What is acne?

Also called “pimples,” acne is a series of bumps that appear on the skin in different forms, including blackheads, whiteheads and red bumps. Teens are the primary group of people who get acne as they go through puberty and experience hormonal changes. Adults can also get acne but not as often.

What causes acne?

There are several causes of acne depending on your age. Most often, acne occurs during the teen years as hormones change, but they can also develop from improper cleaning of the face and skin. No matter the cause, the result is that the pores clog with excess sebum (oil that lubricates your hair and skin). When this happens, you develop blackheads, whiteheads or red pimples.

How is acne treated?

While everyone suffers from acne at some time in their lives, some must endure a more chronic condition. For anyone dealing with acne, there are several options available. Our dermatologists are very experienced at treating acne in both adults and teens. Following a thorough examination and evaluation, they will recommend the best course of action to treat your acne, based on its severity and location. Most of the time, they recommend a topical medicine that contains Vitamin A, such as Retin-A, Differin, and Tazorac, which are very effective for whiteheads and blackheads. For more severe cases of acne, treatments such as topical antibiotics or other medications and laser treatments may be recommended.