Enhance your natural beauty and overall skin health at City Dermatology
While these newer treatments offer additional options and can be combined with traditional therapies for better results, the approach to acne treatment remains individualized. Dermatologists will often tailor treatment plans to a patient’s skin type, acne severity, and response to previous treatments.
- A common skin condition characterized by pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts.
- Affects the face, chest, back, and shoulders.
- Increased Sebum Production:
- Overactivity of sebaceous glands leads to excess oil production.
- Hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, or stress increase sebum.
- Clogging of Hair Follicles (Pores):
- Dead skin cells and excess sebum accumulate, blocking follicles.
- Bacterial Growth:
- Overgrowth of Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) within blocked follicles.
- Bacteria break down sebum, causing inflammation.
- Hormonal Factors (Androgens):
- Androgens increase during puberty, causing sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum.
- Hormonal fluctuations can worsen acne, such as before menstruation or with certain endocrine disorders.
- Inflammation:
- Immune response to blocked follicles and bacterial presence leads to inflammation and formation of red, swollen lesions.
- Follicular Hyperkeratinization:
- The follicle lining sheds more rapidly, causing clogging and formation of microcomedones (precursors to visible acne).
- Sebum Overproduction:
- Hormonal influences cause sebaceous glands to produce excessive oil, contributing to follicle blockage.
- Bacterial Proliferation:
- C. acnes bacteria thrive in the sebum-rich environment of clogged follicles.
- Bacteria release enzymes and substances that lead to further inflammation and pus formation.
- Inflammation and Immune Response:
- The immune system responds to bacterial growth and clogged follicles, resulting in red, inflamed papules, pustules, and nodules.
- Inflammatory acne can lead to deeper lesions like cysts and potential scarring.
- Genetics: Family history increases risk for acne development.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can worsen acne.
- Dietary Factors: High glycemic index foods, dairy products may exacerbate acne in some individuals.
- Medications and Topical Products: Certain medications (steroids, lithium) and comedogenic skincare products can contribute to breakouts.
- Varied Severity: Ranges from mild comedonal acne (blackheads/whiteheads) to severe nodulocystic acne.
- Risk of Scarring: Inflammatory acne can lead to permanent scarring, hyperpigmentation, and post-inflammatory marks.
- Psychological Impact: Acne can affect self-esteem, mental health, and quality of life.
Treatment for acne depends on the type and severity of the condition. The goals of acne treatment are to reduce oil production, control bacterial growth, reduce inflammation, and promote skin healing. Some of the common treatments include:
- Topical Treatments: These are usually the first line of treatment and include products applied directly to the skin. Over-the-counter options often contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids, which help unclog pores and reduce bacteria. Prescription topical medications may include:
- Retinoids (e.g., tretinoin, adapalene): Vitamin A derivatives that help prevent clogged pores and promote cell turnover.
- Antibiotics (e.g., clindamycin, erythromycin): Help reduce bacteria and inflammation when applied to the skin.
Recent advances in acne management have brought about newer treatments targeting different aspects of acne pathogenesis, including inflammation, sebum production, and hormonal regulation.
- Topical Minocycline and Clascoterone: A newer addition to the topical acne treatments is minocycline foam, which delivers antibiotic action with lower systemic absorption and reduced potential for resistance. Another recent innovation is clascoterone cream, a topical androgen receptor inhibitor that reduces sebum production without the systemic effects associated with oral hormonal treatments【Hebert et al., 2020】.
- Light and Laser Therapies: Light-based therapies, including blue and red light phototherapy and laser treatments, have shown promising results in reducing Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes), the bacteria implicated in acne, and decreasing inflammation. Laser treatments can also help reduce acne scarring and pigmentation【Gold et al., 2016】.
- Dapsone Gel: Dapsone 7.5% gel is an anti-inflammatory topical treatment specifically helpful for inflammatory acne lesions. It is particularly useful in those with sensitive skin, although it may take several weeks to see an improvement【Shah et al., 2017】.
- Microneedling and Chemical Peels: These procedures have gained popularity not only for active acne but also for improving acne scars. Microneedling involves creating tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production, while chemical peels use acids to exfoliate the top layer of the skin, both helping to smooth the skin’s appearance and reduce scarring【Fabbrocini et al., 2009】.
Advanced Care for Acne Scars, Adult Acne, and Rosacea in Bensalem and Warminster, PA
Acne and rosacea often require more than over-the-counter products and generalized advice. With numerous contributing factors—ranging from hormones to skin sensitivity—personalized acne care becomes essential for achieving effective, long-term results. What works for one patient may worsen symptoms in another, which is why expert dermatological evaluation is key to building a successful treatment plan.
Adult acne treatment is becoming increasingly common, particularly among women navigating hormonal fluctuations or conditions like PCOS. In these cases, dermatologists may recommend topical or oral therapies that target hormone-driven oil production and inflammation without irritating mature skin. Additionally, stress management and dietary guidance may complement clinical care.
City Dermatology also provides acne scar treatment options, including microneedling, laser therapy, and chemical peels to improve texture and reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Addressing scars not only enhances physical appearance but also boosts confidence—an essential part of recovery for patients dealing with long-term breakouts.
For those experiencing chronic redness, flushing, or visible blood vessels, a rosacea specialist can offer targeted solutions to manage this often-misunderstood condition. Rosacea treatments may include prescription topicals, oral antibiotics, or laser therapy to reduce flare-ups and improve skin tone.
By combining advanced technology with patient education and skin-type-specific therapies, City Dermatology helps patients of all ages and skin types navigate the physical and emotional challenges of acne and rosacea—creating a clear path to healthier, calmer skin. Contact us for more information.
Proudly Serving Patients Across Bucks County Townships and Northeast Philadelphia
We proudly serve patients from townships across Bucks County, including Bensalem, Bristol, Southampton, Feasterville, Langhorne, Middletown, Morrisville, Falls, and Levittown, as well as Northeast Philadelphia ZIP codes 19154, 19114, 19115, 19116, 19136, 19152, 19111, and 19149.
We also welcome patients from townships surrounding our Warminster location, including Warwick, Warrington, Doylestown, Buckingham, New Britain, Upper Moreland, Lower Moreland, Hatboro, Horsham, and Abington.
References
- Zaenglein, A. L., Pathy, A. L., Schlosser, B. J., Alikhan, A., Baldwin, H. E., Berson, D. S., … & Thiboutot, D. M. (2016). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 74(5), 945-973.
- Lucky, A. W., Biro, F. M., Huster, G. A., Leach, A. D., Morrison, J. A., & Ratterman, J. (1997). Acne vulgaris in premenarchal girls. Archives of Dermatology, 133(8), 1041-1044.
- Layton, A. M. (2009). The use of isotretinoin in acne. Dermato-endocrinology, 1(3), 162-169.
- Hebert, A. A., Thiboutot, D. M., Stein Gold, L. F., Webster, G. F., & Leyden, J. J. (2020). Efficacy and safety of topical minocycline foam for moderate-to-severe acne vulgaris: A randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled study. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 82(3), 832-835.
- Gold, M. H., Andriessen, A., Biron, J. A., & Garassino, M. C. (2016). Light-based therapies in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Dermatologic Surgery, 42(3), 349-357.
- Shah, S. K., Alexis, A. F., & Resh, W. (2017). Topical dapsone in acne: Overview and safety profile. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 10(1), 34.
- Fabbrocini, G., Annunziata, M. C., D’Arco, V., De Vita, V., Lodi, G., Mauriello, M. C., … & Monfrecola, G. (2009). Acne scars: Pathogenesis, classification and treatment. Dermatology Research and Practice, 2009.