Acne Treatments

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Los Angeles and Santa Monica, CA

Acne Treatments Dr. Sandra Oska Dermatology Institute & Skin Care Center

Teen acne is a chronic and inflammatory skin condition that is typically triggered by the hormonal fluctuations teens experience during puberty. While acne commonly occurs during one’s teenage years, it can persist or even develop later in life. When pores or hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells, oil, or bacteria, this can cause pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, cysts, pustules, and other blemishes to develop. (1) Many teen and adult patients seek acne treatments to improve the health of their skin and also to improve their self-esteem.

Dr. Sandra Oska is a dermatologist at the Dermatology Institute & Skin Care Center who specializes in adult, pediatric, and surgical dermatology. She is deeply passionate about cosmetic dermatology and is committed to helping each individual achieve their goals.

Dr. Joshua Hekmatjah is a dermatologist with extensive training and experience helping patients improve the appearance and health of their skin. He has completed and authored research on several dermatological conditions and concerns, demonstrating his dedication to providing excellent evidence-based care.

To schedule a personal consultation with either Dr. Oska or Dr. Hekmatjah and start your or your teen’s acne treatment, please call our Santa Monica office at (310) 829-4104 or contact us online!

About Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that is primarily observed in adolescents and young adults, with 85% of affected individuals ranging between the ages of 12 and 24. (2) Acne often develops around puberty, when the body starts undergoing physical and hormonal changes. One of these changes includes the increased production of androgen, a male sex hormone that increases the skin’s sebum production. (3) Sebum is a natural oil that keeps the skin moisturized, but it can build up and cause acne breakouts.

During one’s teenage years, the development of acne can be a source of insecurity and self-consciousness. Both Dr. Oska and Dr. Hekmatjah understand how important it is for both teen and adult patients to feel like their best selves. They offer a wide range of acne treatments to effectively target various acne symptoms for both teens and adults.

Types of Acne

Hormonal Acne

Teen acne is often a variation of hormonal acne. Hormonal acne is caused by fluctuations in one’s hormonal levels, which can alter the amount of oil produced in the skin. Hormonal acne can also be caused by a variety of other factors, including puberty, stress, lack of sleep, menstruation, pregnancy, or even as a side effect of a medical condition.

Cystic Acne

Cystic acne is considered one of the most severe forms of acne and often appears as a painful bulge. Similar to nodular acne, cystic acne is very prone to scarring and hyperpigmentation, and should be treated by a professional.

Pustular Acne

Pustules, or pustular acne, are pimples filled with yellow pus. These occur when a pore becomes clogged and inflamed, but the walls of the pore break down, causing white blood cells to enter and form pus. (3) Popping these pimples on one’s own can lead to scarring or more severe breakouts.

Nodular Acne

Nodular acne occurs deep beneath the skin and often manifests as firm or solid lumps. (1)

Nodular acne is more likely to cause scarring and hyperpigmentation and is considered a more severe form of acne. It is usually caused by infections deep within the pore and should be treated by a professional.

Comedonal Acne

Comedones are non-inflammatory lesions that can be found on the forehead, chin, or cheeks. Comedones can either be open or closed, also known as blackheads or whiteheads. Blackheads, or open comedones, visibly appear darker due to the oxidation of the accumulated sebum. Whiteheads remain closed and can be identified by a lack of visible opening. (1)

Benefits of Acne Treatments

Treating acne can provide numerous improvements, including:

  • Reduction in Breakouts: By properly addressing their skin concerns, patients can minimize recurring breakouts.
  • Clearer Skin: Undergoing acne treatments can result in a clearer complexion, restoring a healthier skin tone and texture.
  • Acne Scar Treatment and Prevention: Several of our treatments can diminish existing scars, leading to smoother skin and more refined pores. Meanwhile, professionally treating acne can reduce the risk of scarring.
  • Enhanced Skincare Routine: Professional guidance can help individuals establish effective, long-term skincare habits.
  • Enhanced Confidence: Gaining control over acne can help improve self-esteem and confidence, allowing you to feel more comfortable in your everyday life.

Candidates

Suitable candidates for our acne treatments include those experiencing persistent or recurring breakouts that will not respond to standard products or treatments. Dr. Oska and Dr. Hekmatjah both offer acne treatments not only for teens, but for any patient experiencing these skin concerns.

Patients with scarring from previous acne or those predisposed to scarring in general are also highly recommended to seek professional guidance to prevent scarring from worsening. Dr. Oska and Dr. Hekmatjah will determine each patient’s candidacy for all of our treatments during their consultation.

Personal Consultation

The first step to clearer skin is attending a consultation. During this consultation, Dr. Oska and Dr. Hekmatjah will help you or your teen find the best treatments and products to address each skin concern. They will also ask about the patient’s medical history, skincare routine, and concerns. Both dermatologists will examine acne symptoms as well. With this information, we will recommend the most effective products or treatments for each patient.

To schedule a personal consultation with either one of our dermatologists at our Santa Monica office, please call (310) 829-4104 or contact us online!

Treatment Options

As acne specialists, Dr. Oska and Dr. Hekmatjah have expertise in a wide variety of treatment options and techniques, ranging from skincare products to more extensive treatments like laser or chemical peels.

