Acne Treatments

Do you or does someone in your life suffer from acne or acne scars? Is it affecting your quality of life? It doesn’t have to be that way — treatments are available. If you want the best acne treatment possible, you’re in the right place. 

Lockhart Matter Dermatology is proud to serve the Prosper, Texas area, with patients coming to us from all over, including Richardson, Garland, Plano, McKinney, Allen, Frisco, and Dallas. Start feeling good in your skin again by scheduling an acne consultation with one of our expert dermatologists.

What Causes Acne?

Acne vulgaris is the most common skin condition in the US, affecting around 40 to 50 million people at any given time. Consequently, it is one of the most common reasons patients seek professional skin care — so if you’re considering visiting a dermatologist, know you’re not alone.

Despite its prevalence, the exact causes of acne are still debated. It’s a complex, multifactorial condition that differs from individual to individual. Colonization of P. Acnes bacteria, excess sebum, inflammation, oxidative stress, and hyperkeratinization — a disorder in which dead skin cells clog hair follicles — can all play a role in acne development.

A person’s skin type, diet, lifestyle factors, hormonal changes, and even air pollution can also play a role in acne, as can genetics and family history.

Everyone gets pimples sometimes, especially teenagers. But significant acne can require treatment. Let’s take a look at the different types of acne so we can drill down into details.

What Are the Different Types of Acne?

There are several ways acne can appear, which can broadly be classified into three categories: clogged pore (comedonal) acne, inflammatory acne, and nodulocystic acne. Symptoms may include:

• Whiteheads, also called closed comedones, which result from pores being clogged with sebum and dead skin cells
• Blackheads, also called open comedones, which also come from clogged pores but are open to the air
• Papules, a type of inflammatory acne resulting from clogged pores and bacterial colonization that present as red bumps
• Pustules, similar to papules but white and containing pus 
• Nodules, which can appear white or red, are deeper and result from an inflamed clogged pore. These can be painful and hard.
• Cysts, similar to nodules, but soft to the touch, and can be both deep and painful

There are varying degrees of all forms of acne. Mild to moderate acne may go away on its own. Severe acne, like nodulocystic acne — which can cause significant breakouts and result in acne scars — should be treated by a dermatologist.

How We Treat Acne at Lockhart Matter Dermatology

We employ a broad range of treatment options for patients suffering from both active acne and acne scars. Each patient’s plan is customized to create the best acne treatment possible; we frequently combine multiple in-office procedures with at-home treatments for best results. 

Acne facial

Our acne facial relies on several different skin treatments to help reduce both acne and acne scars while improving overall skin health. This comprehensive treatment includes an exfoliation, steam, extractions, a peel, light therapy, a high-frequency wand and final application of an acne-fighting serum.

Chemical peels

Chemical peels are a type of exfoliation using alpha or beta hydroxy acid to remove dead skin and damaged skin cells. Chemical peels are available in different strengths and are effective at treating mild to moderate acne, acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation..

Extractions

Extractions help remove the sebum and dead skin that results in blackheads. We perform them during facials, using sterilized tools and our professional experience to minimize the risk of skin damage or infections. 

Light therapy

Light therapy and laser therapy have been shown to be safe and effective with little to no side effects. It can both reduce the prevalence of colonizing bacteria and inflammation. Consequently, light therapy is best used in inflammatory acne or acne scarring, often in combination with other acne treatments.

Medication

Medications can be combined with in-house treatments for maximum effect. If you suffer from moderate to severe acne that’s affecting your quality of life, prescription medications like oral antibiotics and Accutane can be effective treatments. Systemic treatments like this can have side effects, which your doctor will address in a consultation.

Microneedling

Microneedling uses a device tipped with tiny needles to prick the skin. These microwounds encourage collagen production and the growth of new healthy skin cells, smoothing acne scars and reducing hyperpigmentation. Microneedling is most effective as an acne scar treatment and is not suitable for active acne. 

Acne Products We Carry

We carry a wide variety of acne treatment products to ensure every patient gets the right treatment. The world of skin care is massive, so we’ve researched the most trustworthy companies that provide the most effective products.

EltaMD

EltaMD is well known for its sun care products, which are widely recommended by dermatologists. Limiting sun damage prevents inflammation, which can help combat acne. These fragrance-free, paraben-free products are proven not to clog pores or lead to acne. Check out EltaMD’s broad-spectrum SPF 46 and 50+ sunscreens, which are lightweight and effective for acne-prone skin. 

Revision Skincare

Revision Skincare’s research-backed, cutting-edge products are made in the USA. The purifying clay mask and AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads are effective for acne of all types. 

Skinbetter Science

An up-and-coming company committed to inclusivity, Skinbetter makes products that are suitable for all skin tones. Banner products include its AlphaRet clearing serum and professional peel system.

Topix Pharmaceuticals

Topix has been around for more than three decades, and its products are rigorously tested for stability and safety. We rely on Topix for products like the 5% benzoyl peroxide acne wash and the pore-unclogging Gly/sal pads.

ZO Skin Health

ZO Skin Health was founded by Dr. Zein Obagi, a world-renowned dermatologist. We recommend its acne control 10% benzoyl peroxide formula to help control and prevent breakouts.

What to Expect from Your Consultation

At your consultation, your dermatologist will conduct a thorough examination of your acne and determine just what the main causes for your specific case are. They’ll ask questions about your diet, lifestyle, skin care habits, potential acne triggers, and more. 

Finally, they’ll establish a unique treatment plan and skincare regimen for your acne or acne scars. Follow-up visitations will help determine what’s working and what can change to ensure you get the best outcome.

FAQ

When should I see a doctor about my acne?

If an acne outbreak has lasted more than a few weeks or continues to worsen, it may be time to see your doctor. Additionally, if you’re experiencing severe acne, especially nodulocystic acne or acne on many places of your body, we strongly suggest visiting a dermatologist.

How quickly will my acne clear up?

As acne is an individualized condition, we can’t make a sweeping generalization. However, acne treatments rarely work overnight and are instead intended as long-term and preventative care. Follow-up visits after your initial consultation will help keep your condition in check and track progress.

What types of acne are most likely to leave scars?

Severe acne, especially nodulocystic acne, is the most likely type to leave scars. The combination of inflammation, skin depth, prevalence and time untreated make scars more likely.