When over-the-counter products don't help your acne, it's time to pay a visit to the Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming and Sandy Springs, GA, dermatologists at Atlantic Center for Dermatologic Diseases. Whether acne is a recent problem or you've been struggling with the skin condition for years, the skin doctors offer a variety of effective treatment options.

Why it's not a good idea to ignore acne

Although you can certainly live with acne, treating the condition offers these important benefits:

• Improved Appearance: Acne may make you feel self-conscious about the way you look and may even be a factor in low self-esteem, anxiety and depression. Treating acne, whether it's mild or severe, is a simple way to improve your self-confidence.
• No Long-Term Skin Changes: A long-term struggle with acne can cause lasting changes to your skin. You may develop dark or red spots where a pimple once was or notice acne scars or pockmarks on your face. Acne treatment can help you reduce your risk of these skin issues.
• Easier Treatment: It's much easier to treat mild or moderate acne than severe acne. The earlier you see a dermatologist at the Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming or Sandy Springs, GA, office, the better.
• More Effective Treatment: Over-the-counter treatments can be expensive and aren't always effective in clearing acne. The treatments offered by your dermatologist not only clear your skin but also help you avoid new pimples.

Types of acne treatments available from your skin doctor

Your dermatologist may recommend one or more of these acne treatments:

• Prescription topical medications, like tretinoin and adapalene, that unclog pores and speed skin cell turnover
• Topical and oral antibiotics that kill p. acnes bacteria on the skin
• Blue light therapy to shrink oil glands, decrease redness and inflammation, and kill bacteria.
• Isotretinoin to treat severe acne that doesn't respond to other treatments
• Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy that reduces the size of oil glands, minimize acne scars, kills bacteria and reduces redness

Is your acne hard to control? Call your dermatologists in Roswell, Alpharetta, Cumming and Sandy Springs, GA, to schedule a visit. Make an appointment with the skin doctors at Atlantic Center for Dermatologic Diseases by calling (404) 252-4333 for the Sandy Springs office, (770) 751-1133 for the Roswell office, (770) 664-5225 for the Alpharetta office, or (770) 844-1902 for the Cumming office.