Acne

Acne is more than an embarrassing condition that affects teenagers. It can persist through adulthood, affecting your confidence, comfort, and skin quality. At Skin Care Specialists in Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale, Arizona, a team of board-certified dermatologists works with you to treat acne at the source and keep breakouts at bay. Call today or use the online booking tool to request an appointment.

Acne Q&A

What is acne?

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that causes red, painful bumps to develop in the skin. It occurs when the skin’s hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. As your pores fill with debris, pimples, and cystic acne start to form.

Acne is more than a temporary, embarrassing skin condition. It can cause red, irritated skin, scarring, and many other uncomfortable symptoms. With a team of board-certified dermatologists, Skin Care Specialists works with you to develop a personalized acne treatment that addresses your active acne and prevents future breakouts.

What does acne look like?

Acne can take on many forms. The most common types of acne include:

Blackheads (open comedones with black surfaces)
Whiteheads (closed comedones with white tops)
Papules (raised red bump)
Pustules (raised red bump filled with pus)
Nodules (deep inflammatory acne without pus)
Cysts (deep inflammatory acne with pus)

While acne can resolve on its own, inflammatory acne is more difficult to treat. Without proper care, it can cause pain and long-lasting scarring.

How long does acne last?

Acne typically starts in the teenage years. According to UC Davis Health, around 85% of teens develop acne at some point, starting for girls around age 11 and boys a few years later. While acne may seem like a condition that primarily affects young adults, it can last well into adulthood. Some adults experience acne breakouts in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.

What causes acne?

Many things can increase your risk of developing acne, including:

Hormonal changes (puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause)
Bacteria
Certain medications (corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, etc.)
Excess sebum (oil production)
Genetics

While high-fat diets, dairy products, and chronic stress don’t directly cause acne, they can exacerbate the condition.

How can I get rid of acne?

Your provider at Skin Care Specialists can create a customized treatment plan for you that may include topical creams or gels, oral medications, and environmental changes. Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, stress management, and good skin care practices can also help reduce the severity of acne symptoms.

Don’t let acne damage your self-esteem or skin quality. Discuss your concerns with the board-certified dermatologists at Skin Care Specialists to receive your comprehensive acne treatment plan. Call today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.