Acne

Acne

Acne is one of the most common skin concerns, but its impact is deeply personal. From occasional breakouts to persistent cystic acne, it can affect your self-esteem, disrupt your skincare routine, and sometimes leave lasting scars. Whether you’re dealing with your first breakout or managing adult acne in your 30s and beyond, there’s support available. At Aura Med Spa in Bellaire, TX, we start by understanding what’s happening beneath the surface to help you find the right solution.

Who Gets Acne—and Why?

Acne doesn’t belong to one age group or skin type. While it’s most common during puberty, it often affects adults into their 20s, 30s, and even 40s. Breakouts can appear beyond the face, including the chest, shoulders, back, and upper arms. Risk factors for acne include hormonal changes, genetic predisposition, stress, comedogenic skincare or hair products, and underlying inflammation or bacterial imbalances. No two cases are alike—your treatment plan shouldn’t be either.

Symptoms of Acne

Acne manifests in various forms, each with distinct characteristics and treatment needs:

  • Blackheads: Darkened open comedones
  • Whiteheads: Small, sealed, blocked pores
  • Papules: Inflamed, red bumps without pus
  • Pustules: Red lesions with a white or yellow center
  • Nodules: Large, tender, deep-set bumps
  • Cysts: Painful, fluid-filled swellings beneath the skin

Treatment Options for Acne

Topical Medications

Target bacteria, reduce inflammation, and support cell turnover. Commonly prescribed agents include:

  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Salicylic acid
  • Azelaic acid
  • Topical antibiotics
  • Retinoids

Oral Medications

For moderate to severe acne or hormonal involvement:

  • Antibiotics: Help reduce inflammation and bacterial load
  • Isotretinoin (Accutane): A powerful retinoid often used for deep, resistant acne under medical supervision

Laser and Light-Based Treatments

A non-invasive option for reducing oil production, shrinking active breakouts, and improving skin tone without downtime.

Types of Acne

Understanding the different acne lesion types can help you better identify what’s showing up on your skin—and how to address it effectively.

  • Comedones (Blackheads & Whiteheads): These are blocked hair follicles filled with oil and dead skin. Blackheads are open to the air and appear dark at the surface. Whiteheads are sealed beneath the skin and appear as small, pale bumps.
  • Papules: Small, red, inflamed bumps with no visible pus. They often occur in clusters and may make the skin feel rough or uneven.
  • Pustules: Similar to papules but contain pus. These appear as red bumps with a white or yellow center and may form over a hair follicle.
  • Nodules: Hard, painful bumps deep within the skin. These are typically more stubborn and carry a greater risk of leaving scars if untreated.
  • Cysts: Soft, fluid-filled lumps beneath the skin surface. Often painful and slow to heal, cystic acne is more severe and frequently results in scarring.
  • Macules: Flat red marks left behind after a lesion heals. Though not active acne, these can contribute to uneven tone and prolonged redness.

Common Causes of Acne

Acne develops when multiple factors converge under the skin’s surface:

  • Excess Oil Production: Overactive sebaceous glands create too much sebum, which clogs pores and attracts bacteria.
  • Bacterial Imbalance: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) can overgrow in blocked follicles, causing inflammation and pus formation.
  • Hormonal Fluctuations: Androgens stimulate oil production, especially during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy.
  • Genetics: If your parents were troubled with acne, you may have a higher likelihood of developing breakouts, too.

Some cases are mild and resolve with topical care, while others may require long-term support and a multi-modal strategy.

How Do Laser Acne Treatments Work?

Laser acne treatments safely target the source of breakouts beneath the skin. They focus on overactive oil glands to reduce sebum production and calm inflammation without harming healthy tissue. The heat from the laser also diminishes bacterial overgrowth and encourages smoother skin renewal. Most patients feel only mild warmth or tingling. Sessions are brief—typically under 30 minutes—and don’t require recovery time. While individual results vary, a noticeable reduction in active acne often appears after one session, with continued improvements seen after a full treatment series.

Aftercare and Prevention for Acne

Keeping breakouts under control requires consistency. Here’s how to maintain your results and protect your skin:

  • Use gentle, non-comedogenic skincare
  • Apply SPF daily—many acne medications increase sun sensitivity.
  • Avoid picking or squeezing blemishes to reduce scarring.
  • Keep hair and skin care products oil-free
  • Stay on schedule with any prescribed medication or treatments.

With the right combination of clinical care and day-to-day support, clearer skin is not only possible—it’s sustainable.

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