What Causes Acne?

Acne is a very common condition that affects more than 70% of people at some point in their lives. At Tareen Dermatology, our dermatologists are specialized in acne treatment and acne scarring treatment. There are 4 main factors that contribute to the development of acne. Acne treatments must address one or more of these causative factors, in order to be effective at treating acne.

These contributing factors include:

  • Plugged follicles and overactive sebaceous (oil) glands
  • Bacteria that live on the skin (Propionibacterium acnes)
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Generalized skin inflammation

What are the best prescription acne treatments?

The most effective prescription acne treatments are the following:

  • Topical retinoids (ex. Retin-A, tretinoin, Differin, and Tazorac): Topical retinoids regulate skin cell turnover and prevent abnormal follicular plugging, which can otherwise lead to the formation of acne.
  • Topical antibacterial medications (ex. clindamycin, Benzaclin, Acanya, benzoyl peroxide): These medications decrease the acne-causing p. acnes bacteria on the skin.
  • Oral antibiotics (ex. Solodyn, doxycycline): Oral antibiotics kill the acne-causing p. acnes bacteria on the skin and can be particularly helpful when used to treat deeper cysts or moderate to severe acne.
  • Hormonal treatments (ex. oral contraceptive pills, spironolactone): Many women experience acne on their lower face, jawline, chin, and back that correlates with their menstrual cycle. It is very common for women in their 20’s, 30’s and even 40’s to have a hormonal component to their acne. By suppressing the androgenic influence (the influence of the ‘male’ hormone) on the skin, we can prevent these monthly flares. More and more women are experiencing hormonal breakouts, particularly of cystic acne, which can be addressed with a combination of hormonal treatments and other acne treatments.
  • Isotretinoin (more commonly known as Accutane): Isotretinoin addresses all of the causes of acne, though it is reserved for use in patients with severe acne that does not respond to other treatments.

Medical Extractions

Over 40 million people suffer from acne, no matter the degree or severity. Acne cysts can form when a pore becomes clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and debris. Even individuals with practically perfect skin can develop acne cysts. As tempting as it can be to pop acne cysts, you may push the contents deeper into your skin, making your acne worse. There are appropriate techniques to extract the cyst using sterile tools to clear up an acne breakout. Watch as Dr. Tareen has a cyst extracted by her colleague, Kelsey Holmes, PA-C.

Isotretinoin aka Accutane

Isotretinoin addresses all of the causes of acne, though it is reserved for patients with severe acne who’s skin does not respond to other treatments.

 

Patient Testimonials

I had such low confidence when my facial skin was covered in acne blemishes. After starting a treatment regimen with the Tareen Dermatology team, my skin started to improve. A few months later, I was acne-free and full of new confidence. I feel so lucky to have had a clinic that cared about me and my acne and understood how it was affecting my mental health! Thank you, Tareen Dermatology! 

FAQS

What treatment options are there for Acne?

Acne is treated in a variety of ways. It is important to visit an acne specialist promptly when acne presents, in order to get rid of acne quickly and prevent permanent acne scars from forming. The most effective acne treatment are topical and oral prescription medications, chemical peels for acne, medical extractions, and laser treatments for acne.

The most effective prescription acne treatments are the following:

  • Topical retinoids (ex. Retin-A, tretinoin, Differin, and Tazorac): Topical retinoids regulate skin cell turnover and prevent abnormal follicular plugging, which can otherwise lead to the formation of acne.

  • Topical antibacterial medications (ex. clindamycin, Benzaclin, Acanya, benzoyl peroxide): These medications decrease the acne-causing p. acnes bacteria on the skin.

  • Oral antibiotics (ex. Solodyn, doxycycline): Oral antibiotics kill the acne-causing p. acnes bacteria on the skin and can be particularly helpful when used to treat deeper cysts or moderate to severe acne.

  • Hormonal treatments (ex. oral contraceptive pills, spironolactone): Many women experience acne on their lower face, jawline, chin, and back that correlates with their menstrual cycle. It is very common for women in their 20’s, 30’s and even 40’s to have a hormonal component to their acne. By suppressing the androgenic influence (the influence of the ‘male’ hormone) on the skin, we can prevent these monthly flares. More and more women are experiencing hormonal breakouts, particularly of cystic acne, which can be addressed with a combination of hormonal treatments and other acne treatments.

  • Isotretinoin (more commonly known as Accutane): Isotretinoin addresses all of the causes of acne, though it is reserved for use in patients with severe acne that does not respond to other treatments.

Medical Extractions

Over 40 million people suffer from acne, no matter the degree or severity. Acne cysts can form when a pore becomes clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and debris. Even individuals with practically perfect skin can develop acne cysts. As tempting as it can be to pop acne cysts, you may push the contents deeper into your skin, making your acne worse. There are appropriate techniques to extract the cyst using sterile tools to clear up an acne breakout. Watch as Dr. Tareen has a cyst extracted by her colleague, Kelsey Holmes, PA-C.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6cmsdeDOzjc&t=26s

Isotretinoin aka Accutane

Isotretinoin addresses all of the causes of acne, though it is reserved for use in patients with severe acne that does not respond to other treatments.

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