What causes acne?

There are 4 main factors that contribute to the development of acne. Acne treatments must address one or more of these causative factors, in order to be effective at treating acne.

These contributing factors include:

  • Plugged follicles and overactive sebaceous (oil) glands

  • Bacteria that live on the skin (Propionobacteria acnes)

  • Hormonal imbalances

  • Generalized skin inflammation

How is acne treated?

Acne is treated in a variety of ways. It is important to visit an acne specialist promptly when acne presents, in order to get rid of acne quickly and prevent permanent acne scars from forming. The most effective acne treatment are topical and oral prescription medications, chemical peels for acne, medical extractions, and laser treatments for acne.

What are the best prescription acne treatments?

The most effective prescription acne treatments are the following:

  • Topical retinoids (ex. Retin-A, tretinoin, Differin, and Tazorac): Topical retinoids regulate skin cell turnover and prevent abnormal follicular plugging, which can otherwise lead to the formation of acne.

  • Topical antibacterial medications (ex. clindamycin, Benzaclin, Acanya, benzoyl peroxide): These medications decrease the acne-causing p. acnes bacteria on the skin.

  • Oral antibiotics (ex. Solodyn, doxycycline): Oral antibiotics kill the acne-causing p. acnes bacteria on the skin and can be particularly helpful when used to treat deeper cysts or moderate to severe acne.

  • Hormonal treatments (ex. oral contraceptive pills, spironolactone): Many women experience acne on their lower face, jawline, chin, and back that correlates with their menstrual cycle. It is very common for women in their 20’s, 30’s and even 40’s to have a hormonal component to their acne. By suppressing the androgenic influence (the influence of the ‘male’ hormone) on the skin, we can prevent these monthly flares. More and more women are experiencing hormonal breakouts, particularly of cystic acne, which can be addressed with a combination of hormonal treatments and other acne treatments.

  • Isotretinoin (more commonly known as Accutane): Isotretinoin addresses all of the causes of acne, though it is reserved for use in patients with severe acne that does not respond to other treatments.

Extraction

Over 40 million people suffer from acne no matter the degree or severity. When a pore becomes clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and debris, acne cysts can form. Even individuals with practically perfect skin can develop acne cysts. As tempting as it can be to pop acne cysts, you may end up pushing the contents deeper into your skin, making your acne worse. There are appropriate techniques to extract the cyst using sterile tools to clear up an acne breakout.

Isotretinoin aka Accutane:

Isotretinoin addresses all of the causes of acne, though it is reserved for use in patients with severe acne that does not respond to other treatments.

How do chemical peels help acne?

Chemical peels for acne, such as salicylic acid peels, clean out plugged follicles that attract acne-causing bacteria. We find that chemical peels for acne help to clear acne more quickly than prescription treatments alone and also help to diminish the appearance of reddish mark and dark spots from old acne.

How can you get rid of a pimple quickly?

Cortisone injections are the secret of models and movie stars! Cortisone injections are used to prepare many celebrity patients for big red carpet events. A tiny amount of dilute triamcinolone (a cortisone-like medication) can be injected directly into the unwanted cyst. The medication immediately decreases the inflammation of the pimple and flattens out pimples and cysts within 24-48 hours.

What are the best treatments for adult acne?

Patients with adult acne can benefit from many acne treatments, depending on the type of acne that they are experiencing. Prescription strength retinoids not only treat acne, but they have anti-aging effects as well.