Blemishes, zits, pimples, lesions–acne by any name is unwanted. You may have tried every home remedy, from apple cider vinegar to cutting out chocolate, or perhaps you haven't known where to begin. No matter where you are in your journey, Draper Dermatology is here to help.
We understand the desperation to heal blemished skin of persistent acne that just won’t clear up. More importantly, we have the clinical expertise to identify the root cause and work with you to find a successful, personalized solution.
At its simplest, acne is a hair follicle or pore that has been clogged trapping oil (sebum) and dead skin cells inside. These blockages can lead to inflammation and are classified by severity:
● Mild Acne: Scattered white or blackheads (comedones) with little to no inflammation.● Moderate Acne: Pustules form from inflamed comedones, often causing discomfort.● Severe Acne: Deep, painful cysts or nodules that can lead to scarring.
Acne can be caused by one or more factors including:
1. Excess oil production2. Clogged hair follicles3. Bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes)4. Hormonal changes5. Genetics
We can help you understand the underlying cause of your acne, and address the specific factors contributing to it. A customized approach is the key to clearer skin and preventing future breakouts.
It can be tricky to treat acne on your own, especially when its causes are unclear. Acne presents in various forms, such as:
● Adult Acne or Adolescent Acne ● Open Comedones or Closed Comedones● Hormonal or Bacterial Acne● Mild, Moderate, or Severe Acne
The first step in treating acne is to understand your history. We’ll start by asking questions like:
● When did your acne start? ● Where does the acne appear most prominently? ● What is your current skincare routine?● What acne treatments have you tried? ● What triggers or improves your acne–menstrual cycle, dairy, exercise?
For acne-prone skin, proper cleansing is essential. While it may feel intuitive to scrub vigorously and use harsh astringents, this can actually intensify blemishes and inflammation. Instead, we recommend treating your acne with a gentle cleanser morning and night, along with acne treatment products that suit your skin.
At Draper Dermatology, we offer a range of treatment options, including:
● Over-the-counter medications● Prescription topical treatments● Prescription antibiotics● Aerolase NeoClear drug free acne laser treatment● Combination therapies
Our expertise with trusted skincare brands allows us to tailor treatments to how your skin responds. For more aggressive cases, we also offer advanced therapies. It’s important to be patient with treatments—whether topical, oral, or both—as they can take 6-8 weeks to show significant results.
Severe acne can take its toll on your emotional health and leave scars behind long after the symptoms have healed. We can incorporate aesthetic treatments from our med spa like NeoClear laser therapy, microneedling, and chemical peels to treat acne, reduce scarring and reveal healthier skin.
“My son has been having acne problems for several years. I've seen other dermatologists that have prescribed ointments that didn't do anything for him. My son has a routine of washing his face day and night. He washes his pillow shams, tries to eat non greasy food and nothing seems to help. The doctor was so kind to explain different treatment options. I believe he put him on the best treatment.”
–C. Medina-Fabian
Draper Dermatology is here to guide you through every step of your treatment journey to help you feel like yourself again. Call (801) 232-6556 today to schedule a consultation at our South Jordan, UT, office where we serve patients from Sandy, Riverton, West Jordan, and throughout the Salt Lake Valley. We will set you on the path to regain confidence and clearer skin.