When you're struggling with breakouts that you can't seem to calm or soothe, you may decide to reach out to a dermatologist for professional support. Your dermatologist can prescribe a variety of different skin treatments to help keep acne at bay, but there are things that you can do to help minimize breakouts. Here's a look at a few things that you should consider doing to reduce your struggles with acne.

Explore Your Medications

It's important that you tell your dermatologist about every medication that you take. Be specific about whether each one is a brand name or generic medication because the additives in some can react differently than others.

One of the most common medications that can lead to increased breakouts is oral birth control medication. This can be especially true for those who are just starting birth control or changing medications. Talk with your dermatologist about any possible medication changes that may help to curb your breakouts.

Adjust Your Diet

Sometimes, breakouts are caused or intensified by your current diet. Foods that are high in sugars and fats can lead to clogged pores, which will increase your breakouts. Eating a healthy, balanced diet of whole foods and lean meats can help to reduce the occurrences of breakouts by reducing the fats and oils that can clog your skin's pores.

Dairy products are one of the most common culprits for this, though they are also one of the things that many people overlook. You may want to reduce or eliminate your dairy intake along with the other dietary changes to help make a significant difference in the frequency and intensity of your breakout issues.

Consider Your Skin Care

When you meet with the dermatologist the first time, bring any products that you apply to your skin on a regular basis. Lotions, skin treatments, cleansers, and makeup products can all be problematic for those who are prone to acne trouble. Your dermatologist will evaluate all of your skincare products and help you identify any that could be causing problems with more frequent breakouts.

Persistent acne trouble can be uncomfortable and embarrassing, especially as an adult. However, you don't have to tolerate breakouts just because you always have. In fact, if you work with a dermatologist and follow the tips here, you can likely reduce your risk of acne issues substantially. Contact a dermatologist near you today for more information and to schedule an examination for your specific breakout problems.