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The Ultimate Guide to Acne Treatments: From OTC Solutions to Dermatologist Care

Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages, from teens to adults. While occasional breakouts might be manageable, persistent or severe acne can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are a wide range of treatments available, from over-the-counter (OTC) products to dermatologist-prescribed therapies. In this guide, we’ll explore the full spectrum of acne treatments to help you find the right solution for your skin.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Acne Treatments

For mild to moderate acne, over-the-counter treatments are often the first step. These products target surface-level breakouts and clogged pores. Some of the most common ingredients in OTC acne treatments include benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). Benzoyl peroxide is a powerful antibacterial agent that kills the bacteria causing acne, while also reducing inflammation and clearing dead skin cells that clog pores. Salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), works by exfoliating the skin, unclogging pores, and reducing oil production, making it ideal for treating blackheads and whiteheads.

Other Over-the-counter treatment Options:

  • Sulfur – Known for its ability to dry out blemishes, sulfur reduces oil and prevents pore blockages. It’s often combined with other acne-fighting ingredients in masks and spot treatments.
  • Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) – AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid exfoliate the skin’s surface, promoting the removal of dead skin cells and improving skin texture. These are great for acne scars and uneven skin tone.

Prescription Topical Treatments

When OTC products don’t provide enough relief, a dermatologist can prescribe stronger topical treatments. These medications target deeper skin layers and more stubborn acne:

    • Retinoids – Derived from Vitamin A, retinoids speed up cell turnover and prevent the clogging of pores. They’re highly effective for both acne and the prevention of scarring. Popular options include tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene.
    • Topical Antibiotics – Clindamycin and erythromycin are commonly prescribed to reduce bacteria on the skin and treat inflammation. These are often combined with benzoyl peroxide for better results.
    • Dapsone Gel – This topical anti-inflammatory is ideal for treating adult acne, particularly inflammatory acne with redness and swelling.

Oral Medications

For more severe or cystic acne, oral medications may be necessary. Oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline and minocycline, help reduce bacteria and inflammation in moderate to severe cases. For women whose acne is linked to hormonal imbalances, oral contraceptives and other hormone modifying drugs can be prescribed to regulate hormone levels and control sebum production, reducing breakouts. For those with severe, cystic acne that doesn’t respond to other treatments, isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane) may be an option. Isotretinoin is a powerful oral retinoid that shrinks the sebaceous glands and drastically reduces oil production, preventing future breakouts and scarring.

In-Office Dermatology Treatments

When acne becomes resistant to at-home treatments, dermatologic procedures can offer a more aggressive approach:

  • Chemical Peels – A chemical peel uses AHAs or BHAs to exfoliate the skin deeply, unclog pores, and improve acne scars. Regular treatments can significantly reduce acne flare-ups.
  • Laser and Light Therapy – Lasers and light-based treatments target the bacteria that cause acne and reduce oil production. Blue light therapy can be particularly effective for treating acne-causing bacteria, while red light helps reduce inflammation.
  • Cortisone Injection – For large, painful cystic acne, cortisone injections can rapidly reduce inflammation and shrink the pimple within 24-48 hours. This treatment is ideal for isolated, severe breakouts.
  • Extraction of Blackheads and Whiteheads – Dermatologists use sterile tools to remove comedones (clogged pores), reducing inflammation and preventing future breakouts. This procedure helps clear the skin without risking scarring.

Maintaining clear skin after finding an effective treatment is essential. Following a consistent skincare routine, including cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing with acne-friendly products, is key. It’s important to stick to your dermatologist’s recommendations for ongoing care. Diet can also play a role in managing acne, as reducing dairy and high-glycemic foods (like sweets and white bread) may help prevent flare-ups. Finally, resisting the temptation to pick or pop pimples is crucial to avoid scarring and further inflammation—leave extractions to the professionals!

Acne can be frustrating, but with the right treatment plan, it is manageable. Whether you’re dealing with mild breakouts or severe cystic acne, there’s a treatment option for everyone. Starting with OTC products and progressing to dermatologist care, if necessary, will help you on the path to clearer, healthier skin.

