What is acne and why does it develop?
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions treated by dermatologists. You may experience repeated breakouts of red pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, pustules, and cysts on your face, chest, shoulders, and back. While acne is most common in teenagers, approximately 30% of acne patients don’t develop the condition until after age 30, including adult acne in women triggered by hormonal fluctuations.
Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and excess oil (sebum). This creates an environment where bacteria thrive, leading to inflammation and the formation of different acne types. Contributing factors include genetics, hormones, diet, stress, and picking or squeezing existing pimples—which can worsen the condition and cause permanent scarring.
Early treatment is essential to prevent persistent dark spots, redness, textural damage, and permanent scarring.
Types of acne: whiteheads, blackheads, cystic acne, and more
Acne presents in several forms depending on severity and type of blockage:
- Whiteheads (closed comedones)—clogged pores closed at the skin surface, appearing as white or flesh-colored bumps
- Blackheads (open comedones)—clogged pores open at the surface; the dark color is oxidized oil, not dirt
- Papules—small red, inflamed bumps without a visible center
- Pustules—red bumps with a white or yellow center filled with pus
- Nodules—large, painful, deep acne lumps beneath the skin surface
- Cystic acne—severe, deep cysts that can cause significant inflammation, pain, and scarring if untreated
Mild acne (whiteheads and blackheads) often responds to topical treatments. Moderate acne (papules and pustules) typically requires combination therapy. Severe acne (nodular and cystic) often benefits from prescription oral medications or advanced procedural treatments.
Why does acne get worse with picking, squeezing, or scratching?
When you pick, squeeze, or scratch acne, you:
- Introduce additional bacteria and trauma to the skin
- Spread bacteria to surrounding areas, creating more breakouts
- Damage healthy skin tissue, worsening inflammation
- Create post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots) that can last months or years
- Increase scarring risk, potentially creating permanent pitting or atrophic scars
Resisting the urge to pick is one of the most important steps in acne management. Dr. Snyder can prescribe treatments to reduce lesion size and urgency to pick, and can provide HydraFacial treatments and professional extractions that safely remove comedones without causing damage.
Dr. Snyder’s comprehensive approach to acne treatment
Recent advances in understanding acne’s causes have allowed dermatologists like Dr. Snyder to develop highly effective treatment regimens that can cure even difficult acne cases. His approach is evidence-based, personalized, and combines multiple modalities tailored to your specific acne type, severity, and skin type.
Dr. Snyder specializes in acne treatment for all skin types, from fair skin to darker skin tones. He understands that acne manifests differently across skin types and that post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown spots) is a particular concern for patients with darker skin.
Key principles of Dr. Snyder’s acne treatment:
- Comprehensive evaluation—understanding your acne triggers, severity, and skin characteristics
- Early intervention—treating acne promptly to prevent permanent damage
- Combination therapy—combining multiple approaches for faster, more effective results
- Personalized regimens—tailoring treatment to your unique needs and skin response
- Patient education—helping you understand your acne and how to prevent future breakouts
Acne treatment options: topical, oral, and procedural
Dr. Snyder offers a full spectrum of acne treatments that may include:
- Topical treatments—prescription-strength cleansers, retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and other actives customized for your skin
- Oral medications—antibiotics to control acne-causing bacteria, birth control for hormonal acne in women, and in severe cases, Accutane (isotretinoin) for cystic acne
- Intralesional injections—steroid injections directly into cystic lesions to rapidly reduce inflammation and prevent permanent scarring
- Professional facials—HydraFacial treatments and specialized acne facials that deeply cleanse pores without irritating acne-prone skin
- Laser and light treatments—laser facials and photodynamic therapy (PDT) that target acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation
- Chemical peels—prescription-strength peels that exfoliate dead skin, unclog pores, and reduce acne-causing bacteria
- Microdermabrasion—professional mechanical exfoliation to improve skin texture and reduce superficial acne
For severe, treatment-resistant, or cystic acne, Dr. Snyder has successfully treated hundreds of patients with Accutane, a powerful oral medication that can provide permanent acne cure in patients who qualify.
Acne scars: preventing and treating permanent damage
If acne has already left you with scars, Dr. Snyder offers multiple treatment options to minimize their appearance:
- Laser skin resurfacing—ablative and non-ablative laser treatments that remove scar tissue layer by layer
- Microneedling radiofrequency—Morpheus8 RF microneedling stimulates collagen remodeling to improve scar appearance
- Chemical peels—stronger formulations to level and smooth acne scarring
- Fillers—dermal fillers to temporarily elevate depressed (atrophic) scars
- Subcision—a technique that releases scar tissue from underlying skin, allowing collagen to fill the depression
Prevention is always better than treatment. Early acne management prevents scarring before it starts. If you’re currently struggling with active acne, treating it aggressively now will save you from needing acne scar revision later.
