Dermatologists for Acne Treatment in NYC: Board-Certified Dermatologist for Clearer Skin
Acne is not just a teenage problem—and it’s not something you have to “live with.”
You may seek dermatologists for acne treatment if you’re struggling with breakouts, dark marks, or acne scars. Seeing a board-certified dermatologist can make the difference between temporary fixes and real, lasting improvement.
At Aglow Dermatology, we provide comprehensive acne treatment in NYC for all skin types, including specialized care for skin of color, adult acne, and treatment-resistant acne.
Ready to make an appointment to clear your skin? Schedule here!
Acne Is a Medical Condition—Not Just “Pimples”
Acne (what many people call pimples) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition.
It can include:
- Blackheads and whiteheads
- Inflamed red bumps
- Painful cysts and nodules
- Dark marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
- Permanent scars
👉 Without proper treatment, acne can lead to long-term skin damage, not just temporary breakouts.
Acne Is Not Just for Teenagers
Many adults—especially women—develop acne well into their 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond.
Common adult acne triggers include:
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Stress
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Metabolic syndrome
- Certain medications
- Diet and inflammation
👉 Acne in adults often requires a different, more nuanced treatment approach than teenage acne.
Acne, Hormones, and Diet
For many patients, acne is not just about the skin—it’s connected to internal factors.
Hormonal influences:
- PCOS
- Androgen sensitivity
- Menstrual cycle fluctuations
Diet and inflammation:
A highly processed, high-glycemic, inflammatory diet may worsen acne in some individuals.
At Aglow Dermatology, we take a comprehensive approach:
- Evaluate hormonal patterns
- Recommend appropriate medical treatment
- Refer to experienced nutritionists when diet may be contributing
👉 Treating acne effectively often means treating the whole person—not just the skin.
Types of Acne We Treat
We treat all forms of acne, including:
Hormonal Acne
Often seen along the jawline and chin, especially in adult women.
Cystic Acne
Deep, painful acne that carries a high risk of scarring.
Adult Acne
Persistent or late-onset acne requiring specialized care.
Acne in Skin of Color
Higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots) and scarring.
Dermatologist for Acne Treatment Options in NYC
Your treatment plan is customized based on your skin type, acne severity, and underlying causes.
Prescription Topical Treatments
- Retinoids
- Antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatory medications
Oral Medications
Isotretinoin (Accutane)
A powerful treatment for severe or resistant acne that can provide long-term clearance.
Hormonal Therapies
- Spironolactone
- Birth control pills
These are especially effective for hormonal acne in women.
Acne Surgery and Extractions (“Pimple Popping”)
Professional acne surgery (extractions) safely removes clogged pores and inflamed lesions.
👉 Unlike at-home “pimple popping,” this:
- Reduces risk of scarring
- Minimizes inflammation
- Helps acne heal faster
Cortisone (Steroid) Injections
For painful cysts, we can inject a small amount of corticosteroid to:
- Rapidly reduce inflammation
- Shrink lesions within 24–48 hours
- Lower risk of scarring
Chemical Peels for Acne and Dark Marks
Chemical peels can:
- Improve acne
- Reduce oil and clogged pores
- Fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
👉 In some cases, chemical peels may be covered by insurance, depending on your plan.
We will check your benefits and let you know.
Laser and Light Treatments
Laser treatments can help:
- Reduce acne-causing bacteria
- Improve inflammation
- Treat acne scars
- Address discoloration
Acne in Skin of Color
If you have darker skin, acne requires special attention.
You may be more prone to:
- Dark spots (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
- Uneven skin tone
- Keloids or raised scars
We tailor treatments to:
- Minimize irritation
- Prevent worsening pigmentation
- Treat both acne and discoloration simultaneously
Preventing and Treating Acne Scars
Acne scars can be permanent—but they are often preventable with early treatment.
We offer:
- Early intervention to prevent scarring
- Treatments for existing scars
- Combination therapies for optimal results
👉 Learn more about acne scar treatment NYC.
Why See a Board-Certified Dermatologist for Acne Treatment
Over-the-counter products and online acne services can help some people—but they often fall short for more complex cases.
Seeing a board-certified dermatologist means:
- Accurate diagnosis
- Personalized treatment
- Access to prescription medications and procedures
- Ongoing monitoring and adjustments
👉 This is how you move from temporary improvement to clearer, healthier skin.
What to Expect at Your Acne Visit
Your visit may include:
- A detailed skin evaluation
- Discussion of your medical history and triggers
- A customized treatment plan
- Guidance on skincare and lifestyle
We focus on long-term results, not quick fixes.