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All Dermatology

alldermatology

Medical | Surgical | Cosmetic Dermatology
6 providers with locations across the valley —> Biltmore/Phoenix, Glendale & Surprise
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS

Happy Valentine’s Day! 💌 Love is in the air, Happy Valentine’s Day! 💌 Love is in the air, but so is clear, radiant skin! Don’t let acne hold you back from feeling confident on this special day. 💖 Our personalized acne treatments are here to help you love the skin you’re in. 💕 Say goodbye to breakouts and hello to confidence with our acne treatment solutions. Because nothing says ‘I love you’ like self-care and glowing skin. 💘

#acne #acnetreatment #acnefree #acneproblems #acneskincare #acneproneskin #acnepositivity #clearskin #acnecommunity #acnetips #accutanejourney #accutane #skincheck #cosmetics #skin #dermatology #derm #combination #dryskin #oilyskin #surprise #phoenix #arizona #skincare #cetaphil #cerave #neutrogena #clear #clearskinjourney
Two days post Daxxify…look at that glow ✨ . . Two days post Daxxify…look at that glow ✨
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#daxxify #neurotoxin #cosmetics #wrinkles #11s #eyebrows #glabella #injections #beforeandafter #skincare #preventativehealth #byewrinkles cosmetic #aesthetic #aesthetics #fillers #filler #dysport #botox #skin #dermatology #derm #dermlife #physicianassistant #phoenix #phoenixaz #phoenixarizona #glendale #glendaleaz #surprise #surpriseaz #skincare
Hair loss transformation➡️ These photos are 3 Hair loss transformation➡️ These photos are 3 months apart after being on a combination of oral Spironolactone and oral Minoxidil!! 💆🏾‍♀️

If you are experiencing hair loss, book an appointment to see what the right treatment is for you! Book at www.alldermatology.com or call today! 

#alopecia #hairloss #hairregrowth #hairtransformation #hairthinning #hair #hairgrowth #beforeandafter #baldpatch #alopeciaawareness #alopeciatreatment #derm #dermatology #physician #physicianassistant #dermatologist #arizona #phoenix #phoenixarizona #doctor #az
Here's to 60 years of wisdom, kindness, and inspir Here's to 60 years of wisdom, kindness, and inspiration! Happy Birthday, Dr. Pehoushek! 🎉🎂 

#CheersTo60 #HappyBirthday
Large squamous cell carcinoma excision done by Dr. Large squamous cell carcinoma excision done by Dr. Pehoushek!

End your year on a good note and come on in to get your skin checked! 

#skincare #skinhealth #skincheck #dermatologyexpertise #skincancer #arizona #uvlight #uvexposure #squamouscellcarcinoma #nonmelanomaskincancer #basalcellcarcinoma #scc #bcc #sccis #malignant #excision #surgery #skin #dermatology #derm #glendale #surprise #phoenix #phoenixarizona #skincheck #skincare #skincare #arcadia #sun #sunexposure #arizona #arizonadermatology
Malignant melanoma can appear anywhere on your ski Malignant melanoma can appear anywhere on your skin…even on your finger. This brave patient took action and received a skin graft to fully remove the tumor. Early detection and expert care make all the difference in the fight against skin cancer. 

#skincancer #melanoma #malignant #melanomaawareness #skincancerawareness #prevention #cancer #mole #surgery #skin
#dermatology #derm #pa #dermpa #physicianassistant #phoenix #phoenixarizona #phoenixdermatologist #skincare #arizona #dermatologypa #skincancer #skincancerprevention #sunprotection #skincare #uvlight #uvexposure #squamouscellcarcinoma #nonmelanomaskincancer #basalcellcarcinoma #glendale #surprise
Happy birthday to our Mohs Tech/ Surgical Assistan Happy birthday to our Mohs Tech/ Surgical Assistant Blanca 🥳🥳 We are so lucky to have you!
Happy Halloween from the Barbie crew at our Biltmo Happy Halloween from the Barbie crew at our Biltmore/ Arcadia location! 💅🏼🎀🩷

#barbie #pink #barbiedoll #barbiestyle #barbiegirl #barbiemovie #barbieworld #barbieandken #ken #kendoll  #halloween #happyhalloween #derm #dermatology #phoenix #arizona #dermatologist #medicalassistant #dermatology clinic #cosmeticdermatology #medicaldermatology #surgicaldermatology #fun #holiday #phoenixarizona #phoenixdermatology #arizonadermatology #barbiefashion #barbiegram
Happy Halloween from the Disney villains at our ar Happy Halloween from the Disney villains at our arrowhead location! 🎃🧡

#halloween #pumpkin #derm #dermatology #glendale #arizona #dermatologist #medicalassistant #dermatologyclinic #cosmeticdermatology #medicaldermatology #surgicaldermatology #fun #holiday #disney #disneygram #villian #disneyvillains #disneyvillain #happyhalloween
Happy Halloween from our Surprise location! 👻 🖤

#halloween #pumpkin #derm #dermatology #surprise #surpriseaz #surprisearizona #arizona #dermatologist #medicalassistant #dermatologyclinic #cosmeticdermatology #medicaldermatology #surgicaldermatology #fun #holiday
Don’t want to look scary this Halloween? Call to Don’t want to look scary this Halloween? Call to schedule your neurotoxin appointment today! We offer Daxxify, Dysport, and Botox. 💉 

Use the online booking through our website alldermatology.com or call (602) 277-7686! 

