Breakouts can be frustrating, affecting both your skin and your confidence. While the urge to pop, pick, or scrub is common, these habits usually make acne worse by increasing inflammation, causing scars, and triggering more breakouts. The key is a gentle, consistent approach rooted in what really works.

Here’s how to avoid common acne mistakes, explore effective treatments, and learn about another transformative option: tattoo removal.

Common Acne Mistakes to Avoid

Your habits matter. To manage breakouts:

• Don’t pick or pop pimples. This pushes bacteria deeper, leading to more inflammation and a higher risk of scars.
• Avoid harsh scrubbing and overwashing. Twice-daily cleansing with a gentle cleanser is enough. Overdoing it strips natural oils and triggers extra oil production.
• Don’t skip moisturizer. Even oily skin needs a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to stay healthy and avoid irritation from acne treatments.
• Be consistent with treatments. Acne solutions need time. Stick with your regimen for several weeks; sporadic use won’t deliver results.

Effective Acne Treatment Options

For clear skin, dermatologists may recommend:

• Topical treatments: Retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, and topical antibiotics target bacteria and promote skin renewal.
• Oral medications: For tougher acne, options include antibiotics, hormonal therapy (for women), or isotretinoin—reserved for severe cases.
• In-office procedures: Chemical peels, professional extractions, and light or laser therapies can further support clear skin.

Dermatologists create personalized plans, matching the right options to your skin.

A Fresh Start: Tattoo Removal

Just as you can take control of your acne, you can also gain a fresh start from unwanted tattoos. If you have a tattoo that no longer reflects who you are, modern laser technology offers a safe and effective way to remove it. The laser breaks ink particles into fragments, which your body then naturally eliminates over several sessions.

What to Expect During the Process

• Multiple Sessions: Removal is a process, not a one-time event. Most tattoos require a series of sessions, typically spaced 6-8 weeks apart, to allow the body to clear the shattered ink particles.
• Targeted Treatment: Different laser wavelengths are used to target different ink colors, making it possible to remove complex, multi-colored tattoos.
• Sensation and Aftercare: The sensation is often compared to a rubber band snapping against the skin. After each session, the area will be sensitive, and proper aftercare is crucial for healing and optimal results.

Our state-of-the-art lasers can effectively fade and remove tattoos, giving you back a clean slate.

Take the Next Step Toward Healthy Skin

Ready to tackle acne or start fresh with tattoo removal? Our board-certified dermatologists at Charleston Dermatology offer guidance and advanced solutions for your skin goals.

Ready for a change? Schedule your consultation for acne treatment or tattoo removal with us today.