Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting teens and adults alike, and it can range from occasional acne breakouts to more severe acne that leaves lasting acne scars or skin discoloration. While acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria, many factors can make acne worse. At Dr. Beverly Fischer’s practice, we understand how frustrating and even painful acne vulgaris can be, and we offer advanced, effective acne treatments designed to clear existing breakouts, improve damaged skin, and help prevent future flare-ups.
Understanding Acne
Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin conditions affecting millions of people each year. While acne is often associated with adolescence, people with acne can be of any age, including adults with hormonal acne triggered by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or other life stages.
For many, acne can cause more than just breakouts. Severe acne or nodulocystic acne may lead to acne scars, skin discoloration, and long-term changes in affected skin if not properly treated. Acne is not caused by dirty skin or eating greasy foods, but certain risk factors may increase the chance of developing acne.
Potential Causes
Acne occurs when plugged pores trap oil, bacteria, and skin debris. This can lead to inflammation and skin irritation that worsens acne. Common contributors include:
- Excess oil and overactive sebaceous glands
- Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or from conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Certain medications (including birth control pills or steroids)
- Use of heavy cosmetics or products that clog pores
- Stress, which can increase hormones that worsen acne
Who is Affected by Acne?
Nearly everyone will experience acne at some point. Adolescents, young adults, and even pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, but acne rosacea, moderate acne, and more severe acne may persist into later adulthood. Darker skin types may experience more noticeable skin discoloration or damaged skin after acne breakouts, making treatment especially important.
Services for Acne
Dr. Beverly Fischer offers a wide range of medical procedures designed to treat both active acne and the lasting effects of acne scars:
Chemical Peels
Using ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or azelaic acid, chemical peels exfoliate skin cells, clear clogged pores, and can help improve acne and smooth out skin affected by scarring.
Microneedling
By creating controlled micro-injuries in the skin, microneedling stimulates collagen production, which helps repair damaged skin and improve the appearance of acne scars and skin discoloration. It is important to have your skin evaluated by a dermatologist before choosing this option, since it may not be the best option for cystic acne.
Hydrafacial
This treatment gently cleanses, extracts impurities, and hydrates oily skin or dry skin. It removes debris that can cause acne while infusing the skin with soothing serums to reduce inflammation. It is important to have your skin evaluated by a dermatologist before choosing this option, since it may not be the best option for cystic acne.
CO2 Laser
CO2 laser resurfacing can target acne scars, smooth affected skin, and improve skin changes caused by severe acne. It is especially beneficial for patients with scarring or discoloration after years of acne breakouts. It is important to have your skin evaluated by a dermatologist before choosing this option, since it may not be the best option for cystic acne.
Halo Laser
A hybrid fractional laser that resurfaces damaged skin while stimulating new collagen production, the Halo laser is an advanced option for treating acne scars and improving skin tone in people with acne. It is important to have your skin evaluated by a dermatologist before choosing this option, since it may not be the best option for cystic acne.
Forever Young BBL
This light therapy can address skin discoloration, target acne-causing bacteria, and improve the appearance of acne lesions. It is effective in reducing future breakouts while rejuvenating the overall complexion.
ZO Skincare
Medical-grade topical medications from ZO Skincare, including topical retinoids, topical antibiotics, and topical gel formulations, can help clear acne and prevent acne from returning. These regimens are designed to be gentle on skin affected by breakouts while addressing the underlying causes of acne.
Where to Get Started
If you are struggling with moderate acne, cystic acne, or lingering acne scars, it’s important to seek care from an experienced professional. Dr. Beverly Fischer offers comprehensive acne treatments tailored to your needs, from retinoid therapy and oral antibiotics to advanced laser resurfacing and photodynamic therapy. Whether you’re managing new or ongoing hormonal acne, or someone who has struggled with acne vulgaris for years, Dr. Fischer can help to design an effective treatment plan to improve your skin and your confidence. Contact Dr. Fischer’s office to learn how our acne treatments can help you achieve lasting results.