Acne is a skin condition characterized by the presence of Whiteheads (closed comedones), blackheads (open comedones), red, inflamed papules, and nodules or cysts. These typically appear on the face, neck, upper trunk, and upper arms.

Whether you are dealing with an acne breakout or a rosacea flare-up, our board-certified dermatologists at Be Well Primary Health Care Center offer a wide range of dermatology services for the entire family. We offer acne care, a service designed to provide you with advanced and safe solutions. Recover your beauty and wellness by calling our offices.

About Acne Care

When acne occurs, your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Several factors contribute to this process, such as excess oil production, hormonal changes, and bacteria. Also, there are a lot of studies that confirm that diet and lifestyle can worsen acne in people. 

When a patient wants to begin their acne care, the provider must consider various factors that might influence the condition, such as age, overall health, the severity of the acne, and other considerations, to determine the most appropriate treatment.

Since it is such a common condition, many myths have been created around acne; of course, this is amplified by social media, and because a large percentage of those affected are teenagers whose main concern is more about eliminating the aesthetic consequence rather than addressing the root cause of the problem. This often leads to treatments that are directly incorrect or harmful.

Ineffective Acne Care Measures

Home Remedies 

If you’ve been battling acne breakouts for a while, you’ve probably come across “the amazing DIY remedies” on TikTok and Instagram. “Use toothpaste on pimples”. “Lemon juice is perfect as a toner.”

While it’s understandable to feel desperate for a solution, most of these remedies cause dangerous side effects, such as irritation or long-term harm to your skin. None of these acne care measures is approved by dermatologists or recognized as genuinely effective.

Over-Cleansing and Over-Exfoliating

Bacteria can indeed be the reason behind your acne, but this does not mean that you have a hygiene problem per se; the situation is not that simple. If you wash your face more often and scrub harder, your acne will not go away faster.

You need to understand that your skin always seeks to maintain a healthy balance, even if it cannot achieve this due to poor acne care. Usually, when you wash your face too often or exfoliate every day, you end up causing greater damage and making little difference. This is because: 

Washing more than twice daily strips your skin’s natural protective oils

Your skin responds by producing even more oil to compensate (rebound oil production)

Harsh scrubbing causes micro-tears in the skin, leading to irritation and inflammation

Over-exfoliating damages your skin barrier, making it more vulnerable to bacteria and breakouts

Physical scrubs with rough particles can spread bacteria across your face

Changing Your Acne Care Routine Every Week

Most patients have excessively high expectations about how acne treatments should work. The reality (as unfortunate as it sounds) is that most treatments take between 6 to 12 weeks to show significant results. If there is no change after the initial application, it doesn’t mean it isn’t working. It means you need to be patient and consistent.

It is always recommended to work closely with a dermatologist who understands your specific situation, can tailor the treatment to your skin’s needs, and can truly detect if a product isn’t working. On the other hand, if you experience adverse effects from the treatment, it is best to talk to your dermatologist to adjust your acne care routine safely.

What Actually Works for Acne Care

Now that we’ve covered what doesn’t work, let’s talk about what does: visiting a qualified dermatologist. While over-the-counter products can help mild acne, moderate to severe acne often requires professional intervention. Here’s why seeing a dermatologist is one of the most intelligent decisions you can make for your skin.

This is because a dermatologist will not only look for a solution to improve your appearance but will also seek to identify the root of the problem. With an accurate diagnosis and taking into account all your medical history specifics, it will be easier to find a treatment that truly achieves a positive change in you.

Book Your Acne Care Appointment in Brooklyn, NY

A dermatologist can accurately diagnose your specific type of acne and its underlying causes, ensuring you’re treating the right problem, no more guessing which products to try or copying someone else’s routine. Your dermatologist will help you!

At Be Well, we are champions of health. To learn more about acne care in Flatbush and Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, New York, schedule a consultation at Be Well Primary Health Care Center by calling our offices directly.