Questions to Ask Your Dermatologist If You’re Struggling With Acne
By Sarina Rubin
June 02, 2025
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Dealing with persistent acne symptoms can be frustrating—especially when over-the-counter products just aren’t cutting it. If your acne feels like it's not getting better (or getting worse), it's a good time to consult a medical professional.
A dermatologist can help you get to the root of your acne, guide you through your treatment options, and tailor a skincare plan that works for your skin type. To make the most of your appointment, it helps to come prepared.
Lean on your dermatologist’s expertise: Here are eight questions to ask that can lead to real, lasting progress.
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1. What’s Causing My Acne?
Acne is considered the most common skin condition, which affects people of all ages, but the causes vary. From a family history of acne to hormones, a dermatologist can help identify what causes your acne outbreaks, so you’re not guessing or chasing the wrong solutions.
They may also recommend treatments like topical retinoids, oral antibiotics, or anti-inflammatory prescriptions, depending on what’s going on beneath the surface.
2. What’s Best for My Skin Type?
You may think you have “oily” or “sensitive” skin, but a dermatologist can offer a more accurate read and help you build a routine that works with your skin, not against it.
Good to Know: Skincare isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right approach depends on your unique skin profile.
3. Should I Be Exfoliating—and If So, How Often?
Exfoliating can help unclog pores and reduce breakouts—but for acne-prone skin, overdoing it can backfire. Your derm can guide you on what types of exfoliants to use for your concerns, such as glycolic acid or salicylic acid. They can also advise how often to use them and what ingredients to avoid.
Tip: Use an ingredient checker to monitor what’s in your products.
4. Is My Acne Related to Hormones or Age?
Hormonal acne is common during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause—all stages that come with significant hormonal changes. Your derm can help determine if hormone shifts or a hormonal disorder, like polycystic ovary syndrome, is contributing to your acne breakouts. They may recommend oral antibiotics, topical antibiotics, or hormone-regulating treatments, such as birth control pills, if appropriate.
5. Are There Foods I Should Avoid (or Add)?
While diet isn’t the only factor, some people find acne worsens with dairy, refined sugar, or high-glycemic foods.
Ask if following a balanced diet, rich in fiber and whole foods, could reduce inflammation and support your skin from the inside out.
6. What Should My Skincare Routine Look Like?
This is your chance to get specific. Ask your dermatologist to walk you through:
- Which cleanser, moisturizer, and treatment products to use
- When to apply each step (morning vs. evening)
- What to do when your skin is irritated, dry, or breaking out more than usual
- Which ingredients help with skin repair if you’re dealing with acne scarring or dark spots
Good to Know: Dermatologists are experts at building skincare routines that evolve with your skin, instead of only treating what’s going on at the moment.
7. Are There Over-the-Counter Treatments I Should Try First?
Not every instance of acne requires prescription medications. Your dermatologist can guide you toward effective OTC topical treatments that may be a good starting point, depending on the severity of your acne, such as:
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Salicylic acid
- Azelaic acid
- Sulfur spot treatments
They can also recommend appropriate strengths to use and how to incorporate the products into a broader skincare routine without overwhelming your skin.
8. How Can I Tell What Type of Acne I Have?
Blackheads and whiteheads? Deep, painful cysts? Tiny red bumps? Your personalized treatment plan will vary based on the types of acne you’re dealing with. Ask your dermatologist to help you identify whether your acne is:
- Comedonal (blackheads/whiteheads)
- Inflammatory (papules/pustules)
- Nodular or cystic acne
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Possibly fungal in nature
Tip: Knowing the type of acne you have is the first step to choosing effective treatments that will help clear your skin and prevent future breakouts.
The Takeaway: Advocate for Your Skin
No one knows your skin better than you, but a dermatologist can be an invaluable partner in helping you understand what’s happening below the surface. The more informed your questions, the more tailored their answers can be.
Come to your appointment prepared. Take notes. And don’t hesitate to ask follow-ups. Because when you have the right plan and the right support, clear skin becomes more than a goal—it becomes achievable.