Acne is very common and can really affect how you feel about yourself. The good news: there are many safe, effective treatments.
How treatment is chosen.
Your plan depends on:
- What kinds of bumps you have (black/whiteheads, red pimples, pus bumps, deep nodules)
- How many areas are involved and how severe it is
- Whether there’s scarring or dark/red marks
- Your skin type, preferences, and any medical factors (meds, hormones, pregnancy)
Main treatment tools (often mixed together).
- Unclog pores & smooth skin: topical retinoids (like tretinoin, adapalene), azelaic acid, salicylic acid
- Reduce oil: isotretinoin (oral), certain birth-control pills, spironolactone, clascoterone (topical)
- Calm bacteria/inflamation: benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics (topical or oral—always pair antibiotics with benzoyl peroxide), azelaic acid
Procedures (as helpers): light/laser treatments, chemical peels, microneedling, etc.
What to expect.
- It takes 2–3 months of steady use to judge a plan. Early wins are usually “fewer breakouts,” not instant clear skin.
- Plans are adjusted as you go; most people need maintenance, usually a retinoid at night.
Simple starter plan for mild acne (face).
- Morning: gentle cleanse → benzoyl peroxide (wash or gel).
- Night: gentle cleanse → pea-sized retinoid on the whole face.
(Tip: Start every other night if you’re sensitive and moisturize with a non-comedogenic lotion.)
Skin care tips.
- Use gentle, non-scrubby cleansers; avoid harsh scrubs/toners.
- Choose products labeled “non-comedogenic.”
- Don’t pick—it spikes scarring and dark marks.
- Sunscreen daily helps prevent dark spots from lingering.
Diet. Evidence is mixed. If highly motivated, you can try cutting back on milk and high-glycemic foods for a few weeks and see if it helps—keep nutrition balanced.
Special situations:
- Skin of color: higher risk of dark marks—go slow with irritating products; consider washes (e.g., benzoyl peroxide wash) and moisturizing formulas.
- Pregnancy: avoid isotretinoin and retinoids; safer options include azelaic acid and some antibiotics (check with OB).
- Kids: preteens can be treated similarly to adults, but no oral tetracyclines under age 8; evaluate younger children for hormone issues.
- Scarring or big red/dark marks: treat acne promptly; you may need earlier oral therapy and later scar-focused procedures.
When to step up care.
- If you have moderate to severe acne, scarring, or significant distress, you’ll likely need oral meds (e.g., antibiotics, hormones, or isotretinoin) plus topicals.
- If you’re not improving after 12 weeks of good adherence, ask about adjusting the plan or checking for look-alike conditions.
Bottom line. Acne is manageable. With the right combo (usually a retinoid, benzoyl peroxide, and add-ons as needed), gentle skin care, and a bit of patience, most people see clear, healthier skin—and we can tailor every step to your needs.
MCNYC Medspa, offers advanced laser treatments using state-of-the-art Fotona technology, including the StarWalker® and SP Dynamis systems. The Fotona StarWalker® laser is a highly versatile system that treats acne scars, pigmentation, and vascular issues and is also one of the most effective tattoo removal lasers available. It combines four different laser wavelengths and 15 treatment modes, allowing for personalized care that adapts to each patient’s skin. Its groundbreaking ASP (Adaptive Structured Pulse) technology adjusts the laser energy for optimal precision and safety, while the MaQX pulse feature delivers powerful bursts of energy that break apart unwanted pigment without harming surrounding skin. This results in faster, gentler, and more effective treatments with minimal downtime.
The StarWalker® comes in two models—the high-performance StarWalker® QX and the more advanced StarWalker® MaQX—for a wide range of aesthetic needs. MCNYC Medspa also features the Fotona SP Dynamis laser, a comprehensive platform that performs both aesthetic and medical treatments. It combines two complementary laser wavelengths: Nd:YAG for deeper skin rejuvenation, hair removal, and acne therapy, and Er:YAG for precise surface resurfacing that smooths skin texture and tone.
This dual-laser system can address everything from skin tightening and scar reduction to surgical and gynecological procedures, offering non-invasive, comfortable treatments with quick recovery times. With customizable settings, advanced technology, and exceptional versatility, Fotona lasers at MCNYC Medspa provide powerful, precise, and safe solutions for a wide range of cosmetic and medical skin concerns.