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In medicine, ‘one size fits all’ doesn’t apply – the most successful acne treatment depends on multiple factors, including the type and severity of acne, skin color and thickness, patient age, and previously failed treatments. While retinoids (like Retin-A and oral isotretinoin/Accutane) are widely considered the gold standard for their ability to treat active acne, prevent breakouts, and improve skin texture, each patient requires an individualized treatment plan that considers their unique combination of these factors.
Retinoic acid (active Vitamin A) is the most effective acne treatment. It normalizes oil production, unclogs pores by shedding follicle lining, and reduces inflammation—making it the gold standard for both active acne and prevention.
The best therapy for acne depends on what is causing the acne. If excessive oil production is the culprit, the best therapy is retinoic acid. Some causes of acne are due to bacterial colonization, therefore the best treatment for this would be topical benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin, or oral doxycycline among other treatments. If the cause of acne is hormone imbalance spironolactone and birth control are appropriate options.
The best professional will evaluate the root cause of acne and will curate the best treatment plan from there. They may prescribe retinoids (tretinoin, tazorac) to unclog pores. For infected breakouts, it is ideal to prescribe a topical or oral antibiotic. For severe acne cases or situations with severe scarring, your dermatologist may want to prescribe Accutane.
Yes! At IrvineSkin with Dr. Shafa, acne can be permanently cured using personalized treatment plans. While not every case requires strong oral medications, our step-by-step medical approach—from precision topicals to advanced therapies—delivers lasting results.
Acne is typically worse during the teenage years (from 13-17 years old) because of hormone imbalance. It is also common for individuals to experience adult acne which is typically seen at 25 years and older and is more prevalent in women. Since hormones are a significant factor that can cause acne, another common age for acne is menopause (from 45-56 years old).
Realistically it may take months, up to 4-6 months, for acne to be controlled. To get the best acne results consistency and effectively treating the root cause of it is required. At OC MedDerm, we create customized treatment plants that work. We offer immediate and long term solutions for acne patients to gradually see progress with each office visit.
Some foods have been seen to make acne worse, which is something research has backed up. Some studies show that consuming more milk, especially skim milk, and having diets with a lot of carbohydrates tend to be correlated with acne.
Western diets, which are high in carbohydrates, hyperglycemic foods, saturated fats and trans fats also affect acne. One study used a semantic connectivity map approach and proved that people with moderate to severe acne consume large amounts of milk, yogurt, cheese, sweets, and chocolate while consuming very little fish, fruits, and vegetables.
Ice can be used to target inflammation. This, however, can cause an ice burn along with further damaging the skin.
Lemon’s natural acidity and antibacterial properties makes it effective as an acne home remedy. Although, there is no evidence that lemon is effective in treating pimples. Lemons can irritate skin, causing redness and burning, especially for sensitive skin. To be safe, using clinically proven treatments such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide,that are effective according to scientific research are better options.
The journey to clear skin requires consistency, patience, and time. We encouraged our patients to use a cleanser twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. There are some patients with excessive oil production, and we may even recommend cleansing mid day such as when returning home from work or school. It is also essential to maintain a regular diet and sleep schedule, as well as managing stress levels, follow the prescription medication precisely. Be patient and give your physician time to optimize your acne medication. If you are in Irvine, CA and interested in acne free treatment, feel free to call us or book an appointment online.
Maintain a regular diet and sleep schedule, as well as managing stress levels. Follow the prescription precisely. Be patient and give your physician time to optimize your acne medication. If you are in Irvine, CA and interested in acne free treatment, feel free to call us or book an appointment online.
Applying salt to breakouts is not an established or effective method for removing pimples. We recommend more suitable and evidence based acne treatments such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and other types of treatments prescribed by dermatology providers at OC MedDerm.
Turmeric may help reduce mild acne due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-infection properties but it is not used for skin since it may discolor the skin in yellow and does not penetrate the skin. (e.g., retinoids or salicylic acid). For best results, use it as a short-term spot treatment (mix with honey/yogurt), but consult a dermatologist Dr. Shafa in Irvine, CA, for severe or persistent acne
Pimple patches, like other treatments, can work but their efficacy is highly dependent on the type of acne as well as the ingredients present in the patches. There are patches with salicylic acid and those that are hydrocolloid. Hydrocolloid patches work best for surface-level acne like whiteheads, while patches with active ingredients are better suited for inflamed or early-stage acne. Pimple patches are, however, not effective for cystic acne or hormonal breakouts. Moreover, they do not help prevent breakouts which means patients can still be left with scars post breakout. For the best possible treatment, appointment bookings can be made on irvineskin.com.
Book a consultation at OC Medderm | Irvineskin Today for Medical, Surgical, and Cosmetic Dermatology in Irvine & Orange County, CA.
We are experts in Acne, Pinch blepharoplasty, Ear lobe repair, Xanthelasma repair, Syringomas removal, mole removal, Keloid removal, Body and face piecing or piercing repair or removal, lump and bumps removal, Acne scar removal, Spider vein treatment, fungal infection, Co2 resurfacing, Warts and more.
You can schedule an appointment or call us now for all the dermatology treatments. We are located at 113 Waterworks Way 100, Irvine, Orange County CA, We Are Dedicated to Providing the Best & Transparent Dermatology Care for your skin.
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