Acne
Clearer Skin, Greater Confidence
Our dermatology team treats acne with a personalized approach, guiding
patients toward lasting skin clarity and health.
What is acne?
Acne is a skin condition that occurs from the overproduction of oil, or sebum, by the sebaceous glands. The excess oil accumulates in your hair follicle, trapping dead skin cells and debris, creating a clogged pore and the perfect environment for bacterial growth.
Your clogged pore may turn into a:
- Blackhead — open clogged pore
- Whitehead — closed clogged pore
- Papule — red, tender bump
- Pimple — papule with pus at the tip
- Nodule — solid painful lump
- Cystic lesion — painful, pus-filled lump
Acne affects people of all ages but is more common in teenagers. For some people, acne lasts years. And when your blemishes clear, you may be left with acne scars.
If you dislike how your acne affects the look of your skin, the team at Thomas Dermatology can help.
What are the treatments for acne scars?
Like acne, not all acne scars are the same. Some acne scars are depressed or pitted, while others are raised and discolored. Treatment for your acne scars depends on the scar type and location, as well as the health of your skin.
At Thomas Dermatology, the team may recommend chemical peels or Blu-U blue light therapy to reduce the appearance of acne scars. The practice also uses the innovative PicoSure® laser to treat acne scars. Dermal fillers may also help mask their appearance.
Call Thomas Dermatology or schedule your acne consultation online today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is acne and why do breakouts occur?
Acne develops when hair follicles are clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Hormones, stress, oily makeup, and some medications can trigger flare-ups. Bacteria in the pores may lead to inflammation, redness, and lesions. Because each person’s skin and biology differ, triggers and severity vary.
How does Thomas Dermatology treat active acne?
Treatments may include prescription topical creams, oral medications, and in-office procedures like chemical peels, BLU‑U® blue‑light therapy, or laser-based therapies (e.g. PicoSure®). The best plan is tailored to your skin type, acne severity, and treatment history. Responses differ by individual.
How are acne scars addressed?
After acne is controlled, depressed or pigmented scars may be improved with methods like fractional lasers, dermal fillers, or combination treatments. These approaches aim to stimulate collagen, smooth texture, and blend scars with surrounding skin. Because scar types, skin tone, and healing differ, multiple sessions and realistic expectations are important.