Our Services / Acne

What is acne?

Acne is a condition where numerous bumps and pimples form on your skin. You’re most likely to have acne during your teenage years, but it can develop at any age. Because the pimples tend to be worse on your face, acne can have a serious impact on the way you see yourself.

Around 85% of the United States population has acne sometime between the ages of 12 and 24. Many have a few mild outbreaks, and their blemishes heal quickly. But for some, acne causes painful skin lesions that persist for years.

Acne affects the hair follicles in your skin. The follicles are tiny sacs containing a hair root. They also produce an oily liquid called sebum that carries debris like dead skin cells to your skin’s surface.

If you’re producing too much sebum, it can cause the hair and debris to clump together in the follicles. Bacteria trapped in the follicle can cause an infection, which produces swelling, redness, and pimples on your skin.

What causes acne?

The reason why some people get acne and others don’t isn’t clear. However, there are several risk factors that increase your chances. These include:

• Hormone level fluctuations
• Emotional stress
• Certain medications
• Menstruation

Many people still think that eating greasy foods and chocolate causes acne or makes it worse. But there’s no evidence to support that idea. Using oil-based makeup or skin products can clog your pores, though, which could trigger acne.

What treatments are available for acne?

The Twelve Bridges Dermatology team offers a range of effective treatments for acne. These include:

Medications

You might benefit from taking antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria causing your acne. Medications like isotretinoin can also help by reducing sebum production and easing inflammation.

Skin care

An optimal skin care routine helps to keep your pores clear and stop sebum from building up. Dr. Adams and the Twelve Bridges Dermatology team can advise you on the right products to use. An equally important aspect of skin care is nutrition and hydration. Eat a varied diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and drink water regularly.

What can I do about acne scars?

Severe acne can leave scars and pits in your skin long after the pimples and lesions clear up. Dr. Adams can help with this as well.

To find out more about treating acne and reducing acne scarring, call Twelve Bridges Dermatology or book an appointment online today.