Acne

What is acne?

Acne is a highly common condition involving the sebaceous glands in your skin. These glands produce oil, which travels to your skin’s surface bringing dead skin cells with it so you can shed them off. 

Sometimes, the glands produce too much oil and can get clogged with dead skin cells and bacteria. This results in the development of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.

The natural bacteria on your skin’s surface can infect your pimples, causing them to become red and swollen. For this reason, acne is often painful or uncomfortable. It can also impact your confidence and cause emotional distress or insecurity because of its effect on your appearance. 

The overproduction of oil leading to acne often comes from hormone fluctuations, which is why acne is common among adolescents in puberty. However, you can get acne at any age with various contributing factors like stress, oil-based makeup products, a carbohydrate-rich diet, or medications. 

How can I manage my acne at home?

Acne doesn’t usually need professional care because you can manage most mild to moderate breakouts at home. Before booking an appointment at CoCo Dermatology and Cosmetics, you can try to clear your acne by:

• Washing your face
• Using soaps and over-the-counter products for acne
• Avoiding touching your face
• Removing your makeup before going to bed
• Finding a way to manage your stress

To avoid long-lasting acne scars that cause your skin to look rough and bumpy, you should try your best to resist popping your pimples. 

Dr. Patel can treat your acne if it’s particularly severe or resists your attempts to treat it at home. She also specializes in treating acne scars. 

How does acne treatment work?

To treat your acne, Dr. Patel might recommend prescription products like oral or topical antibiotics, topical retinoic acid, or hormonal contraceptives. She can also recommend professional skin care products like cleansers and moisturizers that will benefit your specific skin type.

At CoCo Dermatology and Cosmetics, Dr. Patel offers several in-office treatments that can treat acne, acne scars, or both. Your options include:

Vivace™ radiofrequency microneedling

Vivace radiofrequency microneedling works well for acne scars and other skin texture issues. The procedure stimulates collagen production deep within your skin to make it smoother and stronger. 

Fotona® laser therapy

The Fotona Nd:YAG laser penetrates your skin without incisions or needles. It reduces inflammation and kills the bacteria in your skin, causing it to calm your acne. 

The Fotona Er:YAG laser reduces scar tissue and stimulates collagen production to treat acne scars leftover from a breakout. 

Acne can disrupt your skin health at any age. For effective and professional acne care or treatment for acne scars, call CoCo Dermatology and Cosmetics or request an appointment online today.