Expert Acne Treatments You Can Only Get From a Dermatologist

By Valerie Hanft, MD – Board-Certified Dermatologist

Hi, I’m Dr. Valerie Hanft, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in both medical and pediatric dermatology. Over the years, I’ve helped many patients struggling with acne—whether it’s occasional breakouts, stubborn cysts, or long-term scarring. In this article, I’ll walk you through the causes of acne and the most effective treatments we use in dermatology to help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.

Why Acne Happens — and to Whom

Acne is a complex skin condition that can affect people of all ages—not just teenagers. While it’s most common during puberty, due to hormonal fluctuations, adult acne is on the rise and often tied to factors like stress, hormonal imbalances, or skincare habits.

Several underlying causes can contribute to breakouts: hormonal changes, especially during adolescence, pregnancy, or menstrual cycles; genetics (if your parents had acne, you’re more likely to experience it too); diet, particularly high-glycemic foods like sugary snacks, white bread, and dairy; and lifestyle factors such as stress, poor sleep, or heavy use of oily cosmetics. Environmental influences like humidity, sweat, and pollution can also aggravate acne-prone skin.

No two cases are exactly alike, which is why personalized care from a certified dermatologist can make such a difference.

Prescription-Strength Topical Treatments

These formulations contain higher concentrations of active ingredients compared to drugstore options and are tailored to your skin’s unique needs.

• Retinoids (like tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene) help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and promote skin cell turnover.
   
• Topical antibiotics, such as clindamycin and erythromycin, combat acne-causing bacteria and calm redness.

•  Azelaic acid offers anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits while also helping to lighten dark spots left by acne.

Prescription Oral Medications

For more severe acne, especially when inflammation or hormonal imbalances are involved, oral treatments can be highly effective.

• Oral antibiotics (e.g., doxycycline or minocycline) reduce inflammation and bacteria from within.
•  Hormonal therapy like spironolactone can be especially helpful for women with hormonally driven breakouts.
• Isotretinoin (commonly known as Accutane) is a powerful, transformative treatment for severe cystic acne—but it requires careful monitoring by a dermatologist due to potential side effects. I often guide patients through this journey safely and with long-term results in mind.

Acne treatment – before and after.

In-Office Procedures for Quicker Results

Dermatologists offer a range of advanced procedures that accelerate acne clearance and improve skin texture:

• Chemical Peels: Medical-grade peels using salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or trichloroacetic acid (TCA) help exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and fade acne scars.
• Laser and Light Therapy: Blue light and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy kill bacteria and reduce inflammation, while laser treatments target deeper layers of the skin to improve acne scars.
• Steroid Injections: For painful, deep cystic acne, dermatologists can inject corticosteroids directly into lesions to rapidly shrink them within 24-48 hours.
• HydraFacial and Microdermabrasion: These treatments deeply cleanse pores and remove dead skin cells, reducing breakouts and blackheads.

Personalized Acne Scar Treatments

Even after acne clears, scars and hyperpigmentation can linger. Dermatologists offer cutting-edge solutions like:

• Microneedling with PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Uses tiny needles to stimulate collagen and heal scars.
• CO2 and Fractional Laser Resurfacing: Smooths out deep acne scars by promoting new skin cell growth.
• Dermal Fillers: Used to lift depressed acne scars for a more even skin texture.

What Not to Do After Acne Treatment

Treating acne is just the first step—maintaining results requires ongoing care and avoiding certain common mistakes.

• Don’t stop treatment prematurely. Many patients feel better after a few weeks and stop their regimen too soon. Acne is a chronic condition for many people and requires consistency.

• Avoid picking or squeezing blemishes, which can lead to more inflammation, scarring, and pigment changes.

• Don’t overload your skin with too many products—especially harsh scrubs, alcohol-based toners, or “miracle cures” trending online. These can irritate the skin and worsen acne.

• Avoid tanning beds or unprotected sun exposure after procedures like peels or lasers. Sun damage can hinder healing and cause pigment changes.

• Stick to a dermatologist-approved skincare routine, including gentle cleansers, non-comedogenic moisturizers, and sunscreen.

A healthy lifestyle—balanced diet, regular sleep, and stress management—also goes a long way in keeping acne at bay.

Why See a Dermatologist for Acne Treatment?

Dermatology is more than just treating symptoms—it’s about understanding the why behind your acne and creating a plan tailored to your skin and lifestyle. Whether you’re dealing with hormonal acne, persistent cysts, or long-standing scars, I work closely with each patient to find what truly works for them.

If you’ve been cycling through countless products without success, I encourage you to schedule a consultation. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but with expert guidance, long-term results are absolutely possible.

 

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Clearer Skin?

If you’re dealing with acne or other skin concerns, expert help is just a click away. I offer comprehensive dermatologic care through convenient telehealth appointments, allowing you to receive a personalized consultation, treatment plan, and follow-up—all from the comfort of your home.

Whether you’re managing persistent breakouts, exploring prescription options, or looking for guidance on skincare routines, my virtual practice makes high-quality dermatology accessible and efficient.

Don’t wait to get the care you need—schedule your online consultation today and take the first step toward clearer, healthier skin with a board-certified dermatologist you can trust.