Expert Acne Treatment at Advanced Dermatology, P.C.

Types of acne we treat

At Advanced Dermatology, P.C., we treat a variety of acne conditions, providing personalized care to address each patient’s unique skin needs. Our goal is to help manage and prevent acne effectively, ensuring healthier and more radiant skin.

Acne Scars

Acne scars are the result of inflamed cystic acne outbreaks that cause deep breaks within the wall of the inflamed and congested pore. When the skin attempts to repair itself, it may cause aberrant collagen generation and degradation, which can lead to scarring that is often rougher than the pre-outbreak skin.

Treatment options for acne scars

Laser resurfacing: This treatment uses focused light to remove damaged skin layers and stimulate collagen production for smoother skin.
Microneedling: A procedure that involves using fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin, promoting collagen production and improving scar appearance.
Chemical peels: Application of a chemical solution to exfoliate the top layers of skin, helping to reduce the appearance of scars.
Dermabrasion: A surgical skin planing technique that removes the outer layers of skin to improve the texture and reduce scarring.

These treatments aim to improve the skin’s texture and appearance, addressing the scars left behind by acne outbreaks.

Adult Acne

Adult acne can be triggered by various underlying conditions, including hormonal changes, stress, and certain medications. It is essential to address these causal factors when developing an effective acne treatment plan.

Treatment protocols for adult acne must also consider the needs of older, more delicate skin, which may be more sensitive to harsh treatments. A comprehensive approach that includes gentle yet effective solutions is crucial.

Treatment options for adult acne

Topical solutions: Drugstore products containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids can help treat acne by unclogging pores and reducing inflammation.
Prescription oral medications: Antibiotics, hormonal therapies, or isotretinoin may be prescribed to target severe or persistent acne.
Dermatological procedures: Laser treatments, chemical peels, and extractions can address stubborn acne and improve skin texture.
Lifestyle adjustments: Managing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, and using non-comedogenic skincare products can help prevent flare-ups.

Advanced Dermatology, P.C. treatments aim to manage adult acne effectively while considering the unique needs of older skin.

Pregnancy Acne

Pregnancy acne is often triggered by hormonal fluctuations, which can lead to flare-ups. People aged 25 or younger are at a higher risk of severe breakouts during pregnancy.

Treatment options for pregnancy acne are limited due to the safety concerns of certain interventions during pregnancy. However, several topical treatments are considered safe for use during pregnancy.

Safe acne treatments during pregnancy

Azelaic acid: Helps reduce inflammation and unclog pores, making it a safe option for managing acne.
Glycolic acid: An exfoliant that can help improve skin texture and reduce acne.
Salicylic acid: Used in low concentrations, it can help exfoliate the skin and reduce acne safely.
Benzoyl peroxide: Effective in killing acne-causing bacteria.

Consulting with a board-certified dermatologist in cooperation with your obstetrician can help create a personalized treatment plan that is both effective and safe for you and your baby.

Teen Acne

Acne in teenagers is predominantly triggered by the hormonal fluctuations of puberty, which cause the oil-producing glands in the skin to enlarge and produce more sebum. This excess oil, combined with dead skin cells, can clog pores and create a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to inflammation and breakouts.

It is very common for teens to panic at the sight of a breakout and then overuse over-the-counter acne treatments in an attempt to clear their skin quickly. However, applying too many or too harsh products at once can strip the skin of its natural moisture barrier, causing significant irritation, excessive dryness, and making acne worse. This cycle of over-treating and subsequent irritation can be frustrating and counterproductive for young people trying to manage their skin.

The common causes of acne in teenagers include the following:

Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones during puberty can increase sebum production, leading to clogged pores and acne breakouts.
Comedogenic cosmetic products: Certain makeup and skincare products can clog pores and exacerbate acne.
Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) can grow in clogged pores, leading to inflammation and acne.
Stress: Stress can trigger the production of sebum, which can contribute to acne flare-ups.
Genetic predisposition: A family history of acne can increase the likelihood of developing acne during adolescence.

A consultation with a board-certified dermatologist can provide a personalized treatment plan that is far more effective than trial-and-error with drugstore products. Dermatologists consider an adolescent’s specific history of symptoms, flare-ups, and any underlying health issues to tailor a safe and effective regimen.

