Acne Treatment

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What is Acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that affects people of all ages. It appears in various forms, including whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and cysts. While typically associated with teenagers, acne can also affect adults.
What Causes Acne?
Acne develops when pores become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Several factors contribute to this process, including:
- Excess oil and dead skin cell production clog pores, causing breakouts.
- Hormonal changes occur during puberty and menstruation.
- Bacteria that live on the skin can worsen inflammation and cause pimples.
- A family history of acne can increase your likelihood of developing it.
- Diet: In some individuals, foods higher in dairy and or sugar may trigger or worsen acne.
Treating Acne
At Oak Dermatology, our expert dermatologists will design a personalized treatment plan based on the type, severity, and underlying causes of your acne. Treatment often involves a combination of at-home skin care, prescription medications, and in-office treatments for optimal results.
At-home skin care routines:
A consistent skincare routine using medical-grade products helps:
- Control excess oil production
- Remove dead skin cells
- Keep pores clean and clear
Prescription medications:
Our dermatologists may prescribe:
- Antibiotics to reduce bacteria and inflammation
- Salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide to unclog pores and prevent breakouts
- Retinoids to regulate oil production and speed up skin cell turnover
In Office Treatments:
For more stubborn or persistent acne, we offer advanced laser therapies, including:
- AviClear™: An FDA-approved device that targets oil glands to treat acne at the source. This minimally invasive treatment consists of three 30-minute sessions, spaced one month apart.
- TheraClear®: an in-office treatment that combines a vacuum to unclog pores and broadband light to kill bacteria. This procedure reduces redness and improves overall skin clarity and texture with no downtime.
- IPL (intense pulsed light): Helps reduce acne-related redness and pigmentation
- Chemical Peels: PCA and VI peels

Acne Treatment
FAQs
Over-the-counter medications may help mild acne, but they typically are not effective for treating moderate or severe acne.
The DRP Method is a unique approach to treating acne on a cellular level, addressing the root cause of the problem for long-lasting results.
AviClear™ is an FDA-approved laser treatment for mild, moderate, and severe acne. It uses laser light to target and suppress the oil glands that contribute to acne breakouts.
A typical AviClear™ treatment plan at Oak Dermatology includes three 30-minute sessions spaced about a month apart.
It is possible for stress to worsen acne. Stress is caused by hormonal fluctuations, which increase oil production and trigger breakouts.
You should never pop pimples. Popping pimples contributes to acne scarring and adds more bacteria to the skin’s surface.
If acne is worsening or becoming painful, or if your over-the-counter routine is not helping, it is time to visit a dermatologist.
At Oak Dermatology, our providers would love to help you find the best products for you based on acne severity and your skin type.
Yes, acne can leave scarring. Early treatment of acne is key to reducing the risk of scarring. If scarring does appear, Oak Dermatology has solutions to treat acne scars.