Salicylic Acid Peel

Our salicylic acid peel is a topical treatment that uses salicylic acid to restore a clearer, more even appearance to the skin. This treatment helps regenerate and exfoliate the outermost layers of the skin, and can reduce the appearance of acne, sun damage, freckles, and more. Salicylic acid has one of the longest histories in skincare and has been used to treat various skin disorders for over 2,000 years. (4) Our salicylic acid peels are offered as a series to help you achieve a glowing appearance, with the first peel being free.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a type of acne treatment that utilizes laser technology to address skin imperfections. Various types of lasers can reduce the appearance of skin blemishes, acne scars, as well as wrinkles or fine lines. Specifically, the Excel V+ laser is used to treat inflammatory acne and acne scars.

Skincare Products

We offer a wide range of skincare products that can be recommended to patients as an addition to a skincare routine to help reduce and prevent acne. Common skincare products include:

  • Cleansers: Cleansers remove residue, dirt, oil, and other particles from the skin. This helps clear any clogged pores, preventing breakouts in the process.
  • Exfoliants: Exfoliants remove dead cells from the surface of the skin, promoting cellular turnover and enhancing its overall texture. Exfoliants can either be chemical or physical. Chemical exfoliants use gentle acids and enzymes to chemically dissolve the bonds of the cells, while physical exfoliants contain small, abrasive granules to manually clear away dead cells.
  • Toners: Toners are water-based products that are applied to help hydrate and rebalance the pH of the skin. Toners are each formulated differently, with many that offer benefits like skin brightening or enhanced hydration.
  • Moisturizers: Moisturizers help enhance and hydrate the skin’s barrier. Dry skin can lead to flaking and redness, or even an overproduction of oil, which can lead to breakouts.
  • Serums: Serums are lightweight products that help deliver active ingredients into deeper layers of the skin. Certain serums contain acne-fighting ingredients.

Prescription Topical Medications

Prescription topical medications are creams or ointments that are directly applied to the skin to treat acne. We offer topical retinoids for treating breakouts by regulating oil production, diminishing inflammation, and addressing the acne that causes bacteria.

Oral Prescription Medications

Oral prescription medications are typically recommended for acne patients with more moderate to severe cases. Oral prescriptions can address the root cause of acne, such as inflammation, hormonal fluctuations, or bacteria. There are many different oral medications available, with the most common being oral contraceptives, spironolactone, isotretinoin, and antibiotics.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are chemical solutions that exfoliate the skin to improve its overall texture and tone. By encouraging regeneration, chemical peels can restore a more radiant and youthful-looking complexion. Chemical peels can range in strength and pH, and can be offered as an acne treatment as they remove dead skin cells and excess oil that could otherwise lead to clogged pores and breakouts.

Intralesional Injections

Intralesional injections involve injecting medication directly into an affected area of skin to help improve its comfort or appearance. These injections can be used to help treat a number of skin concerns, such as acne cysts, excess scar tissue, and more. The most common medications injected tend to be steroids, but this may vary depending on your particular case. (5)

Cost of Teen Acne Treatments in Santa Monica and Los Angeles

The cost of each patient’s acne treatment can vary, depending on the type of treatment being performed, the type of acne being treated, and the severity of concerns. Your dermatologist will discuss the pricing of each patient’s acne treatment with them once a treatment plan has been established.

To schedule a personal consultation and learn more about the cost of your acne treatment, please call (310) 829-4104 or contact us online!

FAQ

What causes acne?

Acne can arise from a variety of different factors, such as clogged hair follicles, excessive oil production, dead skin cells, and bacterial growth. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations, stress, and certain medications can contribute to the appearance of acne.

How long will it take to treat my acne?

Each timeline will depend on the type of treatment administered and the type of acne being addressed. Topical treatments can take several weeks to start showing results, while other options, like laser therapy, may require multiple sessions for optimal outcomes.

Will I be stuck with acne scars?

Some individuals may develop scars from severe cases of acne, but early and consistent treatments can reduce this risk.

Is there any way to get rid of acne in one day?

Treatments like our intralesional injections can be administered directly to pustules and papules to eliminate their appearance immediately.

Is acne a teenager-only problem?

No, acne is not exclusive to adolescents and is prevalent among adults as well, often linked to hormonal changes or stress. Adult acne can differ in presentation and requires specialized approaches and treatment methods.

Can I treat acne at home?

Yes, home-based treatments can be effective for mild acne. However, persistent cases should be addressed through professional consultation for tailored therapies.

References

  1. Sutaria AH, Schlessinger J. Acne vulgaris. National Library of Medicine. Published August 17, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/
  2. Wong CM, Guo C, Scheufele CJ, et al. Presentations of Cutaneous Disease in Various Skin Pigmentations: Acne Vulgaris – Comedonal Acne. HCA healthcare journal of medicine (Online). 2024;5(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.36518/2689-0216.1634
  3. Acne: Overview. Nih.gov. Published July 28, 2016. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279211/
  4. Arif T. Salicylic Acid as a Peeling agent: a Comprehensive Review. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. 2015;8(2015):455-461. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s84765
  5. UK) A. Intralesional corticosteroids for the treatment of individual acne vulgaris lesions. Nih.gov. Published June 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573050/