Acne Treatment in South Jersey

A visit to our board-certified dermatologist Dr. Robin Levin or one of our other highly qualified providers at South Jersey Skin Care & Laser Center is more than just a routine procedure. Your entire visit should be comforting and enjoyable, and our staff is well equipped to help with acne treatment or any other skin concerns you may have.

At South Jersey Skin Care, we understand the negative impact acne can have on Philadelphia and South Jersey patients’ self-esteem. Though the skin condition is incredibly common—impacting sufferers of all ages, genders, races, and skin types—it still causes embarrassment to people who deal with the eruptions and lesions they see in the mirror every day.

Acne treatment is available for any form of acne, ranging from simple to complicated cases. While it commonly appears on the face, the telltale bumps can appear elsewhere on the body, too, including on the neck, chest, and back. We can help to manage the problem and clear up problem spots no matter where they appear.

Acne symptoms begin to appear when a pore in the skin becomes clogged, creating a tiny pocket of oil that can create ideal conditions for Acne vulgaris bacteria to multiply. Doctors have long been aware of this process, but are still unsure as to what is the specific trigger. A variety of factors—including hormones, diet, stress levels, and genetics—all play a part, which is why there is no single acne treatment option that is effective for every person.

The mildest symptoms are known as whiteheads and blackheads. The difference between the two depends on whether the top of the plugged pore is open to the air or not. If completely sealed off, the fluid inside stays a whitish color. If exposed, the fluid darkens to create a small black dot. Gentle, regular washing and skin care may be the only treatment necessary for these symptoms, but acne treatment from a dermatologist is available, even at this stage.

An increasingly irritated blocked pore can rupture and grow inflamed, leading to what is known as a papule or pustule. A papule is a small bump, and many together can give the skin a rough-feeling texture as white blood cells fill multiple pores to fight the infections. As time goes by, a buildup of white blood cells can push up and raise the bumps even more, creating pustules that erupt through the surface. The intensity of the case typically determines the intensity of the acne treatment, though the problem may resolve naturally, even at this stage. The healing process can lead to the development of macules, which gradually fade but can become inflamed or lead to new flare-ups if disturbed. Home remedies are available for treating papules and pustules, but many people seek out acne treatment from a qualified dermatologist to ensure the irritating problem does not continue to grow.

Acne treatment is very frequently sought for the most severe forms: cysts and nodules. Cysts form as plugged pores swell beneath the surface, creating sometimes painful bumps filled with pus. If a follicle totally collapses, it forms a nodule, which is harder and often deeper than a cyst. Great care should be taken with these types of acne symptoms, as they can leave behind visible scarring, even after a successful acne treatment.

Remember that all of these come from the same source: a specific bacteria that can multiply under ideal conditions in the skin, with symptoms that can increase in intensity due to a variety of environmental factors.

Note that you should never pick at or squeeze a pimple, as this can lead to irritation and infection. While pore walls can rupture on their own, attacking acne outbreaks with your own fingers can exacerbate the problem and even lead to scarring. Mild or moderate problems can become larger ones as inflammation increases. This is why patients should seek acne treatment from a skin care expert.

The South Jersey Skin Care team has many tools and treatments they use to clear up skin. Microdermabrasion, which gently exfoliates the outermost layer of skin away, may improve certain cases of acne by helping to open clogged pores. It can also reduce the appearance of minor scars. Similarly, a chemical peel may be used as an acne treatment. A Clarifying Salicylic Peel, for instance, is good at cleaning up blackheads and whiteheads, while the Rejuvenize Peel helps with mild acne scarring.

Microneedling, which prompts the body to make new collagen and improve skin tone and health, can even out moderate acne scars as it improves overall texture and shrinks pores.

Not every instance of red bumps developing on the face is a case of acne. Treatment of specific symptoms may have little to no effect if those symptoms are not properly diagnosed. To ensure a qualified assessment and effective treatment plan, visit a professional. The team at South Jersey Skin Care & Laser Center can identify your unique skin condition and determine whether it is acne in need of treatment, or the similar-looking rosacea, which is a red, rash-like disease with no cure, but can be managed.

The team is committed to total skin health and can recommend skin care products for use at home, as well as perform relaxing spa facials and more, all of which can help with acne and a variety of other medical and cosmetic skin problems. We even offer an acne treatment facial especially for teens, designed to extract unwanted material from the face and apply antibacterial products to keep new cases of acne at bay.