Acne Treatment in Bayside, NY - Acne & Acne Scarring

Acne is a treatable common medical condition that generally affects people in their adolescence, but people of any age can experience acne. The term acne is used to describe red pimples, blackheads, large nodules or whiteheads. Acne can appear on the shoulders, chest, back, arms, and buttocks; however, they most commonly affect a person’s face.

Acne affects boys more commonly than girls and the severity can range from mild to severe. Untreated acne lasts for about 4 to 5 years, however, in some people; it can last for more than 10 years, if not treated properly.

Acne does not result from a single factor, rather a variety of factors are responsible. Acne occurs when oil glands attached to the hair follicles are stimulated due to hormonal changes or at the time of puberty. Sebum secreted from the sebaceous gland is a natural substance that protects and lubricates the skin.

Acne is associated with increased oil production, which leads to pre-disposing of mature cells into the follicle pore. When there is no inflammation, the plugging of hair follicles leads to open comedones (blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads). Open comedones are black in color, not because of dirt deposition rather the color is due to chemical changes going in the cell.

If you have been struggling with the problem of acne and want to achieve flawless glowing skin, choose acne treatments.

In a majority of cases, it has been seen that acne goes away on its own at the end of puberty; however, even after crossing the age, a lot of people struggle to get rid of acne. Acne can be successfully treated; it’s just the case of finding the right doctor and treatment.

What Makes Acne Worse? 

Acne is not seen as a serious problem as they tend to subside in the late teens. However, for patients who continue to experience acne throughout their adulthood, it is almost impossible to predict when they will get rid of it. Here are some common factors that can worsen acne and what you should know:

• Greasy Makeup: Heavy, oil-based makeup is a known trigger for acne breakouts. While many oil-free products don’t affect acne, greasy makeup can clog pores and lead to flare-ups.

• Hormonal Changes: In women, hormonal imbalances, especially before menstruation, can cause acne to flare up.

• Medications: Certain medications can exacerbate acne. If you suspect this might be the case, don’t stop taking your medication—consult your doctor for alternatives.

• Diet: Although it was once believed that diets high in dairy and sugar could worsen acne, research hasn’t found strong evidence to support this claim.

• Tight Clothing: Acne can also develop in areas where tight clothing causes increased sweating or friction against the skin.

Understanding these factors can help you take better control of your acne. If you’re struggling with persistent breakouts, consult a dermatologist for a personalized treatment plan to achieve clearer, healthier skin. Remember, managing acne is a journey, and with the right approach, you can find what works best for you.

Teenagers are often told to avoid greasy, fried foods because they’re believed to cause acne. However, this is not true. While these foods aren’t great for overall health, they don’t directly cause acne. Some studies suggest that a high-carbohydrate diet, pure chocolate, and milk may aggravate acne, but the evidence is not conclusive.

Things to Avoid During Acne

• Rubbing and Scrubbing: Contrary to popular belief, dirt does not cause acne. However, rubbing or scrubbing your face too harshly can worsen the condition by causing inflammation. It’s best to wash your face gently with a mild cleanser.

• Pressure from Helmets: If you’re dealing with acne, avoid applying pressure on affected areas, such as from helmets or tight straps, as this can aggravate breakouts.

• Squeezing Pimples: Squeezing or picking at acne lesions can lead to irritation, inflammation, and prolonged healing time. It’s best to resist the urge and let your skin heal naturally.

By avoiding these, you can better manage your acne and reduce the risk of making it worse. Always handle your skin with care, and consider consulting a dermatologist for personalized advice.

The most useful and easiest lifestyle change a person can make is to avoid picking, popping or playing with acne. Playing around with acne will make the bump stay bumpier for long. Apart from this lifestyle change, you can choose to take up different medications specifically meant for the treatment of acne.

• Antibiotics: Available as pills and in topical form, a majority of antibiotics can be used to treat acne. Antibiotics medicines can be taken for several months, under medical supervision, to control the acne and prevent it from coming back.

• Isotretinoin: This is the only medicine known to regulate sebum production. As it controls oil, many patients may experience dry lips and skin, during treatment.
  

• Benzoyl Peroxides: Creams and face washes made from Benzoyl Peroxide helps fight acne causing bacteria. However, be careful as Benzoyl Peroxide can bleach your clothes as well.

• Other Medicines: A large number of over-the-counter medicines are available that helps treat acne. These include Spironolactone pills, birth controlling pills and topical Azelex cream.
  

Once the acne spots have been cleared, there are very few chances that acne will flare up. Doctors usually advise the patients to carry on a maintenance treatment to avoid acne from flaring up again. Benzoyl peroxide is more often used for maintenance treatment as long-term use of an antibiotic can lead to resistance.

At Skin First Dermatology, our team offers personalized acne treatments in Bayside, NY, tailored to your unique skin needs. We use the latest techniques to tackle breakouts and prevent them from returning, helping you achieve clear, healthy skin.

Whether you’re in, Manhattan, Brooklyn, or anywhere in the New York City area, we’re here to support you. Ready to get started? Reach out to schedule a consultation with our team—you deserve the best skin care. Book your appointment today!