Acne Specialist

What causes acne?

Acne has several causes. It may result from hormonal fluctuations in the body, high levels of stress, and the buildup of excess oils and dead skin cells that eventually clog pores. Acne also appears when certain types of bacteria found on the skin lead to infection. Oil-prone skin types are more susceptible to the occasional acne breakout if the skin isn’t kept clean. Dr. Weinman recommends using a gentle cleanser to wash away the excess oil and debris to prevent bacteria from thriving on the surface of the skin. Eliminating the excess dead skin cells and oils help to reduce acne as well.

Can the appearance of acne scars be minimized?

Acne scars range from mild skin discolorations to dark and gnarled pits or ridges. Mild, smooth, and lightly colored scars may eventually disappear over time. On the other hand, more severe scars, characterized by pits or shallows in the skin and dark scar tissue, will not fade as a person ages. Dr. Weinman uses chemical peels and laser treatments to minimize the appearance of acne scars and other skin imperfections. While chemical peels remove the surface layers of skin and reduce the appearance of the scars, laser treatments work by breaking down the collagen that creates the gnarled look of the scar. Both treatment options lighten the appearance of dark acne scars.

What acne treatments are available?

Acne may be treated with oral medications and topical creams. Some oral medications control hormone levels and help prevent acne outbreaks related to adolescence and puberty. Other oral and topical antibiotics help eliminate bacteria that irritates acne breakouts. Light therapy also helps control the production of oils from the sebaceous glands. In addition to topical medications that control excess oil, laser treatments help rejuvenate the skin, reducing the risk of acne outbreaks. Dr. Weinman offers many viable treatment options for his patients with acne.