For Clearer Skin, Visit a Professional

The most effective path to clearer skin is to see a healthcare professional who specializes in skin conditions. Dermatologists, dermatology nurse practitioners, and physician assistants are trained to recognize a wide variety of skin disorders and can determine the best acne treatment for you.

Questions to ask your healthcare professional

When you visit your healthcare professional, it's a good idea to write down any questions you have about your acne so you can discuss them.

Here are some questions to take with you when you visit your healthcare professional. Think of this as a starter list - add other questions as you think of them.

• How severe is my acne?
• What are my treatment options?
• Do I need more than one treatment?
• How long before my skin is clear?
• Once my skin is clear, can I stop using the treatment?
• Will my acne come back?

Questions your healthcare professional might ask you

It's also a good idea to think in advance about some of the things your healthcare professional may ask on your first visit.

Here are some questions you may be asked:

• Would you describe your skin as oily, dry, or combination?
• How long have you had acne?
• How often do your breakouts occur?
• Have you seen a healthcare professional for your acne before?
• If so, what treatments work for you? If so, which ones?
• Did any of these treatments work for you? If so, which ones?
• What type of products do you use to cleanse your face?
• Do you use over-the-counter acne treatments? If so, what do you use?
• What other skin care products are you using now?