Acne Specialist

Alexander D Stein, MD, FAAD, FASDS, FASMS - - Dermatologist

Stein Academy of Advanced Dermatology and Skin Surgery

Alexander D Stein, MD, FAAD, FASDS, FASMS

Dermatologist & Mohs Surgery located in Chula Vista, CA & LV, Las Vegas, NV

Acne affects up to 50 million Americans every year. Whether mild or severe, acne may have a profound effect on your self-confidence and self-esteem, but with advances in treatment options, you can get clearer skin. At Stein Dermatology and Skin Surgery in Chula Vista, California, board-certified dermatologist Alexander Stein MD, FAAD, FASDS, and the team develop individualized treatment plans for acne. They also offer innovative laser treatments to clear up blemishes quickly. To schedule your acne consultation, call the office or book online today.

Acne Q & A

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition that involves your skin’s oil glands and hair follicles. 

When your oil glands produce too much oil, the dead skin cells clump together and plug the pore. Bacteria usually found on your skin’s surface may get trapped in your pore and multiply, causing the pore to swell. 

There are many types of acne, including:

  • Whiteheads — closed, clogged pore
  • Blackheads — open, clogged pore
  • Pimples — red tender bumps with pus at the tip
  • Nodules — large painful lumps
  • Cystic acne — painful pus-filled lumps

Acne most often affects the face, back, neck, chest, and shoulders. Though not considered a serious medical issue, acne can affect your appearance and self-esteem. 

What causes acne?

The exact cause of acne is under investigation, but doctors theorize that the skin condition may develop from various factors:

  • Hormonal changes
  • Genetics
  • Use of certain medications
  • Wearing pore-clogging makeup

Dirty skin, greasy food, and chocolate don’t cause acne. However, stress, high humidity, and pollution may worsen your skin condition.

When should I seek medical help for my acne?

Though there are many effective over-the-counter treatments for acne, they don’t work for everyone. If your acne fails to improve with your at-home care, the team at Stein Dermatology and Skin Surgery can help. 

Letting your acne run its course may increase your risk of developing acne scars. The skin care experts at Stein Dermatology and Skin Surgery specialize in acne and develop personalized treatment plans to clear up your blemishes and improve the appearance of your skin. 

How is acne treated?

Though there are many effective treatments for clearing up acne, no single method works for all. The team at Stein Dermatology and Skin Surgery works closely with you to develop a treatment plan that helps you get the best results.

Acne treatment options include:

  • Retinoid creams to prevent pores from clogging
  • Antibiotics to reduce bacteria that leads to inflammation (oral or topical)
  • Azelaic acid antibacterial cream
  • Salicylic acid to prevent clogged pores
  • Dapsone to reduce inflammatory acne 
  • Oral contraceptives to balance hormones

Stein Dermatology and Skin Surgery also uses the innovative Aerolase® laser to treat acne. The advanced laser tool effectively destroys the bacteria on your skin while stimulating collagen production to repair your damaged skin. 

With the Aerolase laser, you can expect a significant reduction in blemishes and improvement in any visible acne scars. 

Don’t let your acne dictate how you look or feel. Contact Stein Dermatology and Skin Surgery by phone or online to schedule your acne consultation today.