Acne in Webster, TX

Impacting roughly 60 million people in the U.S. each year, acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the country. Often, many patients with mild cases of acne control it with medication or a consistent at-home cleansing program. However, many other patients have it so bad that scarring occurs. Acne is normally characterized by several symptoms, including pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and small cysts. You may also experience red, itchy, or swollen areas on your skin. Acne is caused by a combination of clogged pores, dead skin cells, and bacteria. It most commonly occurs in teenagers but can also affect adults as old as 40 years of age. Acne most often appears on the face, chest, and back. To help your complexion look clear and healthy, our dermatologists at Clear Lake Dermatology in League City or Webster, TX offer numerous treatment choices, ranging from personalized at-home cleansing systems to prescription drugs and laser treatments.

A "flare-up" of acne may happen for lots of different reasons, including hormonal fluctuations associated with puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. During puberty, your symptoms may worsen because of hormonal changes that cause an increase in oil production. Other causes of acne include certain medications (like the birth control pill and corticosteroids), stress, genetics, and an unhealthy diet that includes excessive sugar or carbohydrates. After determining the underlying cause for your acne, our dermatologists will develop the best treatment plan to address your needs.

Symptoms of the condition vary and depend on the kind of acne you have and how severe it is. Blemishes are common characteristics of acne and present themselves in many different forms: whiteheads, cysts, pustules, papules, nodules, and blackheads. Other symptoms associated with acne include discoloration and permanent scars. Everyone's acne condition is unique and ranges from mild to severe. However, our dermatologists can assess your skin and provide the best treatment for you.

Clear Lake Dermatology offers many approaches to treat and reduce acne symptoms. For milder cases of acne, prescription medications — like topical creams that contain salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, or retinoids — may help. Additionally, we can prescribe oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline, minocycline, or doxycycline. Besides medication, laser treatments can also help. Not only can a laser treatment deep clean and remove dead skin cells under the dermal layer, but it can also decrease redness and other pigmentation issues. Depending on the severity of your acne and the type, chemical peels and extractions may provide relief from your symptoms.

Can certain foods trigger acne breakouts?

Most often, specific foods do not cause acne flare-ups. Instead, they occur because of hormonal changes, which encourage the body to create more sebum and clog the pores. However, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology has published several articles that may link a diet high in dairy products to triggering acne breakouts.

If I have acne, should I avoid wearing makeup?

While you don't have to avoid cosmetics altogether, we may suggest trying different products to avoid irritating your skin. Additionally, we recommend using cosmetics or products that mention "non-comedogenic" in the label. This means that it won't block your pores.

Does my acne occur because I don't clean my face often enough?

Not at all. In fact, acne skin care requires a delicate balance of cleansing techniques (not scrubbing too hard), avoiding astringents with alcohol bases, and focusing on high-quality products for sensitive skin.

For Clear Lake patients who are tired of covering their acne with cosmetics or enduring the physical discomfort, humiliation, and emotional stress that can come from this skin condition, we recommend contacting Clear Lake Dermatology in Webster or League City, TX to schedule a consultation. We'll provide a comprehensive skin assessment and create a tailored treatment plan to help clear up your complexion as quickly as possible.