Acne
Acne Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Acne is a common yet highly treatable skin condition affecting teens and adults alike, including those struggling with adult acne. Whether you experience occasional breakouts or persistent, severe acne, professional dermatologic care can help restore clear, healthy skin. Acne treatment is available at our dermatology offices in Downey, Fullerton, and Seal Beach, with advanced therapies tailored to each patient’s needs.
What Causes Acne?
Acne is a disorder of sebaceous (oil) glands. Rising hormone levels, particularly during adolescence or due to conditions that contribute to hormonal acne, can overstimulate these glands, causing excess oil and dead skin cells to accumulate.
When pores become clogged, they form whiteheads and blackheads. Bacteria may grow within these blockages, leading to inflammation and the red, swollen lesions typical of moderate to severe acne.
If you’re unsure what’s triggering your acne, a dermatology consultation can help identify the cause and best treatment plan.
How Does Acne Feel?
Acne affects more than just the skin — it can significantly impact emotional well-being and quality of life. Studies show that people with acne may experience:
- Social withdrawal
- Reduced self-confidence
- Embarrassment
- Depression and anxiety
- Frustration or anger
- Increased preoccupation with appearance
- Higher rates of unemployment
Because acne can cause permanent acne scarring, its effects may last long after breakouts resolve. Fortunately, acne is a medical condition that dermatologists are trained to treat effectively.
How Can Acne Be Treated?
Treatment Options for Mild Acne
For mild acne, the following measures may help improve breakouts:
- Cleanse twice daily using a gentle, non-drying cleanser
- Avoid picking or squeezing pimples to prevent scarring
- Use non-comedogenic makeup and skincare products
- Apply over-the-counter treatments containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as directed
- Wear daily sunscreen to protect skin and prevent acne worsening
- Consider professional treatments such as clinical facials or physician-strength salicylic acid peels
If acne persists despite these steps, a dermatologist can help determine the next level of care.
HOW CAN ACNE BE TREATED?
The good news for acne sufferers is that there are many treatments available and acne can almost always be controlled. Here are some tips for people with mild acne:
- Wash your face twice a day with a mild soap and non-drying cleanser. Although surface dirt and grease can contribute to breakouts, acne is not primarily caused by dirt. It is important to wash, but not too vigorously, because the skin can become irritated and acne will be exacerbated.
- Don’t squeeze or pick pimples or use sharp objects to open them. This can cause infection, further inflammation and scarring.
- Make sure all cosmetics are non-comedogenic, meaning they do not cause acne.
- Over-the-counter medications can be very effective for mild acne when used consistently. Many of these products also help keep new acne from forming. The most commonly used medications contain benzoyl peroxide® and salicylic® acid. Be careful, because these products can produce irritation and allergic reactions. It is important to read the label and use as instructed.
- Wear sunscreen daily. Resist the urge to sunbathe or tan. Although sun exposure or indoor tanning can improve acne in the short term, in the long run it causes the sebaceous glands to produce excess sebum, which can cause more acne.
- Consider having clinical facials or physician-strength salicylic acid peels. These therapeutic treatments can help to keep the skin exfoliated, pores extracted and reduce bacteria levels of the skin.
If acne does not respond to these simple measures, it is probably time to see a dermatologist.
Dermatologists can fight acne with many different medications and can develop a treatment plan according to its severity. Treatments range from mild to potent oral medications. Make an appointment with your dermatologist today and start treating your acne more effectively.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for Acne
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is Available at Our Seal Beach, CA Dermatology Office)
How PDT Works:
- A photosensitizing solution is applied to the skin
- The solution is absorbed by acne-causing bacteria and overactive oil glands
- A specialized light activates the solution, reducing bacteria, inflammation, and excess oil production
Benefits of PDT for Acne:
- Effective for moderate to severe acne
- Targets acne at its source
- Reduces oil gland activity
- Helps prevent future breakouts
- Improves overall skin tone and texture
- No long-term oral medication required
PDT is an excellent option for patients seeking a powerful, non-systemic acne treatment when traditional therapies have not been effective.
