A very common skin condition, acne tends to appear during adolescence due to an increase in hormones during puberty, but can affect people of all ages. Acne occurs when oil clogs the pores of the skin, and is typically experienced in areas with the highest oil production, including the face, neck, shoulders, chest and back. In addition to hormones, acne can sometimes result from oil from skin care products, friction and pressure from sports helmets or equipment/backpacks, squeezing or picking at blemishes, and stress.

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Acne Types

Acne Treatment Plans

There are a number of different treatments available to treat acne, and your treatment will vary depending on the severity of your acne and other lifestyle factors. Prescription topical creams(which can contain ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, lactic acid or salicylic acid) are often the first line of treatment for milder acne, and can come in many forms including solutions, creams, lotions, gels, foams and cleansers.

For more serious cases of acne we can also prescribe oral medications, which specifically target acne caused by excess amount of bacteria on the skin along with the inflammation that occurs as a result. In addition, if you have scarring as a result of past acne, there are a number of skin rejuvenation treatments that can be effective, including procedures such as laser therapy, subcision and dermal fillers.

FAQ's about Acne Treatment

Does What I Eat Affect My Acne?

You might have heard that eating greasy foods, dairy or sweets can contribute to acne. For the most part, that’s not true. The main trigger of acne are the hormones that stimulate the oil glands and produce sebum, which clogs or blocks pores.

Is Acne Dangerous?

Acne is not life-threatening, but it can cause physical disfigurement or scarring, and lead to emotional distress.

What Are The Symptoms of Acne?

Symptoms can include blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, nodules, pustules, redness and swelling.

Can Picking or Squeezing the Pimples Make Them Better?

Actually no and it can make them worse. Pimples should never be opened or squeezed except by a dermatologist because of the risk of infection.

Can I Wear Makeup?

Yes, but remember to wash it off every night and before exercise or heavy sweating.

About Elise Barnett, MD

A board-certified dermatologist with extensive training in both medical and cosmetic procedures, Dr. Barnett combines her passion for helping her patients reach their skincare goals with her commitment to being thorough and attentive with each and every one of her patients. With many years of experience in treating patients in a private practice setting, Dr. Elise Barnett has founded the Atlanta Skin Wellness Center as a small, boutique medical and cosmetic dermatology practice created to provide that all-important personalized patient care that is often hard to find in larger practices. Focusing on “one patient at a time” and providing a warm, friendly office environment, Dr. Barnett is known for spending the time needed to carefully listen to each of her patients’ individual concerns – thoroughly analyzing, and effectively treating, skin care issues that may get overlooked when dealing with a fast-paced environment.

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