Acne 101 (FAQs)

While Accutane and antibiotics can be effective in some acne cases, Accutane, in particular, is a potent drug with potential side effects https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19186-isotretinoin-capsules while antibiotics can disrupt the skin’s microbiome and cause antibiotic resistance, **

Several factors contribute to acne, including:

• Excess oil production
• Clogged hair follicles
• Bacteria
• Inflammation
• Diet
• Hormonal changes

Acne can vary in severity and appearance. Common types include:

• Blackheads: Open bumps on the skin that fill with excess oil and dead skin. 
• Whiteheads: Closed bumps that remain white as the air cannot reach the debris.
• Papules: Small, red, tender bumps.
• Pustules: Similar to papules, but with a white or yellow pus-filled center.
• Nodules: Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the skin.
• Cysts: Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the skin.

While it’s impossible to prevent acne entirely, you can reduce your risk by:

• Choosing the right products for your acne 
• Avoiding harsh scrubbing: Treat your skin gently.
• Avoid touching your skin
• Managing stress

Acne scars are permanent textural changes in the skin that can occur after severe acne. They result from inflammation and damage to the skin’s collagen.

• Atrophic scars: These are indented scars, including ice pick scars (deep, narrow), boxcar scars (wider, shallower), and rolling scars (wave-like).
• Hypertrophic scars: These are raised scars that occur when the body produces too much collagen.
• Keloid scars: These are also raised scars, but they grow larger than the original acne spot.

Yes! Various treatments can improve the appearance of acne scars. We offer a wide range of treatments that can help.