Personalized Acne Treatments for Adult Acne and Hormonal Acne
Do you have acne that’s difficult to treat—even after trying multiple products or seeing other doctors?

Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist and leading acne specialist in New York City, has successfully treated thousands of patients using customized medical and cosmetic plans designed for clear, lasting results.
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions seen at Dr. Jaliman’s Manhattan dermatology practice, affecting both teens and adults. Whether you’re dealing with blackheads, whiteheads, inflamed red bumps, or deep cystic acne, she offers highly personalized treatment plans to restore healthy skin. Acne can appear on the face, chest, back, and shoulders, and if left untreated, can lead to permanent scarring.
What sets Dr. Jaliman apart is her comprehensive, long-term approach. She works closely with each patient to find the right combination of treatments—and partners with a team of expert laser specialists and medical facialists to help improve your skin’s health, confidence, and appearance.
Living in New York City can make acne worse. Pollution, stress, and environmental toxins all contribute to clogged pores and hormonal imbalances—especially in women. Dr. Jaliman understands these urban challenges and creates targeted acne treatment plans to address hormonal acne, adult acne, and stubborn cystic flare-ups.
Why Early Acne Treatment Matters
Acne can affect any age group, and delaying treatment increases the risk of scarring and long-term skin damage. Dr. Jaliman not only clears active acne but also works to prevent future breakouts and treat acne scars with advanced options like laser therapy and chemical peels.
Comprehensive Acne Solutions in NYC
Your skin is unique—and your acne treatment should be, too. Dr. Jaliman offers a full range of acne solutions, including:
- Prescription topicals and oral medications
- Laser acne treatments and light therapy
- Medical-grade chemical peels
- Custom facials performed by trained medical professionals
Ready to finally achieve the clear skin you deserve?
Call or book your consultation online with Dr. Debra Jaliman—one of NYC’s most trusted dermatologists for adult acne and hormonal acne.
What sets Dr. Jaliman’s approach to acne apart?
Dr. Jaliman takes a meticulous approach to your skincare by thoroughly reviewing every product you use, identifying potential breakout-triggering ingredients, and customizing your routine to promote clearer skin. This detailed evaluation can take up to an hour, reflecting the care and precision she brings to each patient.
To further support her patients, she’s developed a specialized skincare line that includes prescription-grade active ingredients alongside soothing, non-comedogenic cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers. These products are thoughtfully formulated to be both safe and highly effective—while remaining gentle and non-drying, making them ideal for sensitive or inflamed skin. Dr. Jaliman combines these with targeted prescription medications for a comprehensive, results-driven approach to treating acne.
Understanding Acne
What causes acne?
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.
How common is acne?
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.
Is acne genetic?
Yes, acne can be genetic. If your parents or close family members had acne, you may be more likely to develop it as well.
At what age can I develop acne?
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.
Why do I still get acne as an adult?
Adult acne is common and can be caused by a combination of hormones, lifestyle factors, and skincare habits. Even if you didn’t have acne as a teenager, you can still develop it in adulthood.
Can adult acne be treated successfully?
Yes. Adult acne is very common, especially in women, and Dr. Jaliman offers customized treatment plans that address hormonal imbalances, stress-related breakouts, and other adult-specific factors.
Can stress cause acne?
Yes, stress can cause breakouts or make existing acne worse. While stress itself doesn’t directly cause acne, it triggers hormonal changes that can lead to increased oil production and inflammation.
Can hormonal changes cause acne?
Yes, hormonal changes during periods, pregnancy, menopause, and conditions like PCOS can trigger or worsen acne. This type of acne is often deep, cystic, and appears along the chin, jawline, and lower cheeks.
What areas, including the face, can acne occur?
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.
Can acne be caused by poor hygiene?
No, acne is not caused by poor hygiene. Over-washing can actually irritate the skin and make acne worse.
Is there a link between gut health and acne?
Emerging research suggests gut health may influence inflammation and skin conditions like acne, but more studies are needed.
Can sweating or working out cause acne?
Sweat itself doesn’t cause acne, but not cleansing the skin afterward can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
Can acne come back after treatment ends?
Yes, acne can recur, especially if treatment stops too soon or hormonal factors are involved. Maintenance treatment often helps.
What’s the difference between acne scars and pigmentation spots?
Scars change the skin’s texture, while pigmentation spots are flat dark marks left after inflammation.
Treatment Options
What are my acne treatment options?
We offer a wide range of personalized acne treatments tailored to your skin’s needs. Topical options include antibiotics, retinoids, and custom-formulated medications that help reduce oil, unclog pores, kill acne-causing bacteria, and soothe inflammation. For hormonal or more persistent acne, oral treatments such as antibiotics (like doxycycline or minocycline), spironolactone, and certain birth control pills may be recommended. In severe cases, Isotretinoin (Accutane) is an effective option.
In-office treatments enhance results and include professional extractions to clear clogged pores, intralesional steroid injections for painful cysts, and gentle chemical peels using salicylic or glycolic acid to exfoliate and refine skin. We also offer LED light therapy—blue light targets acne-causing bacteria, while red light calms inflammation.
Together, these therapies are combined into a customized, comprehensive treatment plan designed to achieve clear, healthy skin.
Are there side effects from acne medications or treatments?
Yes, side effects vary but may include dryness, redness, or sensitivity. Your dermatologist can adjust your plan if needed.
What should I do if my acne treatment is irritating my skin?
Pause use and contact your dermatologist. Sometimes reducing frequency or switching products can resolve irritation.
How is acne treatment different for darker skin tones?
We tailor treatment to minimize hyperpigmentation and prevent irritation, which is more common in skin of color.
Can acne treatments cause hyperpigmentation in skin of color?
Yes, some treatments can trigger dark spots. Using gentle products and proper sun protection helps reduce this risk.
What acne treatments are available for sensitive skin?
For patients with sensitive skin, Dr. Jaliman designs gentle, effective protocols using medical-grade products, non-irritating topical treatments, and appropriate laser options tailored to avoid triggering redness or irritation.
Do over-the-counter products work for acne?
Yes, over-the-counter (OTC) products can be effective for mild acne, especially when used consistently. The key is choosing the right ingredients for your skin type and acne severity. Look for ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, adapalene, sulfur and niacinamide.
When should I see a dermatologist for acne?
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.
How do I find the right dermatologist for acne treatment?
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.
How do dermatologists create an acne 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).
What are the best oral medications for treating acne?
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.
Can any medications cause acne or make it worse?
Medications like lithium or some birth control pills can trigger acne. Medications like lithium or some birth control pills can trigger acne.
What are the latest prescription treatments for acne?
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.
What prescription treatments are best for hormonal acne?
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.
Can birth control pills help treat hormonal 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.
Does Accutane (isotretinoin) cure acne permanently?
It can provide long-term remission for many patients, but some may need additional treatments later.
How long does it take to see results from acne treatment?
You may see some initial improvement after 2 to 4 weeks, but it usually it takes 8 to 12 weeks to see significant improvement.
How soon should I start treating acne to prevent breakouts and scarring?
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.



