Acne

Achieve clearer skin with effective acne treatment at the Center for Surgical Dermatology & Dermatology Associates

Get Started Today

Acne

Achieve clearer skin with effective acne treatment at the Center for Surgical Dermatology

Get Started Today

ACNE

What is Acne?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 50 million Americans suffer from acne, making it the most common skin condition in the United States. Acne occurs when follicles become blocked by sebum (the skin’s natural oil) or dead skin cells, which causes blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts, and nodules to form.

If you are constantly struggling with frequent breakouts or painful cystic acne, the experienced board-certified dermatologists at the Center for Surgical Dermatology are here to help with personalized acne treatment in Westerville, Ohio. We deeply understand what acne is, the different types, and—more importantly—how to treat it.

Questions

Acne FAQs

Are you interested in learning more about acne, such as what causes it, the different types of acne, and how we treat it to help clear our patient’s skin? Read through our FAQs section where our board-certified dermatologists answer the most commonly asked questions about acne and acne treatment.

What causes acne?

Acne is a multifactorial skin condition, and the cause is not always the same for individuals across the board. The four leading causes of acne are:

Excess oil production
Oil and dead skin cells clogging the hair follicles
Androgens (male hormones) and hormonal imbalances from life stages like puberty, pregnancy, or menopause
C. acne bacteria

To uncover the cause of your acne, it is best to visit a board-certified dermatologist that can evaluate and diagnose your skin condition, and find an effective acne treatment option. If you’re seeking acne treatment in Westerville, Ohio, please contact our experienced physicians at the Center for Surgical Dermatology & Dermatology Associates.

Are there different types of acne?

At the Center for Surgical Dermatology & Dermatology Associates, our experienced physicians and skincare specialists categorize acne into five types:

Comedonal acne – Comedonal acne refers to a more superficial form of acne, resulting from plugged pores. This type of acne is commonly seen on the forehead or nose, but can appear anywhere on the skin as tiny, pinpoint bumps. Due to the shallow nature of these acne lesions, this type rarely leaves scars.
Inflammatory acne – Inflammatory acne is a form of acne where sufferers get red, inflamed, and painful blemishes. These are deeper than comedonal acne, so they often take several weeks to heal. This kind of acne can appear anywhere on the body, including the face, neck, back, or chest. Resolution of an inflammatory acne lesion will often leave a red or dark mark and can leave a scar.
Nodular/Cystic acne – Nodular/Cystic acne is a severe form of acne with large, pus-filled blemishes. It can be painful because the blemishes grow deep into the skin. This type of acne often leaves scars.
Hormonal acne – Hormonal acne flares up due to hormonal changes. Increased levels of androgens (male hormones, such as testosterone) cause the skin to produce more oil, which increases the likelihood of developing clogged pores and blemishes. This type of acne can present as whiteheads, blackheads, red or pus-filled bumps, nodules, or cysts.
Scalp Acne – Blemishes on the scalp can be painful and are often caused by excessive oil, dandruff, buildup of dead skin cells, and buildup of hair products leading to clogged pores. Scalp acne presents the same as acne elsewhere on the body.

To determine which type of acne you have, please visit our state-of-the-art dermatology clinic in Westerville, Ohio. Schedule an appointment today by calling us at (614) 847-4100 or request an appointment online.

Where can acne show up on the body?

Acne most often shows up on the face. However, it can develop anywhere on the body. Other common areas where acne can appear includes the neck, chest, back, shoulders, and even the upper arms.

Can acne be prevented?

Though there’s no one set skin care routine or treatment method you can take to fully prevent and ward off acne breakouts, there are certain steps you can take to keep your skin as clear as possible. Our skin care specialists recommend:

Wash your face on a regular basis. We typically recommend once in the morning and once at night with an OTC benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid cleanser.
Moisturize regularly with an oil-free moisturizer (for sensitive skin).
Avoid moisturizers and cleansers with fragrances, which may irritate your skin.
Let your skin breathe and avoid wearing heavy makeup on a daily basis. If makeup needs to be worn, our board-certified dermatologists recommend using mineral makeup.
Follow your dermatologist’s recommended skin care regimen for your unique skin type and cosmetic goals.

It’s important to note that acne is a chronic skin condition with no cure. If you’re struggling with this common skin condition, we urge you to visit a board-certified dermatologist that can help you better manage your acne with effective treatment options.

Should acne be popped?

As a general rule, acne lesions should never be popped. If you attempt to pop a pimple at home, you risk breaking the skin barrier, which can also lead to permanent scarring.

What are the best acne treatments in Westerville, Ohio?

The right type of acne treatment for you depends on the type of acne you have. In most cases, our personalized acne treatment plans include one or a combination of the following:

Topical Medications — Retin-A (or its generic form tretinoin), benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic acid are effective topical medications for mild or moderate acne. They work by preventing oil and dead skin cells from collecting in hair follicles, which prevents the development of acne lesions.
Oral Antibiotics — When combined with topical medications, oral antibiotics are effective at treating acne in many patients. They work by reducing inflammation and reducing the growth of the C. acnes bacteria.
Hormonal Birth Control and Spironolactone — In women whose acne is caused by excessive androgens, hormonal birth control and Spironolactone can reduce testosterone production and help regulate hormones to decrease acne breakouts.
Isotretinoin (i.e. Accutane) — Isotretinoin is a vitamin A derivative used to treat severe, cystic, and nodular acne when other treatments have failed. It’s the most effective acne treatment available. It works by reducing cell shedding and makes dead cells less “sticky” so that they don’t clog pores. Accutane also decreases oil production, has anti-inflammatory properties, and reduces the bacterial count of P. acnes in the pores and on the surface of the skin.

Schedule a consultation today with one of our experienced physicians or skincare specialists. We’re here to help you discover clear skin with personalized acne treatment in Westerville, Ohio. Give us a call at (614) 847-4100 or contact us online.

BEFORE & AFTERS

Acne Photos

Browse through the before and after acne treatment photos below to get a better understanding of how our effective acne treatment methods can improve your skin.

A Woman's Clear Skin After Acne Treatment

A Young Man's Smooth Facial Skin After Acne Treatment

Acne On A Woman's Face Before Acne Treatment

A Woman's Smooth Facial After Acne Treatment

CONTACT

Schedule Your Acne Treatment in Westerville, Ohio

If you struggle with acne, you already know how this debilitating skin condition can negatively impact your quality of life. At the Center for Surgical Dermatology & Dermatology Associates, our board-certified dermatologists deeply understand how troublesome acne can be and work hard to help our patients achieve clearer skin through personalized acne treatment plans. With the right treatment methods, clear skin is possible.

Schedule your acne treatment in Westerville, Ohio, by requesting an appointment online or by calling our clinic at (614) 847-4100.

Have questions or concerns? Please give us a call at 614.847.4100.