Acne

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles plug up with oil and dead skin cells. It’s a common problem that has many effective treatments. At Island Aesthetics & Dermatology in Coupeville, Washington, Shannon Tumblin, ARPN, Kristy Anderson, ARPN, and the expert team customize acne treatment plans, clearing up your blemishes and reducing the risk of future breakouts. For innovative acne care, call the office or schedule your acne consultation online today.

What is acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. It occurs when your skin produces excess oil (sebum) that weighs down dead skin cells and traps them inside a hair follicle, also called a pore.

When bacteria from the surface of your skin falls into the pore, it can become inflamed and infected. 

You can develop acne at any age. However, it’s more common during puberty because hormonal changes increase sebum production. 

What are the types of acne?

Acne comes in many forms. The look of your blemishes determines the type. Types of acne include:

Whiteheads
Whiteheads occur when the blocked pore remains under the skin, creating a white bump.

Blackheads
Blackheads are clogged open pores. They appear black because of how light reflects off the open pore and how the air discolors the sebum.

Papules
Papules are small, red, tender bumps under the skin. 

Pustules
Pustules, also called pimples, are pus-filled papules. 

Nodules
Nodules are large, solid blemishes that form deep under the skin. They also cause pain. 

Cystic acne
Cystic acne is a pus-filled nodule.

When should I seek dermatology care for acne?

You should seek dermatology care with the experts at Island Aesthetics & Dermatology if you have mild to moderate acne and at-home treatments fail to improve the appearance of your skin. You also need expert care for acne if it’s severe or painful.

Though acne is common, it’s not a rite of passage or something you must suffer through. Without proper treatment, acne may cause permanent scars.

The Island Aesthetics & Dermatology team takes a personalized approach to care, conducting comprehensive evaluations to fully understand your health history and skin care goals. 

What are the treatments for acne?

The team at Island Aesthetics & Dermatology customizes your acne treatment plan based on the type of blemishes you have and the severity of your acne. Treatment options for acne include:

• Topical medications
• Topical or oral antibiotics
• Treatment with Tixel®
• Isotretinoin (oral medication that decreases sebum production)
• Peels
• Facials
• Micro-needling

Even with professional help, it can take several weeks for acne to clear up. The Island Aesthetics & Dermatology team schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed.

For personalized acne care from a team who puts you first, call Island Aesthetics & Dermatology or schedule an appointment online today.