Acne Has Ruined My Life. What Should I Do?
If you feel like acne is ruining your life, you’re not alone. Countless people struggle with acne across the nation, and it can be tough to deal with mentally and physically. If you’re worried that acne is ruining your life and you don’t know what to do, we’re here to help. Here’s what you need to know.
Can Acne Ruin Your Life?
Even though acne can’t physically stop you from living your life, it certainly does come with psychological side effects. Many people who struggle with acne experience low self-esteem and anxiety about how they’ll be perceived in social settings. The answer to this question is a little bit more complex than a simple “yes” or “no” answer. If your self-esteem is suffering and you’re wondering, “How can I make my acne not ruin my life?” then you deserve to invest in a treatment plan that will help your skin and your self-esteem recover.
Will My Skin Ever Recover from Acne?
Acne can end up doing a lot of damage to your skin, especially if it’s left untreated and you tend to pick at your skin. Fortunately, it’s possible to prevent a lot of that damage with a few key steps. First, you’ll need to avoid touching the skin that’s affected by your acne as much as possible. Dirt, bacteria, and oils from your fingers can exacerbate your condition and may cause an infection in an open acne sore. Learning how to get rid of acne requires some diligence on your part. You’ll also need a solid treatment plan and time. It can often take a few months for acne treatments to work effectively. But if you stay dedicated and avoid irritating your skin, it will recover from acne.
When Should I Seek Professional Help?
Seeking out professional help from a dermatologist for acne issues is completely normal. In fact, it’s encouraged. Knowing when to seek professional help might feel a little bit tricky though. If you truly feel like your acne is ruining your life or you’re in pain from your acne, then you should absolutely seek out professional help. It’s also a good idea to seek out help if you haven’t had any luck with over-the-counter acne treatment products.
How Can a Dermatologist Help?
Your dermatologist is going to be your biggest ally when it comes to learning how to get rid of acne fast. Working with a dermatologist can help you treat your acne in the following ways.
Find the Right Products – A major benefit of working with a dermatologist for acne is a wealth of knowledge about your skin condition and its treatment. Your dermatologist will assess your skin and then recommend an acne treatment plan that will work with your skin instead of against it.
Treat the Root Cause – Acne can be caused or exacerbated by a number of underlying causes. Unfortunately, over-the-counter products don’t always treat the root of the problem. Working with a dermatologist will enable you to figure out what underlying condition, if any, is harming your skin and then develop an airtight treatment program for you from there.
Eliminate Trial and Error – When it comes to acne treatment, trial and error can cost you time and money. Seeing a dermatologist means investing in a thorough, documented process that helps diagnose your condition, hypothesize what the root cause is, and develop a targeted treatment plan.
If you think that your acne is ruining your life and you’re not sure where to turn, our team is here to help. For more information or to set up a consultation with our acne dermatologists at North Pacific Dermatology, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today.