Using Doxycycline To Treat Acne? An Esthetician's Perspective
What is Doxycycline?
Doxycycline is used to treat a variety of infections caused by certain types of bacteria. It is also used to treat or prevent anthrax (a serious infection) and is used to treat pimples and bumps caused by acne. It works to treat acne by killing the bacteria that infect pores and decreasing a certain natural oily substance that causes acne.
What you should know about Doxycycline:
You should know that doxycycline may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives (birth control pills, patches, rings, or injections).
You should plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Possible Doxycycline side effects:
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite
itching of the rectum
swelling, redness, burning, itching, or irritation of the vagina
vaginal discharge
painful or difficult urination
sore throat or nose
swollen tongue
dry mouth
Anxiety
back pain
changes in the color of skin, scars, nails, and eyes.
This is why many people opt to see their esthetician instead of going this route. While doxycycline has helped people in the past, a trained skincare professional can help you find an alternative that won't leave you feeling sick!
Searching for another way to treat acne without antibiotics?
You're not alone — and an esthetician can help. An esthetician is a skincare professional who has undergone specialized training in the art of skincare. They’re different from dermatologists as they aren't medical doctors, but they can still provide you with valuable advice, treatments, and recommendations for products that will help your condition, as well as prescribe you regimens on how best to use them.
The esthetician you see will not only provide you with products, but they will also work with you on your daily skincare routine and provide you with advice on how to use all of your products most effectively. They’ll be able to tell what type of product is best suited for your skin type, condition, and goals while also keeping in mind the cost constraints that are important to you.
Most estheticians don't recommend doxycycline, here’s why:
Estheticians don't recommend Doxycycline, the oral antibiotic that dermatologists often prescribe for acne sufferers. The reason is simple: it's a powerful antibiotic and it can cause side effects like the ones you read above.
Doxycycline can also cause birth defects if taken while pregnant—so it's important to be aware of the risks associated with taking this medication.
Other skin treatments to consider:
If you have acne, you may want to consider getting a chemical peel. Chemical peels are designed to treat problems like acne and fine lines. They can help to even out the color of skin and remove dead skin cells that make your skin look dull.
A good esthetician will recommend treatments for your specific needs, but some common ingredients that work for acne include:
Benzoyl peroxide—a powerful chemical that fights bacteria
Salicylic acid—an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that unclogs pores
Vitamin A derivatives such as Retinol or Retin-A—vitamin A helps repair damaged cells and promotes healthy new cell growth
Final Thoughts
As you can see, taking Doxycycline may be tempting when you’re hungry for results, but may really not be worth all the potential side effects that can come along with it. Its real problem is that it assumes a one-size-fits-all approach, which can have detrimental effects on some people.
It’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all regimen when it comes to acne. Estheticians are here to help by listening closely so they can determine exactly what it is that works best for each client as an individual person—not just their current symptoms or habits (or lack thereof).
We all want to look good and feel confident. With the help of an esthetician, you can get there. Seeing your local esthetician is a great option for anyone interested in improving their skin without resorting to prescription medication or invasive procedures. All it takes is some time, commitment, and patience, but ultimately you'll be able to see the results for yourself!