HydraFacial for Acne Treatment
(HydraFacial is Available in Fullerton & Seal Beach, CA)
HydraFacial is a gentle, yet highly effective medical-grade facial treatment offered at our Fullerton and Seal Beach locations for patients with acne-prone skin. This multi-step treatment deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates the skin while removing impurities that contribute to breakouts — without irritation or downtime.
How HydraFacial Helps Acne:
- Unclogs pores by removing excess oil and debris
- Gently exfoliates dead skin cells that contribute to breakouts
- Hydrates the skin without clogging pores
- Helps calm inflammation and redness
- Improves overall skin tone and texture
HydraFacial is ideal for patients with mild to moderate acne, congested pores, or oily skin, and for those seeking maintenance between prescription acne treatments. The treatment is safe for most skin types and can be customized based on individual acne concerns.
To learn more about HydraFacial and whether it’s right for your acne concerns, visit our HydraFacial treatment page.
Chemical Peels for Acne
Chemical peels are effective in-office treatments for active acne, clogged pores, and acne-related discoloration. Our dermatologists offer physician-strength salicylic acid and glycolic acid peels at our locations to safely exfoliate the skin and improve breakouts.
Salicylic Acid Peels
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates oil glands, making it especially effective for oily and acne-prone skin.
Benefits of Salicylic Acid Peels:
- Reduces active acne and inflammation
- Unclogs pores and dissolves excess oil
- Helps prevent future breakouts
- Improves blackheads and whiteheads
- Minimal downtime
Glycolic Acid Peels
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin’s surface, helping improve acne, texture, and uneven tone.
Benefits of Glycolic Acid Peels:
- Speeds skin cell turnover
- Improves mild acne and post-acne discoloration
- Smooths uneven skin texture
- Brightens dull skin
- Enhances absorption of topical acne medications
Chemical peels may be performed as a single treatment or as part of a customized acne treatment plan for long-term control and maintenance.
To learn more about chemical peels and whether they are right for your acne concerns, visit our chemical peels treatment page.
Acne Treatment FAQs
What is the best treatment for acne?
The best acne treatment depends on the severity of acne, skin type, and underlying causes. Mild acne may respond to medical-grade skincare, chemical peels, or HydraFacial treatments, while moderate to severe acne often requires prescription topical or oral medications. Our board-certified dermatologists create personalized treatment plans for each patient.
Do you offer HydraFacial treatments for acne?
Yes. HydraFacial acne treatments are available at our Fullerton and Seal Beach locations only. HydraFacial is ideal for patients with mild to moderate acne, clogged pores, or oily skin and can also be used to maintain clearer skin between medical treatments.
Can chemical peel treatments help acne?
Yes. Salicylic acid and glycolic acid chemical peels are effective treatments for acne, clogged pores, and acne-related discoloration. These peels help exfoliate the skin, reduce oil buildup, and prevent future breakouts. Chemical peels are available as part of professional acne care at our locations.
Is Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) effective for acne?
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a highly effective treatment for moderate to severe acne that targets acne-causing bacteria and overactive oil glands. PDT is offered exclusively at our Seal Beach location and is often recommended for patients who have not responded well to traditional acne treatments.
What products can help clear and prevent acne?
We offer a curated selection of medical-grade skincare products formulated to help treat active breakouts, reduce excess oil, unclog pores, and prevent future acne. These products are often recommended by our providers and can be used as part of a daily at-home routine or alongside professional acne treatments.
Shop our acne products online at MyDermSpot.com/acne — a convenient way to continue your acne care with trusted, dermatologist-recommended brands.
When should I see a dermatologist for acne?
You should see a dermatologist if your acne is:
- Persistent or worsening
- Painful or cystic
- Causing acne scarring or dark marks
- Affecting your confidence or quality of life
Early treatment can help prevent permanent scarring and long-term skin damage.
Expert Acne Care You Can Trust
Our acne treatments are provided by experienced dermatology professionals using evidence-based medical therapies and advanced in-office procedures. We take a comprehensive approach to acne care — addressing active breakouts, preventing scarring, and maintaining long-term skin health.
Schedule an acne consultation today in Downey, Fullerton, or Seal Beach and take the first step toward clearer, healthier skin.
Contact one of our dermatology offices today to schedule an acne consultation.