FAQs about acne

What causes acne in teens and adults?

Acne develops in teens and adults due to a combination of environmental and biological factors. Key triggers for acne include the following:

Hormonal fluctuations: Changes during puberty, menstrual cycles, or hormonal therapies.
Comedogenic skin products: Heavy cosmetics or skincare products that clog pores.
Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes, a type of bacteria that thrives in blocked hair follicles.
Skin irritation: Scrubbing too hard or using harsh soaps can damage the skin barrier.
Stress: Increased stress can lead to hormone spikes that trigger acne.
Fatigue: Lack of sleep can disrupt normal hormonal balance and skin health.

Can diet or lifestyle changes help reduce acne?

Certain dietary and lifestyle adjustments can influence acne by regulating hormone production and inflammatory responses in the body.

The American Academy of Dermatology notes that a low-glycemic diet, which avoids foods that spike blood sugar, may help reduce the risk of acne breakouts. This phenomenon is thought to occur because high blood sugar and insulin levels can trigger a cascade of hormonal changes. These changes increase oil production and inflammation, which contribute to acne formation.

Regular exercise is another lifestyle factor that can help regulate hormone production, improve sleep, and lower stress, all of which benefit skin health. However, the increased sweating that comes with physical activity can lead to excess oil production and cause bacteria, sebum, and shed skin cells to clog pores. To prevent post-workout breakouts, it is important to cleanse the skin promptly after exercise and avoid harsh rubbing that can cause irritation.

When used as part of a comprehensive treatment and management plan created in consultation with a board-certified dermatologist, these adjustments can help significantly. While diet and exercise are helpful tools, they are not a complete cure for acne and work best when combined with a consistent skincare routine.

What are the best dermatologist treatments for acne scars?

Acne scars often require specialized treatments that go beyond standard skincare, as they represent a permanent change to the skin’s texture. Advanced Dermatology P.C. offers a range of innovative, non-surgical treatments to effectively minimize and repair the appearance of acne scars.

Acne Scar Treatments Available at Advanced Dermatology P.C.

Chemical peels: Applying a chemical solution to the skin exfoliates the outer layer, which helps promote new cell growth and reduce the visibility of mild scars and discoloration.

Erbium laser treatment: This resurfacing laser removes damaged skin layers to reveal smoother skin and stimulate collagen growth, with less heat and a shorter recovery compared to other laser methods.

Gemini laser: Uses dual-wavelength technology to promote collagen production and address uneven pigmentation, which improves skin texture and reduces the appearance of scars.

Microneedling: This procedure uses fine needles to create tiny channels in the skin, triggering the body’s natural healing response and boosting collagen to reduce scar depth and improve overall texture.

When should I see a dermatologist for acne?

Regular consultations with a board-certified dermatologist are recommended regardless of acne severity. Dermatologists can provide personalized treatment plans to manage acne effectively and prevent future flare-ups.

If you experience the following, it is advisable to seek a board-certified dermatologist’s guidance:

Cystic acne: Deep, painful pimples that can lead to scarring and require professional treatment.
Sudden acne flare-ups: Unexplained and sudden outbreaks that may indicate an underlying issue.
Severe acne causing scarring: Acne that causes significant scarring and needs intervention to prevent further damage.
Painful acne: Acne that is particularly painful and may indicate a more severe condition.
Acne that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments: Persistent acne that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter products, indicating the need for prescription treatments.

Consulting a dermatologist can help address these issues and provide effective solutions tailored to your skin’s needs.

Can acne be completely cured?

Winter can exacerbate eczema symptoms due to the cold, dry air and indoor heating. To prevent It is currently not possible to completely cure acne, as it is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin’s oil glands and hair follicles. The goal of treatment is to manage the condition by resolving existing lesions and preventing new ones from forming.

Fortunately, acne can be managed effectively with a treatment program guided by a board-certified dermatologist, which may combine prescription medications, in-office procedures, a personalized skincare routine, and lifestyle adjustments. This approach emphasizes long-term management to control breakouts and minimize the risk of scarring.

Maintaining a low-glycemic diet, managing stress, and making other lifestyle adjustments can be beneficial in managing acne by regulating hormone production and inflammatory responses. While lifestyle and diet are helpful tools, they are not a cure and work best when used in conjunction with a treatment plan developed by a dermatologist.