Vein Treatment Services

Acne condition evaluated by dermatologist during patient visit

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting people of all ages and skin types. While often thought of as a teenage concern, acne can persist well into adulthood, especially hormonal and cystic forms. At Schweiger Dermatology Group, our dermatology providers offer personalized acne treatment plans designed to clear active breakouts, prevent new blemishes, and restore your skin’s confidence.

Understanding what causes acne and which treatments work best for your skin type can make a significant difference in long-term results. Whether you’re managing mild whiteheads, deep cystic acne, or acne scars, professional care can help you achieve clear, healthy-looking skin.

What Is Acne?

Acne develops when the skin’s pores become clogged with oil (sebum), dead skin cells and bacteria. This buildup leads to inflammation and visible breakouts that can appear on the face, back, chest, shoulders or neck.

Acne-prone skin tends to produce excess oil, making pores more likely to clog. While acne can affect anyone, certain factors like hormones, genetics and lifestyle play a key role.

Many patients ask, “When does acne start?” It most commonly begins during puberty due to hormonal fluctuations, but adults can also develop new breakouts later in life. Hormonal acne, for instance, often appears around the chin and jawline in women during menstruation or stress.

What Causes Acne?

Acne can have several causes. While the primary culprit is excess oil production, many other factors can increase the likelihood of acne and its severity, including:

  • Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in androgens can increase excess oil production in the skin. This mainly occurs during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, leading to more frequent acne breakouts during those periods.
  • Genetics: Your genetic makeup can influence your skin’s sensitivity to hormones, oil production, and the rate of skin cell turnover. If your parents had acne, you’re more likely to develop it, too.
  • Diet: While the link between diet and acne is still being researched, some studies suggest that high-glycemic foods and dairy products can make acne worse in some individuals.
  • Medications: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, androgens, lithium, and some birth control pills, can trigger or worsen acne as a side effect. Always consult with your healthcare provider about potential cosmetic skin-related side effects.
  • Greasy Cosmetics: Oil-based makeup, sunscreens, and hair products can clog pores similar to your skin’s natural overproduction, leading to acne breakouts.
  • Stress: While stress doesn’t directly cause acne, it can exacerbate existing acne by triggering the release of stress hormones like cortisol. These hormones can increase inflammation and oil production in the skin.

Signs and Symptoms of Acne

The symptoms of acne vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common signs of acne include:

  • Whiteheads (closed clogged pores)
  • Blackheads (open clogged pores)
  • Papules (small red bumps)
  • Pustules (pimples with visible pus)
  • Nodules (painful, solid lumps beneath the skin)
  • Cysts (deep, inflamed lesions that may cause scarring)

Understanding the different types of acne helps determine the best treatment approach. Mild acne may clear with topical treatments, while cystic acne treatment often requires prescription medications or in-office procedures to control inflammation.

If you’ve wondered, “What type of acne do I have?” a dermatologist or dermatology provider can identify whether your breakouts are comedonal (clogged pores), inflammatory, hormonal, or cystic and build a targeted plan for lasting results.

Types of Acne

Several types of acne can occur, each with its symptoms and causes. Understanding your acne type allows for targeted care, which can help minimize scarring. The most common kinds of acne include:

  • Comedonal Acne: This type of acne occurs with blackheads and whiteheads due to clogged follicles.
  • Hormonal Acne: This type of acne occurs when there is an overproduction of sebum that blocks the pores, often resulting in lower face cysts or pimples that worsen during cycles.
  • Cystic Acne: This type of acne causes deep, sometimes painful, pus-filled pimples that can leave scars on the skin.
  • Fungal Acne: This type of acne happens when yeast gets into the hair follicles. Fungal acne may become inflamed and itchy.
  • Nodular Acne: This type of acne causes pimples deep beneath the skin that can last for long periods of time.

Hormonal and Adult Acne: Why It Happens and How It’s Treated

Many adults experience persistent or late-onset acne even years after their teenage breakouts have cleared. This form, often called hormonal acne, can be linked to fluctuations in estrogen and testosterone, stress, or conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Hormonal acne typically appears as deep, painful cysts around the chin, jawline, and neck.

At Schweiger Dermatology Group, hormonal acne treatment may involve both topical and systemic therapies, such as retinoids, oral contraceptives, or anti-androgen medications like spironolactone. Our dermatology providers customize these plans based on your medical history, hormonal triggers, and skin type. By addressing internal and external factors, our goal is not only to clear current breakouts but to prevent new ones from forming.

For patients dealing with stress-related acne, lifestyle adjustments like improved sleep, balanced nutrition, and mindfulness techniques can also support long-term improvement.

Acne by Skin Type and Location

Acne isn’t limited to the face. Many patients develop breakouts on the chest, shoulders, or back, a condition often called “bacne.” Back and body acne can be caused by friction from tight clothing, sweating during workouts, or hair and skincare products that clog pores.

Your skin type also plays a role. Oily or combination skin tends to experience more frequent breakouts, while dry or sensitive skin may react to certain acne products. During your consultation, your dermatologist or dermatology provider will identify your skin type and customize an acne treatment plan that balances effectiveness with comfort.

For the best acne treatment, our team may recommend pairing prescription medications with procedures like chemical peels or laser therapy for full-face and body clarity.

FAQs

  • What are the main causes of vein conditions?

    Vein conditions can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, age, pregnancy, obesity, prolonged standing or sitting, and hormonal changes. Weak vein walls and valves are a common factor in both spider and varicose veins, leading to poor circulation and blood pooling.

  • Are vein treatments painful?

    Most vein treatments are minimally invasive and require little to no discomfort. During procedures like sclerotherapy and laser treatments, patients may experience mild sensations such as a pinching or warm feeling, but these sensations are typically brief.

  • How long does it take to see results from vein treatments?

    Results vary depending on the type of treatment and the severity of the vein condition. With laser treatments, you may notice improvements in just a few weeks, while sclerotherapy and Verithena treatments may take several weeks to see full results as the treated veins are gradually absorbed by the body.

  • Is there any downtime after vein treatments?

    Most vein treatments at Schweiger Dermatology are non-invasive with little to no downtime. You can generally resume normal activities immediately following treatments, although we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for a few days after sclerotherapy.

  • Are vein treatments covered by insurance?

    Insurance coverage for vein treatments can vary depending on the condition being treated and your individual policy. While cosmetic treatments for spider veins may not be covered, treatments for varicose veins that cause pain or discomfort may be eligible for coverage. We recommend contacting your insurance provider for more information and discussing options with our team during your consultation.

About Schweiger Dermatology Group

At Schweiger Dermatology Group, we believe no one should wait to feel confident in their own skin. That's why we're committed to delivering The Ultimate Patient Experience—expert care that's fast, compassionate, and seamless. Founded by Dr. Eric Schweiger in 2010 to eliminate long wait times for high quality dermatologists, we've grown into the nation's leading dermatology practice, with hundreds of locations across the country and millions of satisfied patients. We offer medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology, as well as allergy services—in modern, state-of-the-art offices. Most new patients are seen within days, and we accept most insurances and handle billing for you. Whether it's a skin concern or a cosmetic goal, we make it easy to get the care you need—without the wait.