Acne Specialist

What is acne?

As one of the most common skin conditions, acne arises from a disruption of your skin cell cycle. When your pores become blocked with oil and dead skin cells, pimples can form, and they can foster bacteria growth. When bacteria builds in your pores, it can cause inflammation, which is why many acne lesions are red and tender.

An acne breakout consists of one or more of these specific types of lesions:

• Papules - small red bumps
• Whiteheads - bumps with a white spot at the cap
• Blackheads - bumps with a dark spot at the cap
• Nodules - solid pimples deep within the skin
• Cysts - large deep pimples filled with pus
  
  

Acne can come from more than one cause or factor, like hormone imbalances, medications, or air humidity. Teenagers are especially prone to acne because their hormones are out of balance throughout puberty. 

What are acne scars?

Acne scars are a lasting effect of acne for some individuals. Not everyone who gets acne gets acne scars, too; it depends on your skin’s ability to rebuild with collagen after acne lesions damage it. 

You’re more likely to get acne scars if your acne is inflammatory or if you habitually pick or pop your pimples. However, it’s not always possible to predict whether or not you get acne scars with accuracy. 

Acne scars are either recessed or raised. Either way, they make your skin look highly textured and bumpy. During your acne treatment consultation, you can also discuss treatment options for the lasting scars. 

What are my options for acne treatment?

The Dermatology Center offers individualized treatment for acne, acne scars, or both at one time. Acne breakouts themselves go away quickly and without clinical treatment for the majority of people who get them, but some cases require intensive dermatological care. Your dermatologist might recommend:

• Topical medications like salicylic acid or retinoids
• Oral or topical antibiotics for inflammatory acne
• Corticosteroid injections
• Oral contraceptives for hormone balancing
• Chemical peels
  
  

For acne scars, the recommended treatments at the Dermatology Center are dermabrasion and dermaplaning. These treatments level out your skin and smooth textural irregularities. 

Dermabrasion uses a rough wire brush or burr with diamond particles and a motorized handheld device. Dermaplaning uses an instrument similar to an electric razor to skim cells away from your skin’s surface.

Acne and acne scars make for highly textured skin that you can’t always conceal with cosmetics. To find an effective treatment for acne or acne scars, call the Dermatology Center, or click the online booking tool today.