Acne Treatment NYC – Get Expert Care
If you’re tired of dealing with pimples, breakouts, or acne scars, it’s time for a more effective approach.
Schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist and take the first step toward clearer skin.
FAQ: Dermatologist for Acne Treatment NYC
Do I need a dermatologist for acne treatment?
If your acne is persistent, painful, or causing dark marks or scarring, seeing a dermatologist is the most effective way to treat it.
Is acne only a teenage problem?
No. Many adults develop acne due to hormonal changes, stress, and underlying medical conditions.
What is the fastest way to get rid of a pimple?
Cortisone injections can quickly reduce large, painful pimples. Other treatments depend on the type of acne.
Can acne be caused by diet?
Diet may play a role in some people. High-glycemic and inflammatory diets can worsen acne in certain individuals.
What is Accutane and is it safe?
Isotretinoin (Accutane) is a highly effective treatment for severe acne. It is carefully monitored by dermatologists for safety.
Can acne cause permanent scars?
Yes. Untreated acne can lead to permanent scarring and discoloration, which is why early treatment is important.
Are chemical peels covered by insurance?
In some cases, chemical peels for acne may be covered. We will check your insurance benefits for you.
Can acne in darker skin be treated safely?
Yes. Acne in skin of color requires specialized care to prevent hyperpigmentation and scarring.
- What is acne?
- Who gets acne?
- Why do people get acne?
- How is acne affected by diet?
- Who can best help me treat my acne?
- What are the options for the treatment of my acne?
- What are acne scars and blemishes and what are my treatment options?
- What is acne excoriee?
- What is acne cosmetica?
- Is it vain to want to treat acne?
- Book Your Acne Treatment Consultation In NYC!
What is acne?
Acne (acne vulgaris) is one of the most common skin disorders in both adults and teenagers. A variety of factors, including hormonal changes, contribute to this condition. It is a disease that starts with clogging of the hair follicles (pores) and commonly affects the face and as well as the neck, chest, back, and arms.
People affected with acne have a variety of different lesion types on their skin including blackheads and whiteheads (known as comedones), pustules, red or brown bumps, and nodules. Acne may be mild, moderate, or severe. Lesions may even be painful. Acne lesions may leave behind unsightly scars or blemishes.
Other skin conditions that sometimes people confuse with acne vulgaris include:
Who gets acne?
Although acne is commonly thought of as a disease of teenagers, people of all ages can get acne. Although acne affects people of both genders, adult acne is especially common in women. Pregnant women may notice uncharacteristic acne flaring or relief from their chronic acne.
Why do people get acne?
The causes of acne are many. Fundamentally, acne occurs because of a blockage of our hair follicles, which normally drain. Acne typically begins as a microcomedo, which is a microscopic plug of skin cells and oil. If the obstruction is severe, this may cause rupture of the hair follicle causing an inflammatory response by the body.
Additionally, normal bacteria that live in the hair follicle contribute to the inflammatory response. Increased oil production associated with certain hormonal states such as puberty, polycystic ovarian disease in women, and pregnancy also contributes to the problem by increasing the blockage and feeding the bacteria.
Some medications such as lithium, testosterone, and iodine can contribute to acne and there is a genetic influence when it comes to the condition. Other factors such as stress and lifestyle contribute to the cause.
Additional Reading:
How is acne affected by diet?
The effect of diet on acne is still controversial. Recent studies have shown that skim dairy products and a high glycemic diet may be worse for acne suffers. In one study, women who ate more leafy, green vegetables were less affected by acne.
In the media:
Additional Reading:
Who can best help me treat my acne?
How to best treat acne depends on a variety of factors including cause, severity, lesion-type, location, skin color, lifestyle and medical history. First, get evaluated by an expert, a board-certified dermatologist. A board-certified dermatologist is best able to assess your condition and its causes, inform and counsel you about your options, and offer you a full range of appropriate treatments including prescriptions, guidance about over-the-counter products, procedures and professional strength products.
What are the options for the treatment of my acne?
Acne is a chronic condition that can come and go, and unfortunately for some people, come and stay. Unfortunately, other than isotretinoin (Accutane), which does not always work for everyone, there is no true cure for acne currently available. Most treatments focus Acne on getting the condition under control and reducing the frequency of flares.
