Acne Treatments NYC

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions seen anywhere in the world. During the course of one's lifetime, 85% of people in the United States will have acne. So it's a very common skin condition and one that Dr. Jaliman sees in her office daily.

Girls between the ages 8 to 13 can get acne, but the average age is 11. Boys between the ages of 9 to 15 but the average age is 12. Acne is caused by hormonal changes during puberty.

The usual area for acne is on the face. The forehead, cheeks, nose and chin, commonly referred to as the T- zone, are the most common areas on the face because it has the highest oil production. But it can be seen in multiple locations on the body: the neck, on the chest and on the back. It can also be seen along the hairline due to hair products or sweating.

It is caused by a combination of factors. The main factors are an overproduction of oil (sebum) by sebaceous glands, and a blockage of pores by dead skin cells. It is also caused by too many bacteria, which are called p.acnes bacteria (propionibacterium acne). These cause inflammation and redness. Hormonal fluctuations, common during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy or menopause, increase sebum production, and inflammation. A family history of acne increases the likelihood of developing acne. Stress worsens acne by increasing hormone production. Humidity and sweat trap oil and dirt in pores. Pollution can lead to clogged pores.

If you have mild acne (a few blemishes) and over-the-counter products are working for you, then you may not need to see a dermatologist.

If you have acne cysts or large nodules on your skin, you definitely need to visit a dermatologist. If you have acne that is scarring, you should see a dermatologist immediately. Or if you have acne that you are not able to control with over-the-counter medications, it would be a good idea to seek a dermatologist's help with a customized treatment plan.

When choosing a dermatologist for acne, you want to choose a doctor who is a specialist in acne. Dr. Jaliman is a board-certified dermatologist, and she has advanced training and in diagnosing and treating acne. She also specializes in acne treatment and cosmetic dermatology, which is helpful for addressing scarring and pigmentation. Fifty percent of the medical patients that Dr Jaliman treats are for acne. She is considered one of the best acne dermatologists in NYC because she has years of experience dealing with every type of acne, from cystic acne with scarring to mild acne in patients who have acne-prone ultra sensitive skin. She will address your specific skin type and treat your acne with a customized treatment plan.

Oftentimes, acne can be treated with prescription topical medications. These include medications that kill the bacteria on the skin, which are called topical antibiotics. There are also products that decrease the oil on the skin and help the dead skin cells to slough off the surface. These medications are called retinoids. Then there is a category of medication called dapsone, which is an anti-inflammatory medication. There is a new medication which is a topical hormone blocker. This is the newest advance in acne treatment (Winlevi).

Oral medication such as antibiotics like doxycycline, minocycline or erythromycin reduces bacteria and inflammation. Oral contraceptives regulate hormonal acne. Spironolactone blocks androgen activity to reduce oil production. Accutane helps severe cystic acne. In office treatments, like chemical peels, help exfoliate and unclog pores.

Medications like lithium or some birth control pills can trigger acne. Medications like lithium or some birth control pills can trigger acne.

It is very important that you have the correct cleansing regimen when dealing with acne. This includes the proper choice of a cleanser and toner. An individualized skincare regimen will be devised especially for you.

Dr. Jaliman will go over all the products and everything that you use on your face. Including but not limited to your sunscreen, primer, makeup, moisturizer, serum, micellar water, anti-aging products and any other wrinkle cream you may be using. Oily hair products can also block oil glands on the forehead and cause the development of pustules, bumps and pimples along the hairline. You can have the best skin care regimen, but if one of the products you use contains a comedogenic oil, it will block your pores, you will still break out. She will give you advice and detailed information on the way to cleanse your skin and how to take care of it. She often finds something that causes the problem and eliminates it from the skin care routine.

Noncomedogenic means that it will not block your pores. It is very important that all the products you choose for your acne-prone skin fall into this category.

Any comedogenic ingredient that blocks the pores, for example, an ointment. These ingredients include many oils, like avocado oil, apricot oil, mineral oil, almond oil, coconut oil, beeswax and silicone. Another ingredient that exacerbates acne is Shea butter. This is found in a lot of skin care products.

