Treating Your Acne

Acne is a frustrating skin condition associated with pimples, cysts, blackheads, and other blemishes. It is the most common skin condition to affect adults and teens in the U.S. Acne sometimes cause physical discomfort, but often also has an impact on confidence and self-esteem. The good news is a wide range of effective acne treatments are available. At Long Island Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology, in Hicksville and Huntington, NY, our dermatologists can develop an individualized treatment plan to help you achieve and maintain clearer skin.

Causes of Acne

The body contains millions of hair follicles. Each one has a pore, which is an opening onto the surface of the skin. Acne can occur when a hair follicle or pore becomes clogged. The sebaceous glands of the body release an oil called sebum, which moves along the hair follicles and out through the pores to moisturize and lubricate the skin.

As the sebum travels along with the hair follicles, it also collects dead skin cells and other debris and carries them away. However, if this process is interrupted, the dead skin cells and debris can get trapped in the hair follicle and clog the pores, causing acne to form. One factor that can interfere with the process of sebum carrying away dead skin cells and other debris is hormonal changes.

Acne Treatments

Many types of treatments are available for treating acne. The right treatment or combination of treatments can differ from one person to another. The experienced dermatologists at our Huntington or Hicksville dermatology practices can develop an individualized plan tailored to your needs. Common acne treatments include:

• Extraction — A procedure for removing whiteheads and blackheads using a small metal instrument to help extract blockages from inside the pores.
• Tretinoin — A common acne treatment method, this Vitamin-A derivative is highly effective at unplugging blocked pores and treating whiteheads and blackheads.
• Benzoyl Peroxide — A topical ointment that helps reduce blockages in the hair follicles. Benzoyl peroxide is often used to treat mild acne cases.
• Oral or Topical Antibiotics — Taken by mouth or applied directly to the affected skin, these medications target infection in the pores to help clear up acne.
• Hormonal Treatments — An option for adult women whose acne is due to hormonal fluctuations.

You don’t have to struggle with acne. A variety of treatments are available to suit different needs. For help treating your acne, schedule an appointment with one of our experienced dermatologists by calling Long Island Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology in Huntington, NY, at (631) 271-2769. Appointments are also available at our office in Hicksville, NY, by calling (516) 433-3200.