Acne Clinic

At Apex ,our approach to acne is different than you’ll find at most dermatologists. That’s because we don’t simply write a prescription and send you on your way. Instead, we offer a truly comprehensive approach using all of our skills and technology, and work with you collaboratively every step of the way until your skin is completely clear.

It begins with our access to care. Patients can be seen as quickly as same-day, so there’s no delay to starting your skin transformation! At the initial appointment, our board-certified dermatologists first listen to understand each patient’s goals. Then they develop a customized treatment plan for each patient. This can include anything from a new skincare routine, medication, suggested lifestyle changes and more. The doctors may also recommend that you see one of our Aesthetic Nurses, who often can speed up the acne clearing process with medical-grade treatments in-office such as chemical peels or diamond glow.

Once your treatment is started, the doctors will request to see you regularly. At your follow up visits, they will monitor your progress and adjust the approach as necessary.

Once your active acne is all clear, they will address any residual scarring. With input from you, they can recommend treatments such as, microneedling or lasers to best meet your goals.

Our mission is to transform lives through healthy skin, and completely clearing acne is a major way we do this.

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the hair follicle is blocked or plugged with oil and dead skin cells, which causes blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples.

It’s most commonly seen on the face, back, chest, and shoulders, and often impacts teenagers, but can affect individuals of all ages.

What causes acne?

The skin is not properly shedding
Increased sebum (skin’s natural oils) production, often connected to hormones
Bacteria feeding on oils and causing inflammation

Acne Triggers

Because each person is completely unique, acne triggers vary from person to person. What may trigger an acne flare-up for one person might not impact another. That being said, here are some common acne triggers you may be experiencing (though this can’t be confirmed without a dermatologist!):

Hormones causing an increase in sebum production
Certain medications
A poor diet of simple carbs and sugars
Stress
Excessive alcohol consumption

Harsh exfoliants and treatments not meant for your skin type
Not washing your face or poor skin hygiene habits
Using pore-clogging products or products not designed for your skin type
Puberty

What are the different types of acne?

Not all acne is created equal. There are several types with varying causes and symptoms, and they require unique treatments for each.

Blackheads

Also known as open comedones, these occur when an open pore is clogged with dead skin cells and sebum, and because the pore is open, this oxidizes, resulting in a black appearance on the skin.

Whiteheads

These are known as closed comedones and happen when a pore is clogged with dead skin cells and sebum. But unlike blackheads, the pore stays closed and the result looks like a flesh-colored raised bump on the skin.

Papules

When the skin walls around a pore break down from inflammation and results in a hard, clogged pore that’s uncomfortable to touch and is red, it’s a papule.

Pustules

These are often what we think of when we think of pimples. Unlike papules, pustules—like its name suggests—is filled with pus and that pus-filled “white” head is often visible and surrounded by red, tender skin.

Nodules

When a clogged, swollen pore gets further irritated and grows larger, that’s a nodule, but they’re deeper in the skin than papules or pustules. Oftentimes, you can’t treat nodules by yourself at home and require a dermatologist for the proper treatment.

Cysts

This is usually the most painful type of acne and occurs at the deepest level, further in the skin than nodules. These are clogged pores filled with a combination of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. They present as large, red or white bumps that are painful to touch and often ache even without contact.

How to Treat Acne

Specific types of acne require specific treatments, as they’re all different. This is why we always recommend visiting a dermatologist, as treating your acne with the wrong treatment can often make the issue worse.