also able to show the location and direction to their clinic. This is a good way to start looking for trusted experts to help with caring for your skin. Some of the reliable skin doctors and clinics on the website include, but are not limited to:

Luzon Area

1. Noblederm Clinic, Dr. Purita Chan Noble MD, FPDS

• Location: 3rd Flr Anita Teresa Bldg (Chowking) Lower session Road, Baguio City

• Service Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, from 9AM – 4PM

• Landline: 074 442 2199

2. Candava Skin and Laser Center, Dr. Maria Cristina Candava- Aquino

• Location: Rizal Ave., CR P Mendoza St., Batangas City

• Service Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 9AM - 2PM

• Contact information: 0437236158 / 09175844143

3. Luis Skin Clinic, Dr. Carmella Jane C. Luis, MD, FPDS

• Location: Rm 212 VL & Sons Bldg. II, Brgy. 23 P. Gomez St., Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

• Service Hours: By Appointment

• Contact information: 077 7705073

4. Nisce Skin Clinic, Dr. Edna T. Nisce MD, FPDS

• Location: 3rd Floor, TN Arcade, Ortega Street, San Fernando, 2500 La Union,

• Service Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri

• Contact information: 09175641071

5. The Holistic Dermatology Clinic, Dr. Rosalina E. Nadela, FPDS

• Location: Rm. 208 The Xavier Residences, Esteban Abada cor. Rosa Alver St., Loyola Heights, Quezon City

• Service Hours: Tues, Thurs, Sat: 11 AM - 4 PM

• Contact information: 09216069909

Visayas Area

1. Mancao Aesthetic, Dr. Cate Mancao

• Location: Unit C-208, 2F Axis Entertainment Ave., Vibo Place, N.Escario St., Cebu City

• Service Hours: Mon - Fri: 10 AM - 3 PM

• Contact information: 09321001002

2. Perfect Skin Clinic, Dr. Pearl Legaspi

• Location: Perfect Skin Clinic, Toting Reyes St., Kalibo, Aklan

• Service Hours: Mon - Fri: 10 AM - 4:30 PM

• Contact Information: 09193274605

3. Dasal Dermatology Clinic, Dr. Pure Dasal

• Location: Dasal Clinic Mckinley St., Roxas City, Capiz

• Service Hours: Mon - Fri: 10 AM - 5 PM

• Contact Information: 09177072566

4. Gallega Clinic, Dr. Grace Gallega

• Location: Rm 101 Healthlink, Quezon, Iloilo city

• Service Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri: 10 AM - 12 NN

• Contact Information: 09088942178

5. ELNA Skin Clinic, Dr. Cara Lynn Marie Chia

• Location: Room 222 Ramaida Centrum, Elias Angeles St., Brgy. Sta Cruz, Naga City, Camarines Sur

• Service Hours: Mon & Fri: 10AM - 1PM / Tues & Thurs: 1PM - 5PM / Wed: 2PM - 5PM

• Contact Information: 09631279712/09390786625

Mindanao Area

1. MARIA REYNA XAVIER HOSPITAL, Dr. Maria Reyna Xavier

• Location: Rm 54, Maria Reyna Xavier Hospital, Cagayan De Oro City

• Service Hours: Mon - Sat: 2 PM - 5 PM

• Contact Information: 09325366091

2. Ortiz Skin M.D & STI Clinic, Dr. Partia Charisma Ruth Ortiz

• Location: Room 108, Cotabato Polymedic & Diagnostic Center, Gov. Gutierrez Ave., Cotabato City

• Service Hours: Mon – Sat: 10 AM - 4 PM

• Contact Information: 0955 503 3324 / 0917 837 7546

3. Beauty MD, Dr. Marical Lim

• Location: MTS Bldg., Matina, Davao City

• Service Hours: Tues, Thurs, Fri: 2 PM - 5 PM

• Contact Information: 09177146298

4. JFB DERMATOLOGY CLINIC, Dr. Jema Fe Bautista

• Location: National Highway Poblacion Tubod, Lanao del Norte

• Service Hours: Tues, Thurs: 9:30 AM - 5 PM

• Contact Information: 09771979718 / 09476444386