Acne and Acne Scars from a Memphis Dermatologist

by George Woodbury Jr. M.D. (02/13/2024)

Dermatology Treatment involves a team approach — Nurse Kristen and Dr. George Woodbury Cordova Dermatologist

Acne and Acne Scars can have negative effects on a person’s mood and self-confidence. Fortunately, dermatologists like me now have a growing number of acne treatment options, as well as options for acne scars, for people with different complexion issues, for people with dry skin, combination skin, or oily skin. Let's look at some of these options, my having practiced as a Board-certified Memphis Dermatologist for the last 32 years: pimple popping should be a thing of the past, with Acne Scars less and less of a problem.

Acne Treatment often makes Acne Scar Treatment less necessary — Couple applying Acne Treatment

Traditional therapies for acne include antibiotics like doxycycline and minocycline, with prescription topicals (meaning “on top of the skin”) for blackheads (comedones), papules, or cystic acne: Tretinoin Cream, differin gel (Adapalene), benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or topical dapsone. Sometimes, we consider a five months course of an oral medicine called isotretinoin (Accutane), which dries up the oil glands and is highly effective but requires strict avoidance of pregnancy while on treatment and monthly bloodwork. Sometimes, Dermatologists also look at hormonal therapies, like spironolactone pills or even birth control pills.

Acne Treatment sometimes involves oral Accutane (Isotretinoin) — Acne Cysts can lead to Scars if left unchecked

For cysts, Dermatologists often discuss with patients the options of medical management versus surgical management, which can involve injecting the cyst sac or even removing the cyst under a shot of local anesthetic, the goal is to cut down the risk of acne scars.

Retin A works on the Skin's outer layer the Epidermis — Acne Treatment can involve topical Retinoid Creams like Retin A

In 2024, dermatologists will also have a new oral antibiotic, Sarecycline, which seems to have a quicker onset of action, and a newer retinoid gel, Trifarotene®. There is also a variation of acne – called fungal acne – which can be treated with prescription antifungal medicines.

Best Acne Treatment can involve also looking at Acne Scar treatment — George Woodbury MD with an Acne patient

Acne scars can traditionally be treated with topical (meaning for use “on top of” the skin) Glycolic Acid, with a treatment called a chemical peel, with prescription creams called retinoids (like Retin A Cream), with a cosmetic treatment called dermabrasion or with laser therapy.

Staff of Big River Silk Skincare Inc.

After 25 years of practicing dermatology, in 2016, I decided to establish a skincare products company - Big River Silk Skincare™ Inc. – to manufacture and distribute organic skincare products for people going onto prescription therapies. I incorporated cleansers and moisturizers that my family of Woodbury Dermatologists has used for years for Tennessee and Arkansas Dermatology patients: AmberSoy™ Soap Gel and GlycoShea™ Facial&Neck Lotion.

AmberSoy Soap Gel is a soft glycerine soap cleanser — AmberSoy Soap Gel can be incorporated into Acne Treatment

AmberSoy Soap Gel is a great cleanser option for people with oily or combination skin. It can be used as a type of face mask, wherein it’s applied to the skin and then left on for 5-10 minutes. Available in 1 oz ($14.95), 2 oz ($22.95), and 8 oz ($74.95), it comes in Mint, Lemon, and No Fragrance Added, with no dyes, formaldehyde, or propylene glycol.

Glycolic Acne is the most common chemical in a Chemical Peel — GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion contains Glycolic Acid

GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion is a helpful fragrance-free exfoliating moisturizer that acts as a face scrub, due to its Glycolic Acid, an AHA or Alpha-hydroxy Acid originally discovered in pineapple. It also helps to even out the appearance of fine lines in the skin, making it an anti-wrinkle cream. 1 oz ($39.95), 2 oz ($59.95), and 8 oz ($179.95).

Self image improves with healthy skin and effective skincare — Acne Treatment can improve one's self image

Big River Silk Skincare’s AmberSoy Soap Gel and GlycoShea Facial&Neck Cream are available for over-the-counter purchase at our headquarters, 8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova, TN 38018, Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. They can also be ordered at www.Bigriversilkskincare.com (shipping: $7.50 for orders under $75.00; $12.50 handling and shipping for Canadian orders under $75.00). 1-901-753-0168.

Acne Treatment and Acne Scar Treatment can involve topical Retinoids like Retin A — Complexion before and after Acne Treatment

If you or a family member has complexion issues or acne, or acne scars, consider first getting a checkup with a Board-certified Dermatologist. I myself am a Memphis Dermatologist, my own Dermatology practice since 1993 being with Rheumatology and Dermatology Associates, 8143 Walnut Grove Road, Cordova, TN, near both Germantown TN and Bartlett TN (www.Rheumderm.com or www.Bigriversilkskincare.com) (1-901-753-0168). Or if you’re looking for a “Dermatologist Near Me” or “Dermatologists Near Me” in your own neighborhood, try going to the American Academy of Dermatology website, AAD.org. Just plug your zip code into the “Find a Dermatologist” tab.