Hormonal acne in women: understanding and treating breakouts
Hormonal acne is particularly common in adult women and often appears along the jawline, chin, and lower face. It may worsen before your menstrual cycle due to hormonal fluctuations. Triggers include:
- Menstrual cycle hormonal changes
- Pregnancy and postpartum hormonal shifts
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Stopping or starting hormonal birth control
- Other hormonal imbalances
Treatment may include prescription birth control formulations known to improve acne, spironolactone (a hormone-modulating medication), or other hormonal approaches. Dr. Snyder will coordinate care with your primary care physician or gynecologist if needed.
How long does acne treatment take?
The timeline for acne improvement depends on severity and treatment approach:
- Mild acne—topical treatments may show improvement in 4-6 weeks
- Moderate acne—combination therapy typically shows significant improvement in 8-12 weeks
- Severe acne—prescription oral medications or procedural treatments may require 3-6 months for full benefit
- Accutane—typically prescribed for 15-20 weeks; can provide permanent cure with proper compliance
Patience and adherence to your treatment plan are critical. Skin cell turnover takes about 4-6 weeks, so improvement takes time. Dr. Snyder will monitor your progress and adjust treatment if needed.
Does diet affect acne?
While diet’s role in acne is complex, certain foods may trigger or worsen breakouts in susceptible individuals:
- High-glycemic foods—refined carbohydrates, sugary foods, and white bread may increase insulin levels and worsen acne
- Dairy products—some studies suggest dairy may trigger acne in certain people; consider reducing or eliminating to see if your acne improves
- Omega-3-rich foods—fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce acne
- Zinc-rich foods—oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds support skin health
Keep a food diary if you suspect dietary triggers. Dr. Snyder can discuss dietary modifications during your consultation.
Is it safe to treat acne during pregnancy?
Many acne medications are not safe during pregnancy, but treatment options exist:
- Safe options—topical azelaic acid, topical benzoyl peroxide, and certain antibiotics are generally considered safe
- Unsafe options—oral retinoids (including Accutane), tetracycline antibiotics, and hormonal medications are contraindicated in pregnancy
If you’re pregnant or planning pregnancy, discuss your acne treatment with Dr. Snyder. He will coordinate with your obstetrician to ensure all treatments are safe for you and your baby.
What is the best acne treatment?
There is no single “best” acne treatment—the most effective approach depends on your acne type, severity, skin type, age, and other factors. Dr. Snyder evaluates your individual case and typically recommends a combination of treatments. A combination of topical treatments, professional facials, and light-based therapies often works better than any single treatment alone.
Can acne be cured permanently?
Some forms of acne can be cured permanently (especially with Accutane for severe cystic acne). Other cases are managed long-term with maintenance treatments. Dr. Snyder will discuss realistic outcomes for your specific acne type during your consultation. Prevention of future breakouts through maintenance therapy may be necessary.
How do I prevent acne scars?
Prevention is the best strategy. Treat acne early and aggressively to minimize inflammation and prevent permanent scarring. Avoid picking, squeezing, or scratching acne lesions. Use a gentle cleanser, avoid over-washing, and use sunscreen daily. If scarring has already occurred, Dr. Snyder offers multiple revision options including laser resurfacing and Morpheus8.
Is acne only a teenage problem?
No. Adult acne is increasingly common, affecting about 30% of acne patients who develop the condition after age 30. Adult acne is often hormonally driven (especially in women) and may require different treatment approaches than teenage acne. Dr. Snyder specializes in both adolescent and adult acne management.
Can I use over-the-counter products instead of seeing a dermatologist?
Over-the-counter acne products work well for mild acne. However, moderate to severe acne typically requires prescription-strength treatments and professional guidance. Dr. Snyder can determine whether your acne will respond to over-the-counter products or if you need stronger treatments. Many patients waste money and time on ineffective products when prescription treatments could provide faster results.
Will acne come back after treatment?
It depends on your acne cause and treatment. Hormonal acne may improve temporarily but return with hormonal fluctuations unless you maintain treatment. Accutane can provide permanent cure. Most other acne treatments provide excellent results while you’re using them but may require maintenance therapy to prevent recurrence. Dr. Snyder will discuss long-term management plans.
How does acne affect darker skin differently?
Acne affects all skin types, but darker skin is more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots that persist long after the acne heals). These dark spots can be more noticeable and harder to treat in darker skin. Dr. Snyder has extensive experience treating acne in all skin types and takes special care to minimize hyperpigmentation through gentle, effective treatment approaches and appropriate skin care recommendations.
Schedule your acne consultation in Owings Mills
Whether you’re struggling with active acne breakouts or dealing with acne scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, Dr. Steven Barry Snyder offers comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment. Early treatment prevents permanent damage. Don’t let acne control your confidence—schedule your appointment today.
Call (410) 356-0000 to book your acne consultation. We treat acne in patients of all ages and skin types, and we’ll create a customized treatment plan designed to clear your skin and prevent scarring.
Ready to clear your acne for good?
Effective acne treatment combines expert diagnosis, prescription-strength medications, and advanced procedural therapies. Dr. Snyder has successfully treated hundreds of acne patients—from mild to severe—and can help you achieve clear, healthy skin.