Acne

Find an Effective Acne Treatment with the Board-Certified Dermatologist in Gahanna, OH

Acne

Find an Effective Acne Treatment with the Board-Certified Dermatologist in Gahanna, OH

ACNE

What is Acne?

Acne is a multifactorial skin condition most often caused by excess oil production and buildup of bacteria and dead skin cells within a hair follicle, which can lead to inflammation. The result is the development of a whitehead, blackhead, or a deeper, more painful bump (cyst or nodule).

Acne is incredibly common and can affect anyone at any age – not just teenagers or young adults. It most often occurs on the face, neck, chest, back, or shoulders.

Questions

Acne FAQs

Learn more about acne by reading our expert answers to frequently asked questions below. We cover common questions such as what causes acne, the different types of acne, how acne scars develop, and what the best acne treatments are.

What causes acne?

If you’ve ever wondered why you’re breaking out or suffering from troublesome acne, it might be due to a few different reasons. Acne can be caused by many different factors, such as:

Blocked Follicles – Dead skin cells, excess oil, dirt, and other debris can block follicles, which often leads to irritation and the potential for pimples.
Bacteria – There’s both good and bad bacteria on your skin. When there’s too much bad bacteria, this can cause unwanted acne and breakouts.
Hormone Fluctuations – An increase in androgen (a male hormone) or an imbalance of other hormones can cause acne. This often happens during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
Excess Oil Production – Excess oil can clog pores, which triggers inflammation and irritation. This often leads to acne.

If you’re stuck trying to figure out what’s causing your acne, visit one of our board-certified dermatologists who will help you uncover the root cause, as well as create a custom acne treatment plan to clear your skin.

Where can acne show up?

Acne most commonly shows up on the face, neck, shoulders, back, and chest.

Are there various types of acne?

Yes, there are different types of acne. These include:

Comedonal Acne – This is a superficial form of acne resulting from clogged pores. Comedonal acne is most commonly seen on the forehead or nose, but can appear anywhere on the skin as small, pinpoint bumps.
Inflammatory Acne – Inflammatory acne appears as red, inflamed, painful blemishes. These are deeper than comedonal acne, so they often take several weeks to heal.
Nodular/Cystic Acne – Nodular/cystic acne is a severe form of acne sometimes presenting as large, pus-filled bumps. They can grow deeper into the skin, which often makes them more painful than other forms of acne.
Hormonal Acne – This type of acne flares up due to hormonal changes. Increased levels of androgens (male hormones) boosts oil production, which increases the development of clogged pores and blemishes. This type of acne can present as whiteheads, blackheads, nodules, or cysts.
Scalp Acne – Scalp acne often has the same root cause as other types of acne: clogged pores. Blemishes on the scalp can be painful and are often caused by excessive oil, dandruff, dead skin cells building up on the scalp and clogging follicles. Furthermore, buildup of hair products can exacerbate scalp acne.

To determine which acne you’re dealing with, as well as the best way to treat it, visit a board-certified dermatologist for a professional consultation.

Does acne cause scars?

Acne can certainly cause scarring. Comedonal acne is more superficial and has a lower chance of causing scars, while more severe types of acne, such as inflammatory acne and nodular/cystic acne, penetrate deeper into the skin, which can damage the skin and leave scarring.

Furthermore, popping and picking at acne can result in scarring. Which is why it’s important to leave acne alone and visit a dermatologist for a suitable treatment plan!

What are the best acne treatments?

The best acne treatment will depend on a couple factors: the type of acne and its severity. Once those factors are considered, the board-certified dermatologists at the Center for Surgical Dermatology use one or a combination of the following acne treatments:

Topical Medications
Oral Antibiotics
Hormonal Birth Control and Spironolactone
Isotretinoin (better known as Accutane)
Personalized Skin Care Regimen

Want to learn more about the type of acne treatments available? Give us a call today and let’s work together to clear up your skin for a smooth, blemish-free complexion!

Can acne be prevented?

While there isn’t an exact way to completely prevent acne, there are some simple steps you can take each day to decrease the chances of a breakout and keep your skin soft, smooth and blemish-free! These steps include:

Washing your face daily with a gentle cleanser.
Eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and high-quality protein.
Lowering stress through various stress-management techniques.
Using gentle, non-comedogenic (pore-clogging) products, like lightweight, mineral makeup and moisturizers.
Not touching your face, which can increase the amount of bacteria and oil on your skin.

The best acne treatment is taking preventative measures and caring for your skin with kindness. Follow your dermatologists skin care routine recommendations, as well as the steps above!

Photos

Acne Before & After Photos

View our before and after acne treatment photos to see how we can help you clear up your acne with an effective treatment plan.

Contact

Find an Effective Acne Treatment in Gahanna, Ohio

Clear skin is possible! Our team of board-certified dermatologists are experts in skin and we’re ready to help you achieve clear skin through an effective acne treatment plan. Call (614) 591-3891 to schedule an appointment today at our office in Gahanna, Ohio.

Have questions or concerns? Please call us at 614.591.3891.