Acne Treatment and Rosacea Treatment Options from a Memphis Dermatologist

by George Woodbury Jr. M.D. (05/27/2024)

Acne Treatment continues to improve through Dermatologic research — Memphis Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury counsels an acne patient

Acne and Rosacea can negatively affect a person’s mood and self-confidence. Fortunately, Dermatologists like myself now have a growing number of promising, new Acne treatment and Rosacea treatment options, customizable for people with dry skin, combination skin, or oily skin, enabling us to reduce Acne scarring. Let's take a look at some of the options:

Acne Scarring can often be managed with Retin A Cream — Acne can leave scars if not treated promptly

Acne is due to clogging of the openings of the pores to the surface of the skin’s Epidermis, so Acne treatment options 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-month course of oral medicine called isotretinoin treatment (Accutane treatment). This therapy dries up the oil glands and is often highly effective. However, it also involves strict avoidance of pregnancy while on treatment and monthly labwork to monitor cholesterol levels. Sometimes, for Hormonal Acne, Dermatologists also look at hormonal therapies, like spironolactone pills or even birth control pills.

Clogged pores lead to papules, plaques and cysts of Acne Vulgaris — Acne results from clogging of the openings of the skin's oil glands

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

Retin A Cream can be an integral part of Acne Treatment — Retin A Cream is the same as Tretinoin Cream, a Retinoid

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, Aklief® (trifarotene).

There is also a variation of acne – called fungal acne – which can be treated with prescription antifungal medicines. We also have a topical hormone-regulating medication - Winlevi® (clascoterone) – to complement existing Aczone® (dapsonel Gel, Finacea® (azelaic acid) gel, Duac® Gel (benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin), Epiduo® (benzoyl peroxide/adapalene), and Ziana® (tretinoin/clindamycin).

Papular Acne and Cystic Acne often require oral antibiotics for effective treatment — Memphis Dermatologist Dr. George Woodbury 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.

Popping Acne Cysts can lead to Acne Scarring — Acne patient with a cyst

Dermatologists also have promising new therapies for Acne Rosacea, also called Rosacea, to complement existing topical Metrogel® and Desonide Lotion: Mirvaso® Gel (brimonidine) is a new alpha-adrenergic compound that helps reduce the severe flushing and redness that can accompany Rosacea.

Rosacea is often managed with oral antibiotics and retinoids — Acne Rocacea is also called Rosacea

After 25 years of practicing dermatology, in 2016, I established 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 great cleanser option for people with oily or combination skin. It can also be used as a face mask, wherein it’s applied to the skin and 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.

GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion is an effective Antiwrinkle Cream — GlycoShea Facial&Neck Lotion contains Alpha Hydroxy Acid 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 effective anti-wrinkle cream. 1 oz ($45.95), 2 oz ($68.95), and 8 oz ($229.95).

Acne can be Comedonal Acne, Papular Acne, and Cystic Acne. — Acne can also be called Acne Vulgaris

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 often involves creams or gels — Acne Treatment is often applied in the morning and at night

If you or a family member has complexion issues or Acne, Acne scars, or Acne Rosacea, consider first getting a checkup with a Board-certified Dermatologist. I myself am a Memphis Dermatologist, my own Memphis Dermatology practice since 1993 having been 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,” or “Best Dermatologist Near Me,” in your own neighborhood, try starting at the American Academy of Dermatology website, AAD.org. Just plug your zip code into the “Find a Dermatologist” tab.