Our doctors and nurse practitioners can treat acne based on your history, symptoms, and a skin exam through the photos you submit. Our medical team follows strict guidelines to make sure we only treat you when it's safe and appropriate to do so. It’s important that you answer our questions fully and truthfully, and read any information we provide.
If, for any reason, our doctor or nurse practitioner thinks it’s not safe to treat you, we’ll ask you to see a healthcare provider in person.
Acne usually starts during puberty with the production of androgen hormone, which causes changes in the skin. Increased oil production, buildup of skin layers, and bacteria on the skin can clog the hair follicles and result in inflammation. A combination of these factors can lead to zits, pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and can cause cysts in severe cases. The cysts appear as reddish painful bumps commonly referred to as acne. Acne typically goes away by age 25 to 30, but some people may still experience flare-ups as they age.
The available treatments help to keep the pores open, decrease the amount of skin layer production or keratinization, and also decrease the amount of bacteria on the skin. Your specific treatment plan may include oral antibiotics and/or a combination of topical creams, gels, or ointments. There are additional treatments for acne that we don't offer in this service, including birth control and isotretinoin (Accutane).
If you’re interested in ordering birth control, please seek evaluation for that specific service on our website here.
Our acne service provides you with a convenient and affordable way to manage your acne, and empowers you to do so appropriately and safely.
You can get the care and advice you need online without having to go to a traditional doctor’s office. Our goal is to effectively treat your acne, minimize flare-ups, and help you achieve long-term control.
You can use the service if you are between the ages of 18 and 65 years old.
If it’s not in your best interest to use Lemonaid Health based on what you tell us about your health history or symptoms, we’ll advise you to see a healthcare provider in person.
Follow the steps below to get started.
Our medical team will then determine if acne treatment is safe and appropriate for you.
If we prescribe treatment, we can ship your medication directly to you from our own Lemonaid Pharmacy. Shipping is discreet, fast and free. We can also send the prescription electronically to your local pharmacy.
There are risks and benefits to taking any medication. It’s important to answer our health questionnaire fully and truthfully so that our providers can help you make an informed decision about whether the benefits of a medication outweigh the potential risks.
The medications we prescribe can be effective when used correctly. Please read the information we provide in your treatment plan to learn more about the risks and benefits of treatment.
Use a water based moisturizer on your skin if you find the topical medication(s) for acne are causing dryness.
Although your acne should improve after a few weeks of treatment; flare-ups may occur in the first 4 to 8 weeks of treatment. Follow the treatment plan as prescribed for 3 months before considering medication changes or discontinuation. The most successful way to treat acne is to be consistent with your treatment.
Although you may not be able to completely prevent acne, there are steps you can take to improve your skin.
Gently wash your face twice a day using a mild, pH-balanced cleanser (Cetaphil or Dove bar) and warm water. Use your hands rather than a towel or other object that may damage the skin. Removing dirt and excess oil decreases the chance of skin peeling, drying, and cracking. Avoid scrubbing the skin harshly and any oil-based skin products that can clog the pores. Use hair products, moisturizers, and cosmetics that are "non-comedogenic," as they are designed to keep your follicles and glands from clogging.
There's no medical evidence that acne is caused by what you eat or your personal hygiene, although stress can sometimes worsen acne.