Advanced Acne Treatment in Bridgewater NJ
Clear your skin with comprehensive acne treatment in Bridgewater NJ, tailored to your unique needs. PS Dermatology & Surgery offers proven treatments from topical therapies to prescription medications and advanced scar revision to help you achieve the clear, confident complexion you deserve.
👨⚕️ Double Board Certified in Dermatology and Mohs Surgery
🎓 Fellowship Trained in Mohs Surgery
Acne
Why Does Acne Occur?
– The most common time that acne occurs is when we’re younger (adolescence to teen years), when our hormones are elevated due to puberty.
– Another time this can occur is when females experience flares as a result of hormonal fluctuations throughout the month.
– Lastly, genetics play an interaction with oil glands contributing to acne as well.
Common Types of Acne
- Blackheads: Open pores clogged with oil and dead skin. Dark appearance.
- Whiteheads: Closed pores clogged with oil and dead skin. White or flesh-toned bumps.
- Papules: Small, red, and tender bumps indicating inflammation.
- Pustules: Red bumps containing pus (pimples).
- Acne Mechanica: Caused by friction or pressure on the skin
- Cysts and Nodules: Large, deep, pus-filled, and often painful lesions.
- Acne Scaring: from chronic cystic acne
Less Common: Fungal Acne – Treated by topical and/or oral anti-fungal medications
Acne Treatment
Unclogging the Pores
The two types of medications which help to unclog the pores are retinoids and keratolytics. Retinoids are medicines like over-the-counter ‘retinol’, and prescriptions like tretinoin, Retin A®, and Differin®. They work by changing the rate that skin cells lining your pores are produced which, in turn, helps prevent them from clumping together. Alternatively, salicylic and glycolic acid are the two most common keratolytics. They work by breaking up the clump of skin cells and oil that create the previously mentioned ‘comedones’.
Killing Bacteria
Both topical and systemic antibiotics can be used to kill the P. acnes bacteria. Benzoyl peroxide is the most well-known of the acne-fighting antibiotics and is applied topically. It’s found in a number of over-the-counter products, though it’s also incorporated into many prescription medications. Most patients visiting a dermatologist have found that benzoyl peroxide alone provides only limited relief. At this point, it’s time to consider prescription antibiotics – in either topical (lotions, creams, etc.) or oral form (pills, capsules, etc.).
‘Blocking’ Hormones
Decreasing the ability of hormones to create acne-causing changes in the first place can be an effective treatment. For a variety of reasons, though, this treatment approach is one which is only available to female patients. Examples include oral contraceptives as well as a medication called spironolactone.
Shutting down the oil gland
Systemic treatment with isotretinoin (Accutane, Myorisan, Absorica/Absorica LD, Claravis, Zenatane, Amnesteem) is indicated for acne that is resistant to treatment, produces scarring, or produces significant physical or emotional distress. This medicine is extremely effective and may offer some patients a chance at a permanent acne reduction, however, it requires appopriate monitoring by a professional.
Acne Scarring
Each patients scarring typically needs a multi-modality approach. Dr. Parth Patel can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the most suitable approach. Treatments include the following:
– Chemical Peels: Superficial or medium-depth chemical peels
– Dermabrasion: Physical scrubbing to remove the upper layer of the skin
– Laser treatment: CO2 Ablative Lasers and Fraxel® Non-Ablative Lasers can be used to stimulate collagen production for fresh, healthier, skin.
– Subcision: a minor surgical procedure that involves a needle-like tool to free up depressed scars
– Fillers: Injectable fillers can be strategically placed to elevate depressed scars
– Corticosteroid injections: The direct injection of corticosteroids into thick raised scars hypertrophic/keloidal scar tissue can help to soften and flatten raised scars.
– Surgical excision: In some cases, surgical removal of the scar tissue might be the best option.
Ready to Say Goodbye to Acne for Good?
Don't let acne control your confidence any longer. Our dermatology specialists provide personalized treatment plans using the latest therapies - from hormonal treatments to advanced scar revision - to give you the clear, healthy skin you've always wanted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acne Treatment
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. It develops when excess oil production, blocked pores, bacteria, and inflammation combine—often influenced by hormones, genetics, stress, or skincare habits. This process can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or deeper, more painful breakouts on the face and body.
Acne affects people differently because everyone’s skin biology is unique. Factors such as genetics, hormone levels, oil production, immune response, and lifestyle all play a role in how likely someone is to develop breakouts. While some people are more prone due to inherited traits or hormonal changes, others may never experience acne because their pores clog less easily or their skin handles bacteria and inflammation more effectively.
Topical (applied to the skin) treatments
Retinoids (such as adapalene or tretinoin) help keep pores clear and prevent new breakouts
Benzoyl peroxide and/or Sulfur reduces acne-causing bacteria and helps calm inflammation
Topical antibiotics help control bacteria on the skin
Azelaic acid helps treat acne while also improving redness and dark spots
Clascoterone cream is a topical androgen receptor blocker that decreases sebum production
Oral (taken by mouth) medications
Oral antibiotics help reduce bacteria and inflammation in moderate to more severe acne. But they can only be used short term.
Hormonal treatments, such as certain birth control pills or spironolactone, can be helpful for hormone-related acne
Isotretinoin
An oral medication used for severe, stubborn, or scarring acne
Works by reducing oil production and preventing clogged pores
Requires an approximately 6 month course and requires monthly visits during this time
Acne treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Dr. Patel and the team at PS Dermatology and Surgery will create a personalized plan based on your skin type, acne severity, and overall health.
There are several effective treatment options available to improve the appearance of acne scarring, and the best approach depends on the type, depth, and severity of your scars. Many patients benefit from a customized treatment plan that may combine more than one procedure for optimal results.
Chemical peels help smooth skin texture and improve discoloration by removing damaged outer layers of skin
TCA or Phenol CROSS targets deep, narrow scars by stimulating collagen within the scar
Fraxel laser improves skin texture and softens scars by promoting collagen renewal
CO₂ laser resurfaces the skin to treat deeper scars and stimulate new collagen
Subcision releases scars that are tethered beneath the skin to allow smoother healing
Filler restores lost volume and helps lift depressed scars for a smoother appearance
Dr. Patel and the team at PS Dermatology and Surgery will guide you in choosing the most appropriate treatment for your skin and goals.