#daxxify #dysport #botox #neurotoxin #cosmetics #wrinkles #11s #eyebrows #glabella #injections #beforeandafter #skincare #preventativehealth #byewrinkles #cosmetic #aesthetic #aesthetics #fillers #filler #skin #dermatology #derm #dermlife #physicianassistant #phoenix #phoenixaz #phoenixarizona #glendale #phoenixdermatologist #surprise #skincare
You don’t want to be jealous like the pumpkin on You don’t want to be jealous like the pumpkin on the left! Book an RHA filler appointment today! Check out the @therhacollection and @daxxify 🎃 💉 

The RHA collection is the first and only FDA-approved hyaluronic acid fillers for dynamic wrinkles and folds (RHA 2, RHA 3, RHA 4) and dynamic perioral lines (RHA Redensity).

RHA is made to move with the face by stretching and rebounding with dynamic facial movement.

RHA utilizes the newest technology, producing a less-rigidly crosslinked gel designed to adapt to facial dynamics without compromising durability.

RHA more closely resembles the natural hyaluronic acid (HA) found in skin.

**Results last up to 15 months for RHA 2, RHA 3, and RHA 4 and up to 12 months for RHA Redensity.

#RHA #redensity #daxxify #injection #beautiful  #confident #fillers #filler #beforeandafter #injections #arizona #cosmetics #phoenix #phoenixarizona #cosmetic #cosmeticdermatology #natural #lips #cheeks #chin #nasolabialfolds #marionette #aesthetic #aesthetics #dermatology #glam #natural #new #rhacollection #cheekfiller #fillerbeforeandafter.
Our Arrowhead office is gearing up for Halloween n Our Arrowhead office is gearing up for Halloween next week 🎃 

#halloween #pumpkin #derm #dermatology #glendale #arizona #dermatologist #medicalassistant #dermatologyclinic #cosmeticdermatology #medicaldermatology #surgicaldermatology #fun #holiday
We love supporting the local community around us! We love supporting the local community around us! It is a pleasure to sponsor Atomic Volleyball Club! Go team! 🏐 📣 

#derm #dermatology #sponsor #local #community #volleyball #team #support #skin #skincancer #smallbyosness #skincare #skincaretips #skinhealth #skincancerawareness #medical #cosmetic #surgical #aestheticdermatology #medicaldermatology #surgicaldermatology #cosmeticdermatology #aesthetic #youth
Happy PA Week to our 3 amazing PAs! Left: Nicole Happy PA Week to our 3 amazing PAs!

Left: Nicole Madera PA-C
Middle: Anna Gould PA-C
Right: Courtney Cahill PA-C

#PAweek #2023 #DermPAsSeeYouderm #PAsSeeYou #DermPAs #PAsGoBeyond #dermatology #pa #physicianassistant #phoenix #surprise #glendale #arizona #az #skin #skincare #medical #surgical #cosmetic #aesthetic #phoenixarizona #glendalearizona #surpriseaz #medicaldermatology #cosmeticdermatology #skincancer #eczema #psoriasis #dermatitis #acne
PA Madera and MA Monse suiting up for a cyst remov PA Madera and MA Monse suiting up for a cyst removal! 💉🩹

#abscess #cyst #pus #drainage #surgery #juicy #dermatology #derm #pa #dermpa #physicianassistant #glendale #arizona #surprise #phoenix #skincare #arcadia #dermatologypa #cysts #dermlife #drain #incision #medical
Meet RHA filler! 💉 😍 The RHA Collection is t Meet RHA filler! 💉 😍 The RHA Collection is the only FDA-approved hyaluronic acid filler that smoothes dynamic lines for a natural look and feel.

Here are some facts about this new product:

✔️Results last up to 15 months for RHA 2, RHA 3, and RHA 4.
✔️Results last up to 12 months for RHA Redensity.
✔️RHA is the fastest growing Hyaluronic Acid Filler Collection in the U.S.
✔️The first and only FDA-approved hyaluronic acid fillers for dynamic wrinkles and folds (RHA 2, RHA 3, RHA 4) and dynamic perioral lines (RHA Redensity).
✔️RHA is made to move with the face by stretching and rebounding with dynamic facial movement.
✔️RHA utilizes the newest technology, producing a less-rigidly crosslinked gel designed to adapt to facial dynamics without compromising durability.
✔️RHA more closely resembles the natural hyaluronic acid (HA) found in skin.

