Acne

Acne is one of the most common skin concerns in the U.S., affecting up to 50 million people each year, the American Academy of Dermatology reports. At Miami Dermatology & Skin Care in Miami, Florida, board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist Carlos Ricotti, MD, works closely with patients to develop personalized treatments tailored to their unique form of acne and skin type. Call the clinic today or use the online booking tool to receive individualized acne care.

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition that causes red bumps to develop on your face, body, or both. An inflammatory disorder, acne occurs when your skin’s sebaceous glands, which house the hair follicles, clog with oils, debris, and bacteria. This mixture forces sebum, an oily substance the sebaceous glands produce, to inflame the skin, leading to painful red lesions.

There are several types of acne that can affect your skin:

• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
• Papules
• Pustules
• Nodules
• Cysts

It's possible to have more than one type of acne at a time, and the severity can vary greatly.

What are the main acne triggers?

While there are three primary causes of acne — too few skin cells shedding, high oil production, and bacteria — many things can trigger breakouts, including:

• Stress
• Hormonal imbalances (menstruation, menopause, pregnancy, etc.)
• Poor sleep quality
• Oily hair or skin care products
• High-glycemic foods (sweets, junk food, potatoes, etc.)
• Steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and other medications
• Humidity
• Excessive sweating

Trigger avoidance may not cure acne but can help prevent breakouts and promote clear, comfortable skin.

At what age does acne go away?

Acne can last for several years and persist well into adulthood. Most people start getting acne during puberty when androgen hormones increase rapidly and stimulate oil production in the skin. While many experience less frequent breakouts once their hormones balance out in their 20s, others continue to have acne in their 30s and 40s.

Is there a way to tell if acne is bacterial or hormonal?

Only an experienced dermatologist can properly diagnose bacterial and hormonal acne, but there are a few telltale warning signs of each type.

Bacterial acne tends to develop closer to the skin’s surface and creates pus-filled lesions. It’s more likely to respond to topical treatments than hormonal acne. Hormonal lesions usually form deeper in the skin and typically don’t respond well to topical treatments. It’s possible to have both types of acne, which may require a multifaceted treatment approach.

What are the most effective treatments for acne?

The most effective acne treatments depend on your unique type, medical history, and skin condition. Your board-certified dermatologist at Miami Dermatology & Skin Care may include the following treatments in your individualized care plan:

• Oral or topical antibiotics (tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline)
• Topical retinoids
• Azelaic or salicylic acid
• Oral contraceptives (birth control)
• Isotretinoin 

Acne is a difficult and frustrating experience at any age. If you’re struggling with persistent acne, the experienced dermatologists at Miami Dermatology & Skin Care can develop a personalized treatment plan for you. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.