Conveniently located to serve Naples, Bonita Springs, and Estero
Though acne is typically seen as something people have to deal with in their teens, people of all ages can struggle with it.
Treating acne in Naples, Bonita Springs, and Estero can be challenging, time-consuming, and expensive. Acne can be painful, cause self-image issues, and cause permanent damage to the skin by leaving noticeable acne scars. Some products and treatments provide little to no results. Other, more expensive options can help, but once you stop using them, the problem recurs. Many people spend a large portion of their adult lives searching for effective acne treatment.
At Houck Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists provide comprehensive acne treatment solutions that address the root causes of breakouts while preventing future scarring and skin damage.
What Is Acne?
Acne is an inflammatory skin condition caused by a buildup of bacteria in the skin. This buildup causes an infection, forming blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and larger pus-filled lumps. The typical cause of this infection is clogged follicles on the face.
Follicles are connected to oil glands, which allow the oil produced by the glands to reach the surface of the skin through the pores on the face. Sometimes, the follicle can become clogged by the buildup of dead skin cells, oil, and hair. Bacteria begin to grow and collect within the clogged follicle and cause an infection, which can result in swelling, redness, and the buildup of pus.
What Causes Acne?
Several factors can contribute to the severity and frequency of acne. Some of these factors are avoidable, while others may be difficult to control. Anything that causes excess oil production can increase the severity and likelihood of developing acne.
Certain hormones can cause oil glands to produce excess amounts of oil, which increases the chances of developing a clogged follicle. This is why puberty causes so many people to experience acne during their teen years. Pregnancy and certain medications can also cause people to develop acne due to their effects on hormone production.
While additional research is required to understand how a person’s diet causes acne, research has shown that certain foods can trigger or worsen the symptoms of acne. Stress has also been shown to be a factor that can cause an increase in acne.
Genetics also plays a role. In cases where both parents suffered from acne, the likelihood of their child experiencing acne is increased.
Why Professional Acne Care Matters
Professional acne treatment goes beyond surface-level management to address the biological processes that create breakouts. Our board-certified dermatologists can identify the specific type of acne you’re experiencing and prescribe prescription-strength medications that provide faster, more effective results than drugstore alternatives.
Early professional intervention prevents the development of acne scarring, which can be difficult and expensive to treat once it forms. Additionally, dermatologists can distinguish between acne and other skin conditions that may appear similar but require different treatment approaches.
Personalized Acne Treatment Options
We offer advanced and proven acne treatments. Our specialists will assess your skin and medical history to create a personalized regimen.
Treatment options may include:
- Topical Therapies: Our premium skincare products are applied directly to the skin and may include retinoids to normalize skin cell shedding, benzoyl peroxide to reduce bacteria and inflammation, and topical antibiotics to control bacterial growth.
- Oral Medications: For more widespread or severe acne, oral antibiotics can reduce bacteria and inflammation. Hormonal therapies may be considered for women whose acne is linked to hormonal fluctuations. Isotretinoin is a powerful oral retinoid reserved for severe, nodular acne that has not responded to other treatments.
- In-Office Procedures:
- Chemical Peels: A chemical solution is applied to the skin to exfoliate the outer layers, helping to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and improve skin texture. This procedure can be beneficial for both active acne and acne scars.
- Microneedling: This procedure uses fine needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating collagen production and improving the appearance of acne scars and overall skin texture.
- Acne Extractions: Performed by a trained professional, extractions carefully remove blackheads and whiteheads to clear clogged pores and prevent further inflammation.
- Laser and Light Therapies: Various laser and light devices can target acne-causing bacteria, reduce oil production, or diminish redness and scarring.
Your Acne Treatment Journey
Effective acne treatment begins with a comprehensive skin evaluation to identify your acne type, severity, and contributing factors. Your dermatologist will assess your medical history, skincare routine, and lifestyle factors that may influence your skin condition.
Treatment plans typically start with foundational therapies and progress to more advanced options if needed. Most patients see initial improvement within six to eight weeks, with continued progress over three to four months. Regular follow-up appointments allow for treatment adjustments based on your skin’s response and any side effects you may experience.
Once initial clearing is achieved, maintenance therapy prevents acne recurrence. This phase often involves simplified treatment regimens that maintain clear skin without the intensity of initial treatment protocols.
Acne Treatment Cost
The cost of acne treatment depends on several factors. The number of sessions and the severity of the cosmetic issues being addressed will influence the final price.
Meet Your Local Skin Experts at Houck Dermatology
Our dermatology team combines extensive medical training with years of clinical experience treating acne across all age groups and skin types. We stay current with the latest acne research and treatment innovations to provide our Southwest Florida patients with the most effective care.
Located conveniently in the Naples–Bonita Springs area, our practice serves patients throughout Southwest Florida with comprehensive dermatological services extending beyond acne treatment, including preventive skin care, skin cancer screening, and cosmetic dermatology procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does acne treatment take to show results?
Most patients notice initial improvement within 6-8 weeks of starting treatment, with significant clearing typically occurring over 3-4 months of consistent therapy.
Can adults develop acne for the first time?
Yes, adult-onset acne is increasingly common, particularly in women experiencing hormonal changes related to pregnancy, menopause, or stress.
Will acne treatment work for all skin types?
Professional acne treatments can be customized for all skin types and tones, with dermatologists selecting specific medications and procedures based on individual skin characteristics.
Can I wear makeup while treating acne?
Non-comedogenic makeup products are generally safe to use during acne treatment. Your dermatologist can recommend specific brands and formulations that won’t interfere with your treatment plan.
Will my acne come back after treatment?
Many patients achieve long-term clear skin with proper maintenance therapy. Once initial clearing is completed, your dermatologist will develop a maintenance plan to prevent future breakouts.
Schedule a Consultation
Please contact Houck Dermatology today if you have any questions about acne treatment in Estero, Naples, or Bonita Springs, or if you would like to schedule a consultation at Houck Dermatology. We will build the ideal treatment plan to help you achieve smoother, more radiant skin.