Acne Treatment (Pimples and Blackheads) in Dallas, TX

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the United States that affects nearly 60 million people each year. Many acne cases are mild or moderate and can be well controlled with topical and possibly oral medications and a consistent skin care regimen.  However, many individuals have it so severely that scarring can occur, and they may need a course of accutane. Acne generally is a mix of pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, small cysts, and other red, itchy, and inflamed areas on the skin. Caused by a combination of clogged pores, dead skin cells, and bacteria, it is often seen in teenagers as well as many adults. Acne most commonly appears on the face, chest, and back. To return the skin to a healthy, glowing appearance, seasoned dermatologist Dr. Adean Kingston of Adean Kingston, M.D., PLLC in Dallas, Texas can offer numerous treatment options, ranging from topical and oral medications to steroid injections and laser treatments.

A "flare up" of acne can occur for a number of different reasons, including hormonal fluctuations most commonly associated with puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. In addition, certain medications and drugs (such as testosterone therapy) can cause acne, as well as stress and a poor skin care regimen. Once the exact cause of acne is diagnosed, a proper treatment plan can be established.

Acne symptoms vary in conjunction with the type of acne you have and its severity. Blemishes are a common, obvious symptom of acne and come in many distinct forms, such as blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, pustules, papules and nodules. Each individual case of acne ranges from mild to severe and needs to be treated accordingly. Studies have shown that acne can also create emotional symptoms like low self-esteem and depression. Other skin issues associated with acne are dark spots and permanent scars left on the skin after the acne lesions resolve, so treating acne as early as possible is very important.

Candidates for acne treatment may have tried numerous over-the-counter treatments without success. They may have active and recurring acne that is not showing improvement. During a consultation at our Dallas, TX facility, Dr. Kingston will evaluate your skin and determine the best course of treatment for you. You will also attend follow-up appointments so that your personalized treatment plan can be adjusted as needed for your best results. 

Acne can be influenced by various factors, including hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy, which can increase oil production in the skin. Genetics also play a role, as individuals with a family history of acne are more likely to develop it. Other risk factors include using oil-based cosmetics, certain medications, high levels of stress, and diets high in refined sugars or dairy products, which can trigger or worsen breakouts.

Research shows that over-the-counter medications don't treat many cases of acne effectively. Adean Kingston, M.D., PLLC offers numerous treatment options to control and manage acne and clear your skin. For milder cases of acne, prescription medications such as topical creams that contain sulfur, retinoids, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide can help. There are also oral antibiotics, such as doxycycline, minocycline, or tetracycline that are effective to use. Use of oral contraceptives and spironolactone can work well for females experiencing acne as well as accutane for all individuals with severe acne. In addition to topical and oral prescriptions, laser treatments are used to reduce the appearance of scarring, redness and other pigmentation issues that remain after the acne lesions have resolved. Chemical peels and other treatments discussed during your consultation with Dr. Kingston can also help, depending on the type of acne you are experiencing.

Can acne on other parts of the body (besides the face) be treated as well?

Yes, it can. The treatments offered by Dr. Kingston can be effectively used on other body areas like the back, chest, and more.

Can acne be permanently cured?

Unfortunately, while acne can be reduced and managed, there is no "permanent" cure for acne. Almost everyone will experience some degree of acne at different times in their life. For some, it can be severe. For others (a lucky few), acne is rarely, if ever, a problem. That's why Dr. Kingston provides a multi-spectrum approach to treating acne that can be customized to your specific needs.

Are there certain foods that cause acne?

Extensive research has gone into identifying dietary factors that may cause or exacerbate acne. These foods typically include dairy products, fried foods, foods high in saturated fats, processed sugar, and milk chocolate.

Does using makeup cause acne?

It has been shown that overuse of makeup, specifically foundation and concealers, can cause skin irritation and/or acne flare-ups. But according to the American Academy of Dermatology, products that are oil-free or non-comedogenic can help reduce this irritation and lessen acne outbreaks. Making sure your face is thoroughly cleansed after wearing makeup can also reduce acne.

If you are tired of covering your acne with makeup or enduring the physical pain, embarrassment, and emotional affliction that can develop from this condition, we encourage you to call Adean Kingston, M.D., PLLC to schedule an appointment today. We will provide a thorough skin analysis and create a tailored treatment plan to help clear up your complexion as quickly as possible.