Introduction

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting about 40–50 million people at any given time. It doesn’t discriminate—teens, adults and even newborns can experience breakouts. In Greenville’s humid climate, excess sweat and oil can make acne worse, while stress and diet often play a role. Fortunately, advances in dermatology mean you don’t have to suffer indefinitely. Let’s explore the treatment options available locally and how to build a plan tailored to your skin.

What is acne?

Acne develops when dead skin cells and sebum clog hair follicles. If bacteria become trapped, inflammation leads to red, swollen blemishes. The main types of acne include:

• Blackheads and whiteheads – clogged pores that remain open (blackheads) or closed by skin (whiteheads).
  

• Papules and pustules – inflamed bumps, sometimes filled with pus.
  

• Cysts and nodules – deep, painful lesions that can cause scarring.
  

Hormonal changes during adolescence or pregnancy, stress, genetics, pore‑clogging cosmetics and certain medications can all contribute to breakouts. Humid weather, like Greenville’s summers, encourages oil production and bacterial growth. Identifying the type and severity of your acne helps determine the best treatment.

Over‑the‑counter treatments

For mild acne, drugstore products may suffice. Look for:

• Benzoyl peroxide – kills acne‑causing bacteria and reduces inflammation. Start with 2.5–5 % concentrations to minimize irritation.
  

• Salicylic acid – dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells, unclogging pores and reducing inflammation.
  

• Adapalene gel – a mild retinoid available over the counter that speeds up cell turnover. It’s less irritating than prescription retinoids but still effective.
  

Use one active ingredient at a time and apply only to affected areas. Over‑drying the skin can stimulate more oil production. If acne persists beyond eight weeks of consistent use, consult a professional.

Prescription topical treatments

Dermatologists often prescribe topical retinoids, such as tretinoin or higher‑strength adapalene. These vitamin A derivatives prevent pore plugging and promote cell turnover. They can cause dryness and sun sensitivity, so start slowly and always use sunscreen. Topical antibiotics (clindamycin) reduce bacteria and inflammation but are typically combined with benzoyl peroxide to prevent resistance. Azelaic acid works for both acne and hyperpigmentation and is well‑tolerated. Dapsone gel (5 %) is another option for inflammatory acne.

Prescription oral medications

Moderate to severe acne may require systemic therapy. Options include:

• Oral antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline) – reduce inflammation and bacteria. They are usually used short‑term to avoid antibiotic resistance.
  

• Combined oral contraceptives – for women whose acne is driven by hormonal fluctuations. These pills contain estrogen and progestin and can reduce oil production.
  

• Spironolactone – an anti‑androgen medication that lowers levels of male hormones (androgens) that can contribute to acne.
  

• Isotretinoin – a potent oral retinoid reserved for severe, scarring acne. It reduces oil glands and offers long‑term remission but requires careful monitoring due to potential side effects.
  

Your dermatologist will consider your medical history, pregnancy potential and lifestyle before prescribing oral medications. These drugs require consistent follow‑up and cannot be self‑prescribed.

Professional procedures

Beyond creams and pills, several in‑office procedures can dramatically