Dermatologist-Approved Guide to Acne: Facts, Types, and Treatments

Dermatologist-Approved Guide to Acne: Facts, Types, and Treatments

At Sutton Dermatology + Aesthetics, we are the experts in diagnosing and treating acne. We’ve helped hundreds of patients navigate their acne struggles, and we’re here to help you too. If you come to see us in our clinic, here are a few things you’re likely to learn:

• Acne is most likely not your fault
• Acne is caused by clogged pores
• There are different types of acne
• Acne can impact your confidence and self-esteem, but it doesn’t have to
• There are many ways we can help treat your acne

Let’s start with start with an important truth – 

1. Acne is most likely not your fault: Acne tends to run in families; however, almost everyone experiences acne to some degree during adolescents and early adulthood. The real culprit here is the presence of hormones which start the formation of clogged pores. That is why most acne is not your fault as you usually cannot control your hormone production. The fact that severe acne can run in families also supports the fact that  developing acne many times is beyond your control.

2. Acne is caused by clogged pores: As we approach puberty, hormonal changes stimulate the oil glands particularly on the face, chest, and back. Excess oil causes surface skin cells to become sticky and not exfoliate. Our pores harbor this sludge of dead skin and oil which is the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. Eventually, the pore can rupture beneath the skin’s surface, triggering inflammation. That’s when a red, tender pimple is born.

3. There are different types of acne: Acne can show up in a variety of forms. In some cases, it may be limited to clogged pores, like blackheads or whiteheads. In more severe cases, deeper and more painful lesions can form, such as nodules or cysts. This type of acne not only causes discomfort but also increases the risk of permanent scarring if left untreated.

4. Acne can shake your confidence and self-esteem, but it doesn’t have to: Acne often appears in highly visible areas, most commonly on the face. Because it typically develops during the teenage years and young adulthood, a time when self-image and confidence are still forming, untreated acne can take a real toll on self-esteem and emotional well being. The good news? Effective treatment can make a big difference, not just for the skin, but for overall emotional well being.

5. There are a number of ways in which we help you treat acne: Although our treatment plans are tailored to your unique skin type and acne severity, here are some of the most common approaches we use – 

• Topicals: creams containing vitamin A derivatives such as tretinoin, adapalene, and others are the mainstay of topical treatment. Other topicals include benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics.
• Oral medications: addressing hormonal causes are often very effective for females. This is not possible for males. A course of antibiotics may calm inflammation. Isotretinoin, related to vitamin A is an option for more severe cases of acne. We have helped hundreds of patients complete a six month course of this very effective medication.
• Medical Grade Products: our product recommendations to help with acne – cleanse with a gentle cleanser such as Obagi® Foaming Gel or Obagi® Gentle Cleanser twice daily and wash with your hands only, as scrubbing can aggravate acne. Avoid scrubs, toners, astringents or masks and avoid picking or touching the acne as it can cause potential scarring. Wear oil-free sunblock such as Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Face Shield Flex SPF 50 or SkinMedica® Essential Defense Mineral Shield with SPF on a daily basis. Use non-comedogenic products (which are products that won’t clog your pores). This applies to makeup, moisturizers, and sunblock.

Give us a call (402.484.9009) or schedule an appointment with us online – no matter the type or severity of your acne, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This may include customized skincare recommendations, topical treatments, and, when appropriate, oral medications, supporting you every step of the way on your journey to clearer skin!

Margaret Kontras Sutton, MD, is a contributing author to the Sutton Smart Skin Blog. Dr. Sutton is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Sutton Dermatology + Aesthetics, with a special interest in skin cancer prevention and treatment, as well as promoting healthy skin at every age.