Acne isn’t limited to adolescence. From hormonal breakouts in your 30s to clogged pores during stressful months, acne can show up at any age, and it often requires expert help to manage. If you’ve tried over-the-counter products with little success, it might be time to turn to a dermatologist who can dig deeper and recommend a better strategy.
Hollywood Dermatology brings together a skilled team of board-certified providers who specialize in diagnosing and treating all types of acne. Whether your concerns are cosmetic, clinical, or both, we tailor each treatment plan to your skin’s needs. With offices in Doral, West Miramar, and other South Florida locations, we’re here to help you take control of your complexion.
What Causes Acne?
Acne develops when pores become blocked with excess oil and dead skin cells. When bacteria build up inside these clogged pores, the skin can become inflamed, leading to redness, swelling, and breakouts that may contain pus.
Hormonal changes, especially during the teen years, often increase oil production and make acne more common.
While foods like chocolate or greasy meals don’t directly cause acne, using heavy or pore‑clogging skincare products can trigger or worsen breakouts. And, if acne runs in your family, you may be more likely to experience it yourself.
What Are the Symptoms?
Symptoms of acne include whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. These can occur on the face, neck, shoulders, back, or chest. Pimples that are large and deep are called cystic lesions. These can be painful if they get infected, and they can scar your skin.
How Is Acne Treated?
To help control acne, keep your skin clean. Avoid skin products that clog your pores. Look for products that say non-comedogenic on the label. Wash your skin once or twice a day with a gentle soap or acne wash. Try not to scrub or pick at your pimples. This can make them worse and can cause scars.
If your pimples are really bothering you or are scarring your skin, come see one of our physicians. A prescription gel or cream for your skin may be all you need. Sometimes antibiotic pills are prescribed. Depending on your needs, a mix of treatments may work best. If you are female, taking certain birth control pills may help as well.
Is Chemical Peel Treatment Helpful for Acne?
If you are struggling with acne or acne scarring, you may be a great candidate for our Miami Peel Treatment. Light to medium chemical peels can help stop blemishes more quickly and reduce the frequency of new breakouts.
The regular use of chemical peels also stimulates your body to build healthy new collagen in the area we've treated. This can improve your overall skin texture and also reduce the appearance of acne scars over time.
For acne, the Miami Peel treatment is especially advantageous because it helps regulate the production of skin oils while also fighting inflammation that can cause irritation.
Should I Exfoliate My Skin if I'm Prone to Acne?
Chemical peels are a form of exfoliation, which means that exfoliation can be good for acne-prone skin. However, it's important that you perform exfoliating care properly. Otherwise, you run the risk of compromising your skin's protective barrier and suffering more irritation than you already have.
Your dermatologist may advise you to exfoliate no more than two to three times a week. This will depend on the severity of your condition and your method of exfoliation. Generally, it is considered safe to use a very gentle scrub to exfoliate acne-prone skin.
Should I Use Moisturizer on My Acne-Prone Skin?
Acne-prone skin is oily skin. When you notice that your skin shines or feels oily when you touch it, you may assume that the right course of action is to dry the skin out. One way to do this is to forego using moisturizer. As logical as this may seem, it can be a mistake.
When your skin becomes overly dry, the sebaceous glands that produce the oil that holds moisture in place increase their oil-producing activity! The more oil these glands produce, the more your pores may clog, and the cycle continues.
Using a good moisturizer for your acne-prone skin can pay off in a few different ways. First, your moisturizer can help restore the protective barrier on your skin's surface, thereby signaling to the sebaceous glands that they can relax their production of oil. Moisturizers can also attract water molecules from the deeper layers of the skin toward the surface. Finally, emollient ingredients in your moisturizer can be very soothing, reducing further irritation.
What Causes Adult Acne?
If you're over the age of 25 and have persistent acne, chances are you're affected by the same direct factors as any teenager with acne. These are excess oil production, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation. Indirectly, these factors may stem from makeup and hair products, a diet that supports inflammation, and hormones.
Create a ritual of washing your face every night before bed. Keep in mind that it's important to continue using a good moisturizer. Also, if you wear makeup, look for non-comedogenic products that are less likely to clog your pores. You may also benefit from scheduling a consultation or chemical peel at one of our South Florida locations.
Why Choose Hollywood Dermatology?
Our team combines medical expertise with a personal touch. Each of our board-certified dermatologists brings years of experience treating acne and acne-related concerns, including scarring and skin texture changes. We understand that acne can be frustrating and sometimes painful, so we focus on proven solutions that actually work. We also stay up to date on the latest clinical guidelines and treatment advances to give you the best care possible.
With five convenient offices in the Hollywood, FL, area, including locations in Pembroke Pines and West Miramar, getting care that fits your schedule is easy. Our practice welcomes everyone, from busy parents and teens to professionals managing adult acne. If over-the-counter products haven’t worked for you, we’ll help you find a treatment that makes a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can Be Done About Acne Scars?
There are skin treatments that can help acne scars look better and feel smoother. Options may include chemical peels, microneedling, laser treatments, dermal fillers, or prescription-strength creams. The right choice depends on your skin type and the type of scarring. One of our physicians will help you decide which treatment is best for your goals.
What’s the Difference Between Acne and Rosacea?
Acne and rosacea can look similar, but they’re treated differently. Acne usually includes blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores, along with inflamed pimples. Rosacea causes persistent redness and small bumps but does not involve clogged pores. A dermatologist can tell the difference and recommend the right treatment.
Is It Okay to Wear Makeup If I Have Acne?
You can wear makeup if you have acne, but product choice matters. Look for makeup labeled non-comedogenic and oil-free to help avoid clogged pores. Removing makeup each night also helps keep breakouts under control.
How Long Does It Take for Acne Treatments to Work?
Acne treatments take time to work. Most people start to see improvement within four to eight weeks, with continued progress over the following months. Sticking to your treatment plan gives your skin the best chance to improve.
Can Certain Foods Make Acne Worse?
Food doesn’t directly cause acne, but some foods may trigger breakouts in certain people. Diets high in sugar or dairy may increase inflammation for some individuals. Pay attention to patterns between your food choices and skin breakouts to determine what affects you.
What’s the Best Way to Prevent Acne Scarring?
Preventing acne scars starts with early treatment and avoiding picking or squeezing blemishes. Reducing inflammation helps protect the skin from lasting marks.
Contact Our South Florida Office for Acne Treatment
If you are interested in eliminating your acne, please schedule a consultation by calling 954.961.1200. We have multiple offices in South Florida, and we look forward to helping address your concerns.