Treatments your dermatologist may discuss with you include:
Topical medications: retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, azelaic acid, dapsone, salicylic acid, glycolic acid
Oral medications: antibiotics, isotretinoin, oral contraceptive pills (women only), spironolactone (women only)
Procedures: extractions, chemical peels, injections, light treatments (IPL), microneedling, laser treatment for acne
Additonal Reading:
Irregular Skin Pigmentation
The inflammation associated with acne can sometimes change the pigmentation of your skin. Irregular skin pigmentation can be distressing, but it isn’t the same as a permanent acne scar. It has nothing to do with the production of collagen. Some treatments can speed up natural fading.
You may experience brown spots known as hyperpigmentation. White spots, called hypopigmentation, can also develop. And people with lighter skin may have red marks (persistent erythema).
Treatments that can help fade skin pigmentation issues due to acne include:
- prescription bleaching cream
- chemical peels
- Laser therapy
- Light treatments
- Skincare products
What are acne scars and blemishes and what are my treatment options?
Acne is an inflamatory skin condition that may cause a reaction or distruction in the the surrounding skin. What that looks like will depend on the severity of the acne, the location of the lesions, and the person’s skin color. Lessions of the skin caused by acne are called secondary lessions. These include blemishes and acne scars.
Post Inflamatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
PIH is caused by increased production of the brown skin pigment, melanim, by melanocytes in response to inflammation. PIH occurs more commonly in people with dark skin or those who tan easily.
Sometimes mistakenly described as acne scaring, PIH is not a disruption of the collagen, or elastin in the skin, but a stain. Unlike an acne scar, PIH from acne is generally not permanent.
Some people with mild acne seem to only have blemishes of PIH. When the lesions have been studied under the microscope; however, the primary acne lesion, the microcomidone, is present.
Sometimes all it takes to treat PIH from acne is to get the acne under control. Occasionally, one can add treatments specific to addressing PIH such as bleaching creams, azeleic acid, brightening creams, and chemical peels to accelerate evening of the complexion.
Scholarly contribution:
Post Inflammatory Hypopigmentation
Sometimes trauma to pigment cells in the skin results in skin lightening rather than skin darkening. This is called post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. This is less common, as a result of acne, and is more likely to occur on the back. Post-inflammatory hypopigmentation is more likely to occur with more severe acne. There is no specific treatment for it; however, it may improve on its own over time.
Persistent Redness: Erythema
In contrast to the people with darker skin who get persistent brown marks, people with lighter skin may notice persistent red marks after they have had acne.
This is callecd persistant erytema. It usually fades as long as the primary problem of acne is kept under control. In addition to treating the acne, sometimes people treat the persistent erythema with laser and other light treatments.
Acne Scars – Depressed (Atrophic)
rf Depressed acne scars occur when inflammation caused by severe acne destroys the surrounding skin resulting in holes or divots in the skin. Although scars are permanent, they can improve over time. If someone is prone to scaring it is especially important to treat the acne. Specific treatment for scaring include chemical peels, laser, rf microneedling, excision, and subcision.
Raised Acne Scars
In contrast to depressed acne scars, which are a destructive response to trauma; raised acne scars are an abnormal response to healing. These take the form of firm papules, nodules, and sometimes even tumors (keloids) on the skin in response to severe inflammation. Raised acne scars rarely occur on the face. They are more likely to be found on the jawline, chest, and back. In addition to controlling the underlying acne, raised acne scars are usually treated with steroid injections and sometimes laser surgery.
In the media:
What is acne excoriee?
Acne excoriate is a compulsive disorder in which a person feels compelled to pick at acne lesions. People often have relatively minor acne compared to the excoriations on the affected area. It is considered a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder or body focus repetitive behavior which in addition to the treatment of acne, may require behavioral therapy.
Additional Reading:
What is acne cosmetica?
Acne cometica is caused by cosmetic or personal care products, such as makeup, that clog the pores.
Is it vain to want to treat acne?
Absolutely Not.
Although acne is not a serious medical condition, it can cause permanent disfigurement, as well as have long term psychological impact. Human beings are social animals. People with acne are often judged, ridiculed, and discriminated against. Studies have shown that people with acne avoid certain social situations and professional opportunities. People who may have experienced acne transiently during their teens many times continue to suffer from self-esteem problems decades later, even if they never developed a scar on their face.
More and more we’re learning that inflammation anywhere in the body can is associated with an increased risk of a variety of general health problems. For example, just like with gum disease, acne has been associated with cardiovascular disease. With time we will likely learn more about the association with acne and our general health; however, even if it is solely to address self-esteem, it is not vain to want to treat and prevent problems that impact our mental health and quality of life.
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Book Your Acne Treatment Consultation In NYC!
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Contact Aglow Dermatology at 212-627-1004 or use our contact form to schedule a consultation with Dr. Strachan.