How to know when it’s time to see a dermatologist for your acne

If you're at a point where you can't find a way to control your breakouts, despite having tried all kinds of facial cleansers, moisturisers and masks - you may have asked yourself whether it's time to see a dermatologist to get a prescription for medication that can help.

We checked in with Jeanine Giot, owner and skincare therapist at Jentl Health & Skin Care in Cape Town, to find out more about her approach to acne treatments at her salon, and when she believes it's time to call in the professionals. 

Don't go until you feel you're out of options

Jeanine suggests that you try everything you possibly can to address your breakouts before you head to the doctor to fill a prescription. 

“My advice is to avoid drastic measures like isotretinoin-based medications as far as possible. They have long-lasting implications for your health and skin," she explains. “By reducing the size of your oil glands, they do clear up acne relatively quickly, but when you're older those shrunken glands can contribute to premature ageing because your skin no longer produces sufficient quantities of oil to reduce and prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. These medications also have a host of very severe side effects that present very differently from one person to the next.” 

“While it can be easy to opt for the quick fix when your confidence is suffering, it is worthwhile to work with your skincare therapist to find a holistic approach. Seemingly small changes in your routine at home can end up making a big difference – like how often you wash your pillowcases, whether you use a washcloth or a sponge to cleanse your face, taking the right supplements, etc.”

“My personal belief is that you go to see a dermatologist when all else has failed. When your acne is over your entire face in a pustular state and there are new spots coming out every day and it's not hormone-related (i.e. it doesn't only flare up once a month round about the same time), and you feel you're out of options, make the appointment,” she advises.  

What about kids? 

According to Jeanine, for some children, issues like blackheads can crop up quite early, even at the age of eight or nine. Her recommendation is that parents start taking them to a skin therapist for a 20-minute deep cleanse every now and then - to benefit from a professional steam and extraction treatment - as soon as this happens. 

“When you do take your child to a skin therapist, it's important to work with them to implement a regime that will clear up their skin in the long run. This may necessitate an investment in products and treatments that are more expensive than you're used to, but it will be worth it if you follow the advice of the therapist to a T.” 

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