Acne Treatment
at Mosaic Dermatology in West Fargo
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting people of all ages. At Mosaic Dermatology, we specialize in diagnosing and treating acne with personalized solutions to help you achieve clear, healthy skin.
What Is Acne?
Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. It can appear in various forms, ranging from mild blackheads and whiteheads to more severe cystic acne and painful nodules. While acne is most common among teenagers due to hormonal changes, it can persist or develop in adults as well.
Causes of Acne
- Excess Oil (Sebum) Production: Overactive oil glands can clog pores, leading to breakouts.
- Clogged Hair Follicles: Dead skin cells can accumulate, trapping bacteria and oil inside pores.
- Bacteria Growth: An overgrowth of Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) bacteria can trigger inflammation.
- Hormonal Fluctuations: Changes in hormone levels, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, or menstrual cycles, can lead to increased breakouts.
- Genetics: A family history of acne may increase your likelihood of developing it.
- Diet and Lifestyle Factors: High glycemic foods, stress, and poor skincare habits may exacerbate acne.
- Medications: Certain medications, including corticosteroids and hormonal treatments, can contribute to acne.
Symptoms of Acne
- Blackheads (Open Comedones): Small, darkened spots caused by clogged hair follicles.
- Whiteheads (Closed Comedones): Small, flesh-colored bumps with trapped oil and dead skin.
- Papules: Small red, inflamed bumps without pus.
- Pustules: Pimples filled with pus, often surrounded by red skin.
- Nodules: Large, painful lumps beneath the skin’s surface.
- Cysts: Deep, pus-filled lesions that can cause scarring if left untreated.
Acne Treatment Options
At Mosaic Dermatology, we offer comprehensive acne treatments tailored to your specific skin type and severity of acne. Treatment options may include:
Topical Treatments
- Prescription-strength retinoids to unclog pores and improve cell turnover.
- Benzoyl peroxide to kill acne-causing bacteria.
- Salicylic acid to exfoliate and reduce inflammation.
- Antibiotic creams to minimize bacterial overgrowth.
Oral Medications
- Antibiotics to target inflammation and bacterial infection.
- Hormonal therapies, such as birth control or anti-androgens, to regulate hormone-driven acne.
- Isotretinoin (Accutane) for severe, persistent acne resistant to other treatments.
In-Office Treatments
- Laser and Light Therapy: Targets acne bacteria and reduces inflammation (coming soon)
- Cortisone Injections: Quickly reduce inflammation in severe cystic acne.
- Extraction Procedures: Manual removal of blackheads and whiteheads to improve skin clarity.
- SkinPen® Microneedling: A minimally invasive treatment that creates micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, and skin texture.
- SkinPen® with PRP: Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): a regenerative treatment that uses your body’s own growth factors to improve skin texture, tone, and acne scarring. This minimally invasive procedure stimulates collagen production and promotes skin healing, making it an excellent option for patients looking to address acne scars and textural changes after active breakouts have resolved.
Preventing Acne and Managing Flare-Ups
While acne can be persistent, there are steps you can take to reduce breakouts:
- Cleanse your face twice daily with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser.
- Use oil-free, non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products.
- Avoid picking or popping pimples to prevent scarring and further irritation.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet low in processed sugars.
- Manage stress through healthy lifestyle habits, including exercise and adequate sleep.
- Follow your prescribed skincare and treatment regimen consistently.
When to See a Dermatologist
If over-the-counter treatments are not improving your acne or if you experience severe, painful, or scarring breakouts, seeking professional dermatological care is recommended. We can assess your skin and create a customized treatment plan to restore your confidence.
Get Expert Acne Care in West Fargo
At Mosaic Dermatology, we are dedicated to helping patients achieve clear, healthy skin. Schedule an appointment online today and take the first step toward acne-free skin.