Understanding Basic Dermatological Prescriptions for Common Skin Concerns

Aug 14

When it comes to skincare, dermatologists are experts in diagnosing and treating a wide range of skin issues. While medical-grade skincare has come a long way in the last few years, sometimes a basic prescription is exactly what your skin needs! If you're struggling with skin problems, understanding the basic prescriptions that a dermatologist might recommend can help you make informed decisions about your treatment options (and could save you some money). Here's a breakdown of how we can help achieve clear skin for those struggling with acne.

Acne is a widespread issue affecting people of all ages. Dermatologists may prescribe various medications depending on the severity and type of acne. At Habit, we believe in a holistic approach to any skin concern, but more importantly, we approach it from the inside and treat it from the outside. Our Nurse Practitioner, Jacqueline, suggests a few options for controlling your acne.

Topical Retinoids: Products like tretinoin (Retin-A) and adapalene (Differin) help to prevent clogged pores and reduce inflammation. They promote cell turnover and can be used for both acne treatment and anti-aging. It is important to start with the lowest strength and work your way up with these!

Tretinoin and Hydroquinone can be prescribed to help with your acne and the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation that comes along with acne.

Topical Antibiotics: Clindamycin and Erythromycin are often used to reduce bacteria and inflammation on the skin. Bacterial acne is the most common type of acne. We also recommend using a Benzoyl peroxide-based facewash to help eliminate and reduce active acne. You can find some affordable options on the shelf at the drugstore, or your dermatologist can prescribe one for you as well (again, start with the lowest strength and work your way up!).

There are generic versions of the medications listed above, and our Nurse Practitioner will always prescribe the most cost-effective option. We always encourage checking GoodRX, and Jacqueline will send you coupons when they are available!

Oral Antibiotics: For more severe acne, oral antibiotics like doxycycline or minocycline may be prescribed to reduce bacteria and inflammation internally.

Hormonal Acne: Studies have shown using Spironolactone can be beneficial in helping heal hormonal acne. This affordable drug can help by slowing down the body's production of hormones, which could be causing your acne!

Isotretinoin: For severe cystic acne that doesn't respond to other treatments, isotretinoin (commonly known by the brand name Accutane) is a powerful option. It works by reducing oil production and has a range of potential side effects that need careful monitoring.

While we do not prescribe this medication because of the severity of it, we do want our clients to know this medication should be a last resort option. The effects of this medication can be very harsh and only prescribed once everything above has been tried with no results or improvement in the skin.

During a skin consultation with our Nurse Practitioner, she will discuss your current routine, what you may need to add to your skincare routine, and what prescriptions may help heal your skin quickly! We also discuss supplements and probiotic use; again, acne starts from within, so treating it from within is essential! We also will break down diet, stress, sleep, and exercise habits.

Curing your acne is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each client will have a different treatment plan. But we can take this journey together and do so affordably and holistically. If you are ready to start your skincare journey and heal your skin, schedule your consultation with Jacqueline today!

Once we address treating acne internally, we can then help treat it externally! We have a wide variety of treatments that can help heal your skin and promote a healthy skin barrier!

While these are the most common treatments we recommend for acne, we always suggest a skincare consult before completing any of these treatments!

Treatment Suggestions:

Laser Treatments: Our laser is non-invasive, does not hurt, and it can work wonders on your acne! The laser works by destroying acne-causing bacteria in and on the skin to both clear existing lesions and prevent future breakouts. It also helps to reduce excess oil and sebum output from the sebaceous glands.

Chemical Peels: We offer a variety of chemical peels to help with whatever your skin concern may be—chemical peels work by exfoliating the dead skin cells and unclogging the pores to help prevent future breakouts. Peels can also help reduce inflammation and help promote new skin cell growth! The body's response to chemical peels can also help produce collagen, which in return can help reduce the appearance of scars.

Microneedling: Once we have started healing your acne, there will be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and potentially scars. We love to approach these issues with Microneedling! Microneedling is the process of creating microchannels in the skin that then force the body to generate collagen and help promote cellular turnover. This leaves your skin glistening! We recommend this treatment 3-4 times before seeing the full results! It also pairs amazing with our BioRePeel, or even Growth Factors (coming soon!).

Facials: No matter what, monthly facials are crucial to anyone's skincare routine, regardless of skin concerns! We offer a variety of facials and options, even for those with the most sensitive skin. While we offer Hydrafacial, we also have other facial options to help make you look and feel your best!

Consultations: All of our treatments come with a complimentary consultation. While our NP does have a consult fee, and you are welcome to work with her for all your skin needs, our providers offer complimentary skincare and treatment consultations. This allows you to ask questions and see what treatments, skincare, and other recommendations they could make to help improve your skin! Our goal is to work hand in hand with our NP of Dermatology to address your acne with prescriptions to address it on the inside while our providers can help treat it from the outside. It truly is the best skincare duo you could ask for!

Product Suggestions:

Topicals:

Differin 0.1% (Adapalene) - $17.59 (non-prescription)

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel 0.1% - $35.99 (non-prescription)

Obagi Tretinoin or Hydrocodone - $88-$130 (Prescription/GFE required. Book an appointment using the link below!)

Cleanser:

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser | Acne Treatment Face Wash with 4% Benzoyl Peroxide - $12.99

Paula's Choice CLEAR Extra Strength Daily Skin Clearing Treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide - $24.00

PanOxyl Antimicrobial Hydrating Acne Creamy Wash, 4% Benzoyl Peroxide - $9.37

Face Reality Acne Med 2.5% - $27.00 (Call our front desk to purchase)

Supplements:

Face Reality Clear Skin Restore - $34 (Call our front desk to purchase)