Acne Treatment in Ramsey, NJ

Effective Solutions for Pimples, Clogged Pores, and Inflamed Skin in New Jersey
Acne is a common skin condition that affects millions of people at some point in their lives, often causing frustration, self-consciousness, and discomfort. At Skin & Laser Center of NJ, we understand that acne is more than just a cosmetic concern—it can impact confidence and overall skin health. Our board-certified dermatologists provide personalized, non-invasive treatments designed to target the root causes of acne, reduce inflammation, and prevent future breakouts, helping patients across New Jersey achieve clearer, healthier skin.

Understanding Acne

Acne develops when hair follicles and pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This blockage creates an environment that encourages inflammation, leading to the formation of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, or cysts. Acne can appear not only on the face but also on other oil-rich areas such as the back, chest, and shoulders. Key factors contributing to acne include:

  • Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty or menstrual cycles

  • Excessive oil production from sebaceous glands

  • Bacterial overgrowth in clogged pores

  • Certain medications or skincare products

  • Stress and lifestyle factors
    Understanding the underlying causes is essential for effective treatment, and our dermatologists take a comprehensive approach to identify each patient’s specific triggers and needs.

Types of Acne

Acne is generally classified into two main categories: inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Each type presents differently and may require a distinct treatment approach:

  • Non-inflammatory acne: Includes blackheads and whiteheads; does not cause swelling but affects skin texture and appearance.

  • Inflammatory acne: Includes papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts; can be painful and may leave scarring if untreated.

  • Mixed types: Many patients experience a combination of both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne.

At Skin & Laser Center of NJ, we evaluate the severity, type, and location of acne to develop personalized strategies that address each patient’s unique condition, ensuring a targeted and effective treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Acne

At Skin & Laser Center of NJ, we offer a range of evidence-based acne treatments designed to target oil production, bacterial growth, and inflammation. These options include:

  • Topical therapies: Prescription creams, gels, or lotions that reduce oil and kill acne-causing bacteria

  • Oral medications: Antibiotics or hormonal treatments to address systemic factors contributing to acne

  • Chemical peels: Target clogged pores and promote exfoliation of dead skin cells

  • Laser treatments: Reduce active acne, inflammation, and improve overall skin texture

  • Lifestyle & skincare guidance: Personalized recommendations for cleansing, product selection, and dietary or stress management strategies

Our dermatologists often combine multiple therapies to optimize results and prevent recurrence. By addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes, we help patients regain healthy, clear skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn More About Acne and How We Treat It

What Causes Acne?

There are a lot of myths about the causes of acne, but the truth is that the most common factor leading to its development is hormones, which is why so many teenagers suffer from this skin condition. Periods of significant hormonal shifts—such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause—increase the odds of developing acne. Despite this, breakouts can occur at any age, impacting both women and men.

Another factor that might lead to patients developing acne is genetics. If you have a family history of acne, you are more likely to develop the condition. Certain medications that contain hormones—including steroids, birth control pills, and antidepressants—can also increase your chance of developing the condition.

Many people tend to attribute acne to a bad diet or failure to properly clean the affected area. The reality is that your diet doesn’t cause pimples, though it is possible that certain foods may exacerbate an existing breakout. Similarly, washing your face can help to clear away potentially pore-blocking skin cells and oil, but frequent washing or using harsh chemicals is more likely to irritate your skin, causing another breakout or exacerbating an existing breakout. Other contributing factors that don’t necessarily cause acne but might exacerbate the problem include stress, makeup, environmental irritants, excessive sweating, and tight-fitting clothing and undergarments.

It’s common for acne patients to try to resolve their skin concerns at home using over-the-counter acne medications before seeking the advice of a dermatologist. While many breakouts can be resolved at home, New Jersey-area women and men who aren’t getting the results they’re hoping for from non-prescription medication or who are concerned about the possibility of scarring can seek help from the providers at Skin & Laser Center of NJ.

While there are many types of acne, the good news is that Skin & Laser Center of NJ offers several different procedures and medications to target them. To determine which treatment option is best for you, a provider will meet with you to examine your skin, review your health and medical history, and develop a specialized plan.

Common and effective treatment options include:

Topical Medications

Typically considered the first line of defense, topical acne medications include creams, gels, cleansers, and lotions that are applied to the skin. Generally, topical medications are more effective for mild cases. Some examples of popular topical medications include retinoids, antibiotics, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and dapsone.

Oral Medications

An excellent choice for moderate to severe cases, popular oral medications prescribed by Skin & Laser Center of NJ to treat acne include oral antibiotics, oral contraceptives, anti-androgen agents, and isotretinoin.

Therapies and Procedures

For some patients, oral and topical medications aren’t the most effective choice. Fortunately, there are a variety of alternative treatment options.

  • Blue light/photodynamic therapy: Skin & Laser Center of NJ utilizes this procedure to address acne as well as precancerous lesions, inflammatory rosacea, and sun damage. The dermatologist applies a chemical to the unhealthy cells, then exposes them to a blue light. This creates a reaction that damages the affected areas. This procedure is considered minimally invasive and has a good outcome.
  • Acne surgery: Your provider may manually remove whiteheads and blackheads to get a quicker improvement.
  • Chemical peel: This technique—which is also used to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin discoloration—is highly effective at minimizing acne breakouts. A chemical solution is applied to the affected skin, triggering exfoliation and causing the outermost layers to peel over the course of several days. The skin beneath is healthy and regenerated.
  • Steroid injections: While this treatment is not ideal for every type of acne, it is particularly effective in addressing nodular and cystic lesions. Many patients experience decreased pain, decreased scarring, and significant improvement with this option.
  • Facials/Hydrafacial: Our highly trained aesthetician is very gentle while providing a thorough pure cleansing, blackhead/whitehead removal, and gentle exfoliation, thus helping speed up acne treatment results.

In the Neighborhood?

Walk-Ins Available!

Convenient walk in hours available below. No appointment needed! Accepting private insurance and medicare. No medicaid plans.

Achieve the Peace of Mind that Comes
with Healthy Skin in New Jersey

Learn more about medical treatments at New Jersey’s Skin & Laser Center of NJ. Call 201-500-7525 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.