❔ Questions about this new product —> Call and schedule an appointment today at any of our 3 locations! 

➡️Photos 2 and 3 of the slide show show the patient’s dynamic wrinkles and folds in her lower face were improved with 0.6 mL of RHA 2, 1.0 mL RHA 3, and 1.0 mL RHA 4. Images captured before and one week after treatment. Results may vary.

#RHA #redensity #daxxify #injection #beautiful  #confident #fillers #filler #beforeandafter #injections #arizona #cosmetics #phoenix #phoenixarizona #cosmetic #cosmeticdermatology #natural #lips #cheeks #chin #nasolabialfolds #marionette #aesthetic #aesthetics #dermatology #glam #natural #surprise #surpriseaz #surprisearizona #fillerbeforeandafter
Last night, our talented PAs Anna Gould and Nicole Last night, our talented PAs Anna Gould and Nicole Madera dazzled at the Vtama dinner! Bringing their expertise to the table, and a touch of glam to the event. They represented All Dermatology and we're excited to share some insights from the event! 🌟

Vtama is making waves in the field of dermatology with its innovative approach to treating psoriasis. This groundbreaking drug offers new hope to those dealing with this challenging skin condition. Psoriasis affects millions, causing uncomfortable symptoms and impacting daily life.

Vtama is designed to provide patients with not just relief but also long-term solutions. Anna and Nicole had the chance to dive deep into discussions about how this medication is changing lives and shaping the future of psoriasis treatment.

We're incredibly proud to have our team engaged in such vital conversations within the dermatology community. Stay tuned for more updates on the latest advancements in skincare and treatments. 

#psoriasis #vtama #new #medication #medicine #psoriasiswarrior #psoriasisawareness #psoriasistreatment #autoimmunedisease #rash #skin #dermatology #derm #pa #physicianassistant #phoenix #phoenixarizona #surprise #surprisearizona #phoenixdermatologist #surprisedermatologist #doctor #physician #skincare #arcadia #dermatologypa #arizona #uvlight #genetic #flare
We’re pleased to introduce DAXXIFY🎉–the onl We’re pleased to introduce DAXXIFY🎉–the only long-lasting, peptide-powered frown line treatment. We’re one of the first exclusive providers to offer this innovative treatment. 🥳 Call our office today to book your appointment and visit DAXXIFY.com to learn more!

❓What is DAXXIFY and how is it different?

▶️DAXXIFY is FDA approved to help smooth moderate to severe lines between the brows. It is the only long-lasting frown line treatment powered by a peptide with results that last on average 6 months and up to 9 months for some.

▶️Conventional injectables last 3 – 4 months and require up to 4 treatments a year to maintain results.

▶️Nearly 90% of patients say they wish results lasted longer. With DAXXIFY you can keep your frown lines smoother for a full year with as few as 2 treatments.

#daxxify #neurotoxin #cosmetics #wrinkles #11s #eyebrows #glabella #injections #beforeandafter #skincare #preventativehealth #byewrinkles cosmetic #aesthetic #aesthetics #fillers #filler #dysport #botox #skin #dermatology #derm #dermlife #physicianassistant #phoenix #phoenixaz #phoenixarizona #glendale #phoenixdermatologist #surprise #surpriseaz #skincare
When you don’t wear sunscreen…and have cute sa When you don’t wear sunscreen…and have cute sandals 😝 Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to top of your hands and feet! ☀️ 🧴 

Photo credit: PA Nicole Madera @dermalista 

#phoenix #arcadia #biltmore #glendale #surprise #arizona #skincancer #skincancerawareness #skincancerprevention #skincancerscreening #melanoma #sunprotection #skincare #melanomaawareness #uvlight #uvexposure #acne #eczema #psoriasis #warts #malignant #dermatology #physicianassistant #phoenix #phoenixarizona #surprisearizona #phoenixdermatologist #surprisedermatologist #physician #doctor #dermatologypa
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LOCATIONS

BILTMORE/ARCADIA
4400 N 32nd St
Suite 250
Phoenix, Arizona 85018
602-277-7686
email us

ARROWHEAD
6320A West Union Hills Drive
Suite 210
Glendale, Arizona 85308
623-376-7600
email us

SURPRISE
14239 West Bell Road
Suite 101
Surprise, Arizona 85374
623-544-7755
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