Acne NYC Treatment Center
At the Acne NYC Treatment Center in New York, NY, open 7 days a week, we understand that acne is a common skin condition that manifests as outbreaks of pimples or zits. These typically appear on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders. Acne can cause emotional distress, and severe cases may result in permanent scars.
What Causes Acne?
Acne starts when skin pores become clogged and can no longer drain sebum (an oil produced by sebaceous glands that protects and moisturizes the skin). The buildup of sebum causes the surrounding hair follicle to swell.
Swollen hair follicles with sebum are called comedones. If the sebum remains beneath the skin, white bumps called whiteheads form. If sebum reaches the skin's surface, darkened bumps called blackheads appear. This black coloration is due to the sebum oxidizing, not dirt. Both whiteheads and blackheads can persist in the skin for a long time.
Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria, which normally live on the skin's surface, can enter clogged pores and infect the sebum. This causes swelling, redness, and pain.
Infected sebaceous glands may burst, releasing sebum and bacteria into the surrounding skin, leading to additional inflammation. Severe cases can result in larger nodules and cysts forming in deeper skin layers.
Types of Acne
Acne severity varies and can be categorized as:
- Mild Acne: A few scattered comedones with minimal inflammation.
- Moderate Acne: A denser collection of comedones along with red, inflamed, pus-filled lesions.
- Severe Acne: Also known as nodular or cystic acne, it involves widespread, deep, painful lesions that are likely to scar if untreated.
Who Gets Acne?
Anyone can develop acne. It is common in teenagers due to hormonal changes during puberty. Adults, particularly women, can also experience acne. People with a family history of acne are more likely to be affected.
Factors That Worsen Acne
Acne lesions can come and go. Factors that can trigger flare-ups include:
- Hormonal changes in women, such as before menstrual periods, during pregnancy, or when starting/stopping birth control pills.
- Oil from skin products or workplace grease (e.g., kitchen environments).
- Pressure from sports helmets, equipment, backpacks, tight collars, or uniforms.
- Environmental irritants like pollution and high humidity.
- Squeezing or picking at blemishes.
- Harsh scrubbing of the skin.
Acne Treatments
Almost all acne cases can be effectively treated. The goal is to heal existing lesions, prevent new ones, and avoid scarring.
Treatments address one or more underlying causes of acne. Topical retinoids (e.g., Differin, Retin A Micro, Tazorac, tretinoin) can unclog sebaceous glands and keep pores open. Antibiotics may fight P. acnes bacteria. Accutane or hormonal agents (e.g., birth control pills) may reduce sebum production. Your doctor will prescribe medications based on factors such as acne severity, previous treatment results, degree of scarring, and gender. Non-prescription medications may suffice for mild acne, but moderate to severe cases often require prescription treatments.
It's crucial to give any treatment enough time to work, typically 6-8 weeks. Consistency in using medication is key to controlling acne.
Maintaining Acne Control
After clearing acne, your doctor may recommend continuing with topical retinoids. Good skin care practices and using non-comedogenic products are essential for ongoing acne prevention.
Self-Care and Prevention Tips
- Clean skin gently: Use a mild cleanser twice a day and pat dry.
- Avoid popping or picking at acne lesions: This can worsen inflammation and infection.
- Limit sun exposure: Tanning only masks acne temporarily and can cause skin damage.
- Choose cosmetics carefully: Opt for non-greasy products labeled “non-comedogenic,” “oil-free,” and “water-based.”
- Be patient: Stick with treatments for the recommended duration to see results.
Meet Dr. Gary Rothfeld
As an expert in dermatology and cosmetic dermatologic surgery, Dr. Rothfeld has appeared on national television and has been quoted in many high-profile magazines. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Rothfeld for top-of-the-line skin care, dermatology, cosmetic dermatology services, and advanced laser treatments for cosmetic and medical skin conditions. We offer a full range of services, including skin cancer surgery, laser hair removal, Botox®, Fractionated Resurfacing laser, Titan laser, and acne photodynamic treatments.
Contact Us
Our goal is to provide the most effective and advanced treatment. Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment online or by phone for a consultation. Dr. Rothfeld is recognized as one of the best dermatologists in NYC and the nation. At Park Ave Dermatology, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rothfeld uses multiple mechanisms simultaneously to clear up your condition.
Serving New York Neighborhoods
We serve the following New York neighborhoods:
Upper East Side, Fifth Avenue, Park Avenue, Madison Avenue, Upper West Side, Midtown, Lower East Side, Chelsea, Gramercy Park, Murray Hill, Greenwich Village, East Village, West Village, Soho, Tribeca, Meat Packing District, Sutton Place, Wall Street, Hells Kitchen, and the boroughs of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island.
Payment Information
We accept all credit and debit cards for payment.
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