When Centreville, VA area patients hear the word “acne,” they often think of a skin condition that affects teenagers. However, acne can be problematic even for adults. Many adults struggle not only with active acne, but with the development of acne scars. At Dermatology Associates of Northern Virginia, now a part of U.S. Dermatology Partners, we are dedicated to assisting patients in the Centreville area with their skin care concerns.
What is acne?
Acne is a condition of the skin that is caused by inflammation. When the sebaceous glands become blocked, they result in the formation of:
• Pimples
• Pustules
• Blackheads
• Whiteheads
Many of these can become red, large, and painful, and can have a dramatic impact on one’s self-esteem, confidence, and appearance. When patients are dealing with active acne, they may want to avoid social occasions or situations in which there may be photographs taken. This is because the condition can be difficult to address, and it cannot always be easily covered with cosmetics. Patients with acne need to take action for their skin and should treat it as soon as possible, to avoid the likelihood of developing acne scars. These are deep divots and marks left on the skin from large pimples.
Treatment of acne
Treatment of acne will vary, depending on the type of acne and how severe the condition is. Many patients find that a skin care routine is the proper foundation for healthier skin. Then, our team of professionals will provide solutions which may include topical creams, oral medications, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or light therapy. Many patients are able to combat their condition with a combination of these services. By controlling the acne, the dermatologist can then address acne scars.
It is important for acne scars to be treated as a final part of the process, as active acne can create more scars. Acne scars may be treated in a number of ways, depending on the type of scar, how severe the scarring is, and how the skin has responded to previous therapies. Our team of professional may use the following methods for treating acne scars:
• Microneedling – this method of treatment uses small needles to puncture the skin and stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin. This can help heal the skin and allow it to improve the texture and tone.
• Chemical peels – more aggressive chemical peels can essentially remove the outermost layer of skin and stimulate the body’s healing process to reveal new skin cells and reduce the depth and appearance of many types of acne scars.
• Dermal fillers – for deep, noticeable ice pick scars, our team often suggests the use of dermal fillers. These hyaluronic acid gels are injected directly into the skin to add volume where it is needed – especially in deep scars. Dermal fillers can provide results for several months, though periodic reinjection is needed to maintain them.
Who can develop acne and acne scars?
Acne can affect patients of all ages, and while it is often associated with hormonal changes in teenagers, it can be an ongoing problem for adult males and females. Patients who have acne should take great care in making sure they don’t pop their pimples or undergo aggressive treatments as this can cause the formation of acne scars which may be a more permanent aftereffect of active acne. This is why we encourage individuals to visit their dermatologist for assistance with their condition.
If you are interested in learning more about the services and treatments we offer, contact Dermatology Associates of Northern Virginia Centreville. We assist patients of all ages in our state-of-the-art facility. We provide medical and cosmetic dermatology solutions to men and women at both our Centreville and Sterling locations. Our Centreville location can be reached at (703) 222-2773 and is conveniently located in Suite #301 at 13880 Braddock Road. We accept new patients who are ready for quality, comprehensive dermatological care.
Click here to Request a Consultation Online at our Centreville Location!
