Acne Specialist

What causes acne?

Acne appears as whiteheads, blackheads, and small red bumps or pimples on the skin. The condition results from hair follicles becoming clogged with bacteria, dead skin cells, oil, and other debris. 

Acne appears in places on the body with the most sebaceous (oil) glands. Hair follicles or pores become clogged with excessive amounts of oil and dead skin cells, causing pimples to form. 

Young adults going through puberty are prone to acne outbreaks, as are women who use oral contraceptives. Hormones are one of the major causes of acne outbreaks.

What treatments are most beneficial for acne outbreaks?

Acne can be treated with topical and oral medications. Patients can apply antibiotics to the skin or take them orally to prevent infection. 

The team at Dana Point Dermatology may also prescribe medications to reduce the production of oil that collects on the surface of the skin and clogs pores. 

Certain oral contraceptives help maintain proper hormone balance, which controls acne. Chemical peels can be used to make the skin smoother and reduce excess oil and debris. 

Dana Point Dermatology also can help patients looking to clear existing acne scars with a multi-modality approach consisting of various medical, procedural and minor surgical techniques.

Can acne be prevented?

Yes, with proper skin care, you can prevent acne. Keep your skin clean and free of excess oil and debris to prevent certain types of acne. Acne that results from hormone fluctuations may be difficult to control and almost impossible to prevent. 

Continuing the use of certain oral contraceptives and topical medications may prevent future breakouts from occurring. Avoid using excessive amounts of moisturizer or oil-based makeup. 

Wash your face twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening to remove any leftover makeup. Don't scrub affected areas of your skin or use harsh soap. 

Gentle cleansers work best and won’t damage your skin. And be sure to avoid picking or scratching acne-prone areas to avoid future scarring.

For acne solutions, call Dana Point Dermatology today or book online to schedule an appointment.