We treat patients every day for a number of skin issues and concerns, ranging from pigmentation produced by excess sun exposure to fine lines and wrinkles caused by aging. Throughout my entire career, one of the most common issues for which I have treated patients is various forms of acne. While many people may believe acne only occurs during our adolescence and puberty, it actually is the most common skin condition and not restricted to any age group, impacting between 40 and 50 million Americans.

No matter their age or severity of their acne, all my patients share one thing in common – a desire to achieve clearer, healthier skin. Many have spent countless hours in various medical and dermatology offices and on their own tried all the “miracle products” on the market, but simply cannot find a solution that truly works. Whether mild, moderate, severe or cystic, acne is a skin condition that often detracts from someone’s self-confidence and impacts their life in a negative way. In recognition of Acne Awareness Month, I wanted to take the time to discuss how our Seiler Skin philosophy for treating acne is different and produces life-changing, long-term results for our patients. 

Before administering any acne treatment, we begin with a thorough consultation to assess the patient’s skin and areas of concern. Many patients have shared with me that other offices which treat acne cases on a regular basis do not take the time necessary to really create a meaningful dialog. I have had numerous patients over the years tell me that their medical doctor or dermatologist only met with them for a matter of minutes before prescribing acne products and treatments! At Seiler Skin, a licensed medical aesthetician and I spend about an hour to an hour and a half consulting with each patient to learn about their skincare regimen, lifestyle habits, diet, hormones and other factors known to cause or contribute to acne. This allows me to gain a very clear understanding of every patient’s unique challenges and develop the best corrective course of action to begin treating the cause of the acne, not just the symptoms. 

Another step we take that distinguishes us from other practices is how we focus on not just treating acne at the surface level, but also addressing its root cause. There are a number of factors that can contribute to acne, from the detergent we use to wash our clothes to the brand of makeup we may apply every day. Day-to-day habits also can contribute to bacteria buildup in your pores and cause breakouts over time. Even right now, as you’re reading this – perhaps resting your hands on your face – you could be making your skin more prone to acne! We also look at factors that are more difficult to self-diagnose and require a medical expert’s opinion, such as possible hormone imbalances and allergies (both environmental and dietary).  You would be surprised at what you could be subtlety allergic to that could cause problems with your skin.

One of my favorite patient stories is that of a 16-year old male whose mother had been a cosmetic patient of mine for years. One day, she told me about some of the problems he was experiencing with acne on his chin and that, despite visits to multiple doctors and dermatologists, no traditional treatment or drug protocol seemed to work and the latest recommendation was to start using Accutane. So, I asked her to bring him to our practice for a consultation to see if we could determine what was causing his acne. While talking with him about his daily routine, we discovered that he never cleaned the chin strap of his football helmet, essentially creating a perfect ecosystem for bacteria to grow. We advised him to begin regularly cleaning his football equipment and started him on a medical-grade cleanser and toner, and within just a few weeks his acne had completely cleared up – a perfect example of how a thorough consult with our team revealed the root, or underlying cause, of a patient’s symptoms.

Our approach to treating acne is also different in that we never use a one-size-fits-all treatment protocol. Based on what my patients have shared with me, it appears that many dermatologists typically follow the same treatment plan for each patient, adding or removing products over time depending on results. While some of these products may be effective in combatting acne, oftentimes they do not address the root cause of acne and can even dry out or damage skin, causing the skin to over-produce sebum and create more resistant acne. Over-the-counter products are also ineffective as they are not regulated by the FDA and there is no way to determine the quantity, quality or delivery system of the ingredients used. We develop a fully customized medical-grade skincare regimen for each patient, combining products and treatments with lifestyle changes to get their skin in better shape so it can fight off bacteria. The right mix of medical-grade skincare products and treatments can hydrate, clear and restore the skin’s overall complexion.

Acne may appear to some as a surface level issue, but for many it is a very serious concern. Patients who come to us are tired of not seeing the results they desire and simply want an answer as to what they can do to achieve healthier skin. I have witnessed firsthand just how lifechanging the right acne treatment can be for someone, which is why I make sure our approach is different from other skin care providers. We take the time to really listen to each patient so we understand their skin concerns and develop the right skincare regimen and treatment plan for their needs. This includes not only finding the treatments and products best suited for their specific skin issues, but also selecting a treatment plan that fits their budget. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to achieve clear skin – it’s all about finding the root cause of acne and developing the proper course of action. The bottom line is we focus on helping each patient with a custom plan to allow their skin to heal, recover and become healthier, generally without the need of drugs, antibiotics, harsh topicals, or Accutane. Everyone has the right to have clear and healthy skin, and that is exactly what we strive to provide patients at Seiler Skin.

If you are interested in seeing us for a comprehensive consultation, call us today.