Acne

Acne Specialist
Acne can impact an ordinary day or take the shine off a special event. Acne is also one of the most common skin disorders in the United States. However, when you rely on the expertise provided by the team of Board Certified Dermatologists at Park South Medical in Bronx, N.Y., including Dr. Elena Jones, acne is also one of the most treatable skin conditions in the U.S. Regardless of your age, you don't have to live with acne. For treatment that works, call the clinic to schedule your appointment or book online today.

Acne Q & A

Park South Medical

What causes acne?

Acne is related to your skin's normal cellular replacement process. An average skin cell lives from 2-4 weeks, with your body constantly creating new cells to replace those that die. When a skin cell dies, ordinarily it rises to the surface of your skin and sheds off.

Your body also produces oil called "sebum" to prevent your skin from drying. If your skin produces excessive sebum, it can make dead skin cells settle in your pores and clump together rather than rise to the surface. This sticky clump of dead cells can create a clog in the affected pore(s) that results in the whiteheads, pimples, blackheads, and other skin blemishes associated with acne.

Bacteria that typically live on your skin's surface (p. acnes) can also become trapped inside the clogged pore. This provides these bacteria the perfect environment to multiply very quickly. As the bacteria fill the pore, it becomes inflamed, red, and swollen. Cystic or nodular acne occurs when the inflammation and resulting infection travels deep into your skin.

Who gets acne?

Acne is most common during the teen and young adult years when your body is experiencing hormonal fluctuations that can, among other things, cause an overproduction of sebum. But anyone can experience acne, including children and middle-aged adults.

Women may experience bouts of acne during monthly menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. It’s also linked to the hormonal imbalances associated with medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Some skin care products also increase your chance of developing acne, which can affect women and men of any age.

What is the treatment for acne?

Contrary to often popular belief, acne is not something you have to simply “get through.”  Effective treatment can help reduce the risk of pigment changes and scars caused by moderate to severe acne outbreaks.

Depending on the type and underlying cause of the acne, your custom treatment plan may include:

  • Topical ointments that help kill the acne-producing bacteria or reduce the oils on your skin
  • Oral medication to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation
  • Birth control pills and other hormone-regulating medication for women
  • In-office procedures such as chemical peels for blackheads and papules, and extraction of acne cysts that don’t respond to other therapies
  • Education regarding skin care products and cleansing or moisturizing regimens that fit your skin type