Acne is a condition that affects most of the population, especially during the teenage years. While acne vulgaris is present in 33% of women in their 30s, the condition affects both men and women. The problem is that the “fix” for acne may not apply to everyone, as their skin type may require a different approach. 

Some acne cases are rooted in excess oil production and/or bacteria, whereas others are caused by inflammation or the damaged integrity of the skin barrier. Choosing the right treatment based on your complexion and root cause can make the difference between long-term stability and a quick fix. Keep reading to find out why skin type is important and how to make the right choice.

Why the Skin Type Influences Acne Treatments

Your skin type is the main driver for your entire body and how it reacts under specific circumstances. It dictates how much oil the skin produces, how easily your pores are clogged, and how aggressive the inflammation becomes once it develops. It also influences how easily your skin heals after trauma or treatment, as well as your risk of scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

Treating acne without taking these matters into account can lead to even worse breakouts, especially if the triggers are ignored. Skin types can also change depending on the season, which is why their identification by a professional is necessary. Mislabeling it through self-diagnosis can cause you to use the wrong products, which in turn affects the skin barrier. 

How to Choose the Treatment Based on the Skin Type

Medical-grade skincare is a staple for acne treatments, as it is medically approved to treat the root cause, not just the symptom. Products like Dr. Ostad’s Acne Regimen Set offer active ingredients that target the root cause of acne, but each patient may get different skincare recommendations. 

Most skincare plans involve matching the active ingredients of the products with your skin’s sebum production. The goal is to protect and strengthen the skin barrier to the point where it’s capable of fighting off the acne itself. Here’s what you should know:

• Oily Skin and Sebum Suppression

Oily skin is the one we usually refer to as “acne-prone,” where the sebaceous glands become overactive and create the perfect environment for clogged pores. Excess sebum can happen for various reasons, from stress to hormone fluctuations and even genetics. 

For this skin type, the focus should be on the suppression of sebum production, clearing the pores, and removing excess sebum. Gel or foaming cleansers with salicylic acid offer a clean base, whereas retinoids and benzoyl peroxide fight bacteria. Moisturizers should be oil-free, gel-based, or matte so the pores no longer clog.

When excess sebum is chronic, procedures like AviClear™ target the sebaceous glands and stop the overproduction of oil. The pore size also shrinks to reduce the sebum flow, which is why it becomes less likely for the skin to become congested.

• Dry Skin and Hydration

It might seem like those with dry skin should not have an acne problem, but the truth is the opposite. When the skin does not get enough hydration, it tries to compensate by producing more oil. This leads to clogged pores and inflammation, but also sensitivity. 

This is why treatments should focus on restoring hydration while keeping the pores clear. Actives like salicylic acid should be kept at a minimum, whereas the moisturizer should be hydrating and rich enough to restore the lost moisture.

Treatments like DiamondGlow™ are effective for acne in this case, as they remove the dead skin cells while infusing the skin with serums. This restores the moisture balance and improves the skin barrier with time.

• Sensitive Skin and Gentle Care

Sensitive skin reacts to any type of aggressive treatment. Since the skin barrier is compromised, it becomes easier for bacteria and irritants to infiltrate the skin, triggering an acne breakout. 

Calming, anti-inflammatory ingredients such as niacinamide or azelaic acids are best suited to address acne in this skin type. Your routine should include a gentle cleanser, a soothing moisturizer, and mineral-based SPF. Avoid aggressive peels and strong retinoids, as they can worsen the skin barrier. 

Treatments like AviClear™ are also effective due to their non-ablative technology, but CUTERA® Genesis is a preferred choice for many providers. This procedure calms the redness and targets acne-causing bacteria while countering sebaceous gland overactivity.

• Combination Skin and Mixed Approaches

Combination skin is among the trickiest to treat, because each area needs a different form of treatment. The T-zone is generally oily, whereas the cheeks are either dry or sensitive. 

Because the areas react differently to ingredients, you may need to use different skincare options on select areas. For example, you may use a salicylic acid treatment on the T-area, whereas the cheeks will skip that in favor of a moisturizer.

In-office treatments may help restore balance to the skin and reduce the incidence of breakouts. AviClear™ treatments may help suppress oil production, whereas DiamondGlow™ and other hydrating treatments may handle the moisturizing part. This multi-target approach improves skin health in the long term.

Get the Right Acne Treatment Today!

Choosing the right acne treatment shouldn’t be a trial-and-error strategy based on what works for everyone. Instead, it should be based on a precise medical strategy with your skin type in mind. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ariel Ostad today and choose the right treatment for long-term acne resolution!

For more information about acne treatments and what works best for your skin type, contact Dr. Ariel Ostad at 212-517-7900. He can offer the insight you need to choose the correct treatment course. Consider filling out our online contact formas well, and we will get in touch with you shortly!