Acne

Acne happens when pores become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and deeper bumps. It is the most common skin condition in the United States and affects adults as well as teens.

Acne can be treated. Our providers build a plan around your skin type, the kind of acne you have and what you have already tried, and adjust it based on your response.

Types of acne

• Blackheads and whiteheads
• Red, tender pimples
• Deep, painful bumps and cysts
• Breakouts along the jaw and chin, often linked to hormones
• Acne on the chest, back and shoulders

How we treat it

• Topical treatments: retinoids, benzoyl peroxide and other medicines. Topical antibiotics are generally paired with benzoyl peroxide to help limit antibiotic resistance.
• Oral medicines: limited courses of antibiotics, generally combined with benzoyl peroxide and other topical treatment; selected patients may benefit from combined birth control pills or spironolactone.
• Isotretinoin (Accutane): for severe acne or acne that has not responded to other treatment
• AviClear: a laser treatment for mild, moderate and severe acne
• In-office treatments: extractions, chemical peels and steroid injections for painful cysts
• Scar prevention and treatment: see acne scar treatment

Where it is offered

Acne Q&A

Related care

• Isotretinoin (Accutane)
• AviClear
• Acne scar treatment
• Rosacea
• Perioral dermatitis