What causes acne?
A combination of inheritance, your hormones, birth control pills/Depo-Provera, Andro or DHEA and aggravating factors such as
stress, heat, sweat and friction, and substances which plug the oil glands.
How do I cure adult acne?
Acne is controlled, not cured. It may continue well into adult life, especially in women.
Does dirt or diet cause acne?
Dirt or diet does not cause acne. Some notice that caffeine, milk or processed foods aggravate it.
Why does stress worsens acne?
Women under stress produce more androgens and both sexes produce more adrenocorticoids.
Do cosmetics cause acne?
Certain foundations/concealers may worsen acne. Use non-comedogenic non-acnegenic products. Don't use "all day wear" or "long
wearing" foundations. If mineral powder is used it should be applied with a sponge not a brush.
Is it OK to pop a pimple?
Picking your acne may cause scars. If a blackhead or pus drop is visible, one gentle squeeze with clean fingertips is
acceptable.
How do hormones influence acne?
Some females have hormonal imbalance and produce more androgens or respond abnormally to androgens.
How bad does acne get before you go to a dermatologist?
Acne that doesn't respond to over the counter treatment should be evaluated by a dermatologist to help control the acne and
prevent scarring.
How is acne treated?
Treatment includes medicated skin care, surface retinoids, antibiotics and benzoyl peroxide, oral antibiotics,
ClearLight™, chemical peels, acne surgery, SilkPeel® , IPL® /PDT and for females hormonal therapy.
For acne advice, treatments available in our Texas acne treatment clinic click the link.
Glycolic and Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Benzoyl Peroxide and Green Tea Extract treat and prevents breakouts and reduces
marks from old acne blemishes.
Topical Retinoids
Prescription vitamin A medications Retin-A®, Differin®, Tazorac® that help unplug pores.
Surface Antibiotics and Benzoyl Peroxide
Used to decrease bacteria.
Antibiotic Pills
Tetracycline antibiotics such as Minocycline, Doxycycline and Tetracycline are used when acne is more severe, or there are
deeper cysts. At times other antibiotics are used.
Acne Surgery
Gentle removal of acne plugs using sterile tools used to extract blackheads.
High-intensity blue-violet light activates bacteria-fighting compounds.
Combines precision exfoliation with a diamond treatment head delivering a topical salicylic acid.
Glycolic Acid Peels remove the top layer of skin. Effective in treating acne and pigmentation.
Utilizes IPL® and a topical medication for acne treatment.
Affects only a fraction of your skin at a time with thousands of tiny laser spots. It is used for acne scars.
Hormonal Therapy
It is possible to use Birth Control Pills to clear acne. Certain ones, like Yasmin®, and Yaz® contain a progestin
component which lowers the testosterone level in the blood.
Isotretinoin
For patients who are unresponsive Isotretinoin (Accutane® and others) may be used. Controls acne and reduces
or prevents scarring. There may be side effects and patients are closely monitored during treatment.
How long does it take to improve acne?
Sometimes, acne may worsen during early treatment. This is normal. Judge a treatment program after 2-3 months.
Old pimples and discoloration may take months to resolve. Treatment must be continued to maintain improvement.
