Acne TreatmentHouston

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We believe in treating more than just breakouts, and we’re here to help you rediscover the joy of clear, radiant skin. Our skilled dermatologists at Houston Skin understand the impact acne can have on your life, and we’re committed to personalized care and effective treatments to help you achieve your skin goals. We offer a range of advanced acne solutions, backed by science and tailored to your unique needs.

What Is Acne?

Acne, which is also known as acne vulgaris, is a common problem affecting the skin in the form of pimples, pustules, cysts or nodules. Acne is most commonly experienced by people aged 15-25, but up to 55% of older adults suffer from consistent acne outbreaks and suffer from acne scarring as a result.

Breakouts and blemishes occur when hair follicles and pores become clogged with oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. If the follicle or pore remains clogged, it will enlarge and fill with more oil leading to the creation of a visible bump, most commonly referred to as a pimple. The bump can then become colonized with bacteria, leading to redness, irritation, and inflammation.

Blackheads, whiteheads, papules, and other forms of acne are most commonly found in areas of the body that have a higher concentration of hair follicles and oil glands, like the T-zone on the face (forehead, nose, chin), chest, and back. While breakouts can be annoying and embarrassing, if left without medical dermatology, they can lead to unsightly scarring.

What Causes Acne?

Generally speaking, acne is caused when your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, forming whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. These effects may be triggered or exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations, stress, bacteria, excessive sweating, or even genetic components.

While acne is most often caused by genetics, it can be a continual and complex problem based on many factors including hormones, stress, medications, cosmetics, environmental influences, and bacteria that lives on the skin known as P. acnes bacteria. Because there are numerous causes and types of acne, simply changing daily skin care habits is typically not enough to improve the complexion alone. Acne treatment plans need to be tailored to a patient’s unique complexion needs.

Our team of board-certified dermatologists and skilled mid-level practitioners at Houston Skin can create a customized treatment plan to not only improve the conditions that lead to a patient’s acne breakouts but also rebuild the complexion marred by acne.

Types of Acne

Acne outbreaks can affect your skin in several different ways. Some of the most common types of acne include:

• Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
  
• Blackheads (open plugged pores)
  
• Papules (small bumps, red in color and tender to the touch)
  
• Pimples (also called pustules) are papules with pus at their tips.
  
• Nodules (large, painful lumps under the skin)
  

No matter the type of acne outbreak you experience, you can find the care you need from our board-certified dermatology team at Houston Skin.

How Is Acne Diagnosed?

Dermatologists typically diagnose acne based on the type, severity, and the number of acne lesions, which are classified into four grades:

Grade 1 – Mild

Mild acne consists of non-inflammatory lesions, such as blackheads (open comedones) and may or may not develop into more severe breakouts.

Grade 2 – Moderate

Moderate acne appears as a greater number of blemishes that include whiteheads (closed comedones) and slight redness and swelling. There may also be raised red bumps (papules) and oozing pimples (pustules).

Grade 3 – Severe

Severe acne is characterized by an even greater number of blemishes and greater inflammation. The papules and pustules may even merge together, creating a larger patch of infected skin rather than a single affected pore.

Grade 4 – Cystic

Cystic acne consists of deep blemishes or cysts that are inflamed, tender to the touch, and contains pus or fluid in some cases. Hard, painful bumps, known as nodules, may be present as well, but do not contain any fluid. Cystic acne can last for several weeks or months and may even become dormant and reappear later on.

The Benefits of Medical Grade Acne Treatments

While results can vary with acne treatments, medical grade options offer many benefits, including:

• Proven clinical efficacy and results
• Smooths and clears existing chronic and cystic acne
• Prevents further acne outbreaks
• Reduces the appearance of acne scars and discoloration
• Safe, minimally invasive with little down-time
• Treatments can be customized for individual needs

Acne Treatment Options

Over-the-counter treatments can only provide relief for mild forms of acne. Professional medical treatments are effective in improving acne and reducing the appearance of existing acne scars and can target both hormonal and environmental causes of acne, such as bacteria, excess oil production, and inflammation.

With the right combination of treatments at Houston Skin, a comprehensive plan can help reduce current breakouts, prevent acne from forming, and improve redness and discoloration. The latest innovations in acne skin care, such as medical grade chemical peels, photodynamic therapy, lasers and acne medication can finally provide men and women who suffer from breakouts and acne scars a clear and beautiful complexion.

Diagnosis

When you arrive for your initial acne visit, our aestheticians will welcome you and invite you back to a private treatment area where you can have your skin fully assessed by our VISIA® equipment. Your dermatologist will review the test, as well as take a look at your active breakouts, to provide a more specific diagnosis.

Treatment

The treatment we recommend will be based on many factors, including your skin type and the nature of your acne breakouts. Most acne treatments involve one or more of the following:

• Aerolase NeoClear®: This gentle laser treatment targets acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation, promoting clearer skin without harsh side effects.
  
• Chemical Peels: These exfoliating treatments remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, improving skin texture and reducing the appearance of acne scars.
  
• Advanced Facials: Our customized facials deep clean, hydrate, and nourish your skin, targeting acne and promoting a healthier complexion.
  
• Medical Grade Skincare: We offer a curated selection of potent, dermatologist-recommended products to complement your in-clinic treatments and maintain your skin’s clarity at home.
  
• Oral Medications: For more severe or persistent acne, oral medications such as antibiotics or hormonal therapies may be prescribed to target the underlying causes of breakouts.
  
• Topical Medications: These prescription-strength creams and gels can help control oil production, reduce inflammation, and fight acne-causing bacteria.
  
• Injectable Medications: In some cases, cortisone injections may reduce inflammation and shrink large, painful acne cysts quickly.
  

Aftercare

To preserve the health and clarity of your skin and guard against any future breakouts, your dermatologist may recommend some changes to your skincare routine. We offer a range of medical grade skincare products formulated to address acne and promote long-term skin clarity. These powerful products go beyond what you’ll find at the drugstore, delivering targeted results and helping you achieve a complexion that’s not just clear but genuinely radiant.

Feel Good About Your Skin

Ready to unlock your skin’s full potential? Schedule an acne treatment consultation at one of our convenient Houston Skin locations today. Our board-certified dermatologists will provide a personalized assessment and recommend the ideal treatments to help you achieve and maintain healthy, vibrant skin. Call now or schedule a consultation online to take the first step towards a more confident, radiant you.