Clear as Day: Staten Island's Best Kept Acne Treatment Secrets

If you had to guess what the most common skin condition is in the United States, what would your guess be? Would you go with melanoma or another type of skin cancer? Or would you say eczema? Psoriasis? 

This may surprise you, Staten Island, but the answer is none of the above. 

The right answer, believe it or not, is acne vulgaris – which affects more than 50 million Americans in one way or another every year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).

But even that number is a bit modest and outdated in today’s society. 

The problem with acne is that most people underestimate it as if it’s only a problem among teenagers and young adults – which makes sense since nearly 85% of people in that age group experience minor acne.

But don’t let that fool you – acne can occur at any stage of life, no matter how old or healthy you are. 

In fact, according to Yale Medicine, more than 25% of women and 12% of men in their 40s report having acne to some extent – and those percentages are continuously increasing on a year-to-year basis. 

So, what can we do to treat it? Don’t worry – we’ll teach you everything you need to know below!

Beneath the Surface: What Are the Most Common Causes of Acne? 

Acne vulgaris – simply known as just acne – is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles on the face, forehead, chest, shoulders, and back are clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. 

It typically manifests as pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or cysts. 

Acne can be caused by a number of factors, including excess sebum production, hormonal fluctuations, the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes, certain foods (such as high-glycemic-index foods), and stress.

Other causes may include: 

• Using oily or greasy personal care products (lotions, makeup, creams)
• Air pollution and certain weather conditions (humid environments)
• Wearing tight-fitting clothing and headgear (hats, helmets, etc.)
• Routinely coming in contact with grease (restaurant workers)
• Having a parent who struggles or has struggled with acne (genetics)
• Certain medications (such as corticosteroids and anabolic steroids)

Everyone will have a different experience with acne. For example, people with oily skin are more likely to develop severe acne because their sebaceous glands produce more oil, which can lead to clogged pores. 

Acne Treatments: What to Do When Acne Won’t Go Away

While most people can prevent and manage acne with over-the-counter skincare products (most of which are found at your local department store), some people won’t see the improvement they were hoping for. 

If you’re one of those individuals, then don’t worry – a trip to your Staten Island dermatologist can help!

Your doctor will ask you a series of questions to get a better feel for your condition and the symptoms you’re experiencing, and will also examine your skin to help determine the type of acne lesions you have.

Once they learn more, they can formulate a treatment plan – which generally consists of three goals: 

• Clear existing acne
• Prevent new breakouts
• Reduce acne scarring

No two treatment plans are ever the same, but most individuals will benefit from topical medication, oral medication, laser therapy, microneedling, or a combination (if not all) of the following treatment options. 

4. Topical Medication

Topical medication – which is medication that’s applied directly on the skin – is usually the first line of defense against acne, and can either be found in a department store or prescribed by your dermatologist.

Here are some of the most common forms of topical medication for acne breakouts: 

• Benzoyl Peroxide, which helps kill bacteria and decrease sebum production. 
• Antibiotics, like Clindamycin and Erythromycin, can help kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
• Retinoids, which are Vitamin A derivatives that treat lesions and reduce scarring. 
• Salicylic acid, which exfoliates the skin and clears clogged pores by shedding dead skin cells.
• Sulfur, which can help break down blackheads and whiteheads. 

Topical medicines come in many forms, including gels, lotions, creams, soaps, and pads. Some people might experience irritation, redness, or a burning sensation when applied to the skin, but not everyone.

3. Oral Medication

Oral medication – which is taken orally (by the mouth) – is generally considered when the patient’s skin isn’t responding well to topical medication, or if it isn’t producing the results the patient was hoping for. 

Here are some of the most common forms of oral medication for acne breakouts: 

• Antibiotics, like Doxycycline and Minocycline, can help slow or stop the growth of bacteria.
• Isotretinoin, which is an oral retinoid that can help open up the pores for other medications. 
• Hormone therapy can help stop the effects of androgens on the sebaceous gland. 
• Corticosteroids, which help lower inflammation in severe acne, including severe nodular acne.

Oral medications work internally to reduce the development and appearance of acne – making them suitable for moderate to severe acne or, as explained above, when topical treatments are insufficient. 

2. Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment option used to treat both active acne and acne scarring. As the name implies, laser therapy involves using concentrated light energy to target certain areas of the skin. 

The primary goal with laser therapy is reducing bacteria (more specifically, Propionibacterium acnes bacteria), decreasing inflammation and sebum production, and promoting skin healing and rejuvenation.

There are several different types of laser therapy, including blue light therapy, pulsed-dye laser therapy, fractional laser therapy, and photodynamic laser therapy – each of which come with their own benefits. 

1. Microneedling

Microneedling, which is sometimes referred to as collagen induction therapy,  is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that involves the use of fine needles to create tiny, controlled punctures in the skin.

These punctures (or micro-injuries) can help trigger the skin’s natural healing response – which, in turn, stimulates collagen and elastin production (two proteins that give the skin its strength and resilience). 

For active acne, microneedling helps by improving the penetration of topical acne treatments by reducing the size of sebaceous glands, promoting healthier skin regeneration, and improving topical absorption. 

Reforma Dermatology: Staten Island’s No. 1 Acne Treatment Center

Are you in the middle of a bad acne breakout? Are over-the-counter topicals and face washes not providing the results you were hoping for? Do you dream of a day where your skin is clear again? 

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, then you’ve come to the right place. 

Welcome to Reforma Dermatology – Staten Island’s No. 1 acne treatment center. 

Led by Dr. Tejas Patel, our experienced and passionate team will take the time to understand your unique condition to ensure our treatment meets your expectations – ensuring your skin is as clear as possible. 

To learn more about our approach to preventing and managing acne, contact us today at (929)-200 3003.