Hyaluronic acid is a good hydrating ingredient for acne-prone patients. It adds moisture to the skin without clogging the pores. You can find it in a wide variety of products, including serums, creams and cleansers. Glycerin is another reactant that helps draw moisture into the skin and is good for acne-prone skin. Squalane is another option, as are ceramides.

There is a prescription topical 4% Minocycline foam called Amzeeq. It is very safe and effective. Winlevi is another topical prescription medication that blocks androgens in the skin.

There are low-dose-time released antibiotics that can be taken orally that are effective. There are also acne antibiotics that specifically target just acne, such as Sarecycline, which isn't used to treat anything else. If the acne is very severe, then Accutane (Isotretinoin) can be used. This is prescription medication that is taken twice daily by mouth for 20 weeks. It is usually used to treat severe cystic acne. It is very effective but does have side effects that Dr Jaliman will discuss with you. It is an excellent treatment if the severity of your condition warrants it. Many patients see improvement after 2–3 months of treatment.

Women can be treated with birth control pills or spironolactone, which is a hormone blocker pill. Spironolactone blocks androgen receptors, reducing oil production and acne.

It is important to tell your dermatologist if you are taking birth control pills. Some birth control pills make acne worse and some make it better. There are some birth control pills that have FDA approval to improve acne. These include Estrostep, Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Yaz. These regulate hormone levels by suppressing androgens that stimulate oil production.

You may see some initial improvement after 2 to 4 weeks, but it usually it takes 8 to 12 weeks to see significant improvement.

Medical facials can be used to clean out the pores of acne. This is called extraction. It is used for whiteheads and blackheads. Injections of hydrocortisone can be used for the cysts.

Light peels containing salicylic acid can be very helpful for acne as the acid helps unclog pores. This is good to exfoliate the dead surface skin cells. It is also helpful for dark spots which can remain from acne. The Illuminize peel is a safe and effective peel that we use in our office for acne-prone skin.

Microdermabrasion removes the outer layer of dead skin cells, which can unclog the pores and reduce the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. It can be also be helpful for hyperpigmentation.

Blue light and red light treatments are very effective devices for acne. They help to destroy the p. acnes bacteria and also help to decrease the inflammation in the skin. It usually takes approximately 4–6 treatments to improve the complexion.

The Laser Genesis is very helpful laser acne treatment that reduces redness and improves texture. This laser stimulates collagen production in the outer layers of the skin. It can be used for redness as well as for acne scar treatment. It has no downtime. Everyone can be treated, even individuals with darker skin color. A series of 4-6 laser treatments is usually necessary. These are done 2–4 weeks apart. This is a very effective laser technology used in our clinic. It should only be done by a skilled person with expertise in these techniques and methods of laser treatment.

It is better to treat your acne earlier to prevent the risk of scarring, other permanent damage to the deeper layers of the skin and other complications. Early intervention prevents mild acne from progressing to more severe forms. Acne can affect self-esteem and confidence and addressing it early minimizes emotional distress, anxiety and depression from this skin disorder.

Some studies show that dairy products should be limited, especially cow's milk containing hormones. High glycemic foods containing sugar and refined carbohydrates such as cookies, cake and candy should be avoided as they can be triggers for acne flares.

Products containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or a retinoid can be very effective. These products work directly on the skin surface to reduce oil, unclog pores, kill bacteria and soothe inflammation. Oral medication such as antibiotics like doxycycline, minocycline or erythromycin reduces bacteria and inflammation. Oral contraceptives regulate hormonal acne. Spironolactone blocks androgen activity to reduce oil production. Accutane helps severe cystic acne. In the office, treatments like chemical peels help exfoliate and unclog pores.

Lasers and IPL are not approved for use during pregnancy. There are some topical preparations as well as some prescription topical medications that can safely be used during pregnancy. It is essential to have a good skincare routine to follow and to use a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen with a high concentration of zinc oxide. It is also important to avoid the midday sun. Topical vitamin C and azeleic acid cream (Azasmooth) can also be used to help minimize brown discoloration which can occur from the inflammation of acne.

To schedule an appointment, call board certified dermatologist Dr Debra Jaliman at  . We work with a variety of insurance providers, so your office visits and prescriptions may be fully or partially covered based on your plan. Please note that microdermabrasion, peels, and laser treatments are not included in coverage.

931 Fifth Avenue (between 74th & 75th streets) New York, NY 10021