Acne Specialist

What causes acne?

Acne occurs when the hair follicles, the tiny openings in the skin that support the hair shafts, become plugged, sometimes with dirt but often with dead skin cells. Follicles normally secrete oil that keeps the skin surface soft and protected. But when follicles are plugged, these oils become trapped, providing an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and multiply. In response, the body sends immune cells to battle the bacteria, resulting in inflammation, redness and discomfort in and around the follicle. The severity of acne can vary considerably from one patient to the next, and acne can also become worse during flareups that can be triggered by stress, hormones or other factors. In addition to physical symptoms, acne can cause significant emotional side effects including depression.

What treatments are available for acne?

Acne can present in different ways, including whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, papules and cysts, and each type needs a different approach. The good news is, today there are many different topical and oral medications available for the treatment of different types of acne, and light and laser therapies are also used in some patients. Many patients respond best to a combination of treatments, and the dermatologists at the Dermatology & Laser Center are experienced in customizing treatments for each individual patient.

What if a treatment stops being effective?

One of the most common concerns among acne patients who are being treated is that an approach that had been working suddenly stops being effective. In most cases, this happens when you build up a tolerance to an approach you've been using for some time. Usually, switching to a new approach, if only temporarily, will improve your skin's response to treatment and in some cases enable you to return to your original product in time.