In Office Treatment Options
- Extractions
- Cortisone Injections
- Peels
- Microdermabrasion
- Medical Facials
- LED
- Blue Light
- Red Light
- Laser Genesis
Are extractions and medical facials effective for removing blackheads?
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.
Can light chemical peels help treat acne?
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.
Is microdermabrasion effective for treating acne?
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.
How do LED blue light and red light treatments help with acne?
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.
Can laser treatments reduce redness from acne?
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.
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.
Do you offer same-day consultations and treatments?
Yes, in many cases. If appropriate, Dr. Jaliman can start treatment on the same day as your initial consultation to begin your journey to clearer skin as quickly as possible.
Costs
How much does acne treatment cost?
The cost of acne treatment can vary. Many acne treatments are covered by insurance, so it’s a good idea to check with your provider. However, treatments like LED red and blue light therapy, medical facials, peels, and lasers are generally not covered by insurance.
Does insurance cover acne treatment by a dermatologist?
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.

Acne Management Tips
Some Important Acne Management Tips:
- Clean your skin every morning and night, with a mild cleanser. Use a baby washcloth or cotton round; don't use your fingers. (There is not enough exfoliation from fingertips and bacteria can be found under the fingernails).
- Avoid using undereye concealer to cover a pimple, as it's oily, the formulation can clog pores and worsen breakouts.
- Diet may play a small role, avoiding dairy products that contain hormones. Also, avoid processed foods and foods with refined sugar.
- Have a medical facial, so as not to enlarge pores.
- Avoid picking skin as it may spread infection and leave scars. Have cysts injected immediately.
- Try to avoid mental stress.
- If using a birth control pill, use one approved to clear acne (YAZ).
- Consult a dermatologist before scarring occurs.
Skin Care and Lifestyle
How often should I wash my face?
Twice a day (morning and night) with a gentle cleanser. Over-washing can strip the skin and make acne worse.
Can the skincare or beauty products I’m using cause acne?
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.
Why is it important to use non-comedogenic products for acne-prone skin?
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.
What ingredients in skincare products can clog pores and cause acne?
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.
Does wearing makeup cause breakouts?
Some makeup products contain ingredients that clog pores, leading to acne. Look out for Oils such as coconut oil or mineral oil and silicones such dimethicone.
If you don’t cleanse your skin thoroughly at the end of the day, makeup, dirt, and oils can build up, clogging pores and causing breakouts. It’s crucial to remove all makeup using a gentle cleanser or micellar water. Dirty makeup brushes or sponges can introduce bacteria to your skin, which can worsen acne. Be sure to clean your tools regularly to prevent breakouts.
What are some hydrating, non-comedogenic ingredients for skincare?
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.
Does diet affect acne?
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.
How can I get rid of dark spots after breakouts?
The best treatment for hyperpigmentation after acne (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH) depends on your skin type and severity. A combination of topical ingredients, professional treatments, and sun protection works best. We have specially made products that are safe and effective that contain kojic acid, 20 percent vitamin C and 12 % azeleic acid to lighten this pigment.
Does shaving make acne worse?
It can if you use harsh razors or shave over active breakouts. Use a clean razor and soothing shave gel.
Can certain hair products cause forehead or scalp acne?
Yes, oily or waxy products can clog pores, leading to breakouts along the hairline (called “pomade acne”).
Should I stop touching or picking at acne lesions?
Yes, picking can worsen inflammation and lead to scarring or dark spots.
Acne frequently asked questions
How can I prevent acne scars?
To prevent acne scars, treat breakouts early, avoid picking or popping pimples, use sun protection to prevent dark spots, and follow a dermatologist approved skincare routine. Professional treatments, such as lasers or chemical peels, can also help minimize scarring.
How can I safely treat acne during pregnancy?
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.
What is the best way to treat acne in teens?
Start with a gentle cleanser and topical treatments. Teens may also need a customized prescription plan.
Can preteens get acne, and how is it treated differently?
Yes, preteens can get acne due to early hormonal changes. Treatment is gentle and age-appropriate.
How do I treat post-inflammatory erythema (red marks) from acne?
Topicals like azelaic acid (AzaSmooth) can help. In-office treatments like the Lasers Genesis can also reduce redness.
Take control of your skin today! Dr. Debra Jaliman a board-certified dermatologist in NYC specializing an acne treatment is here to provide personalized care tailored to your needs. Book your appointment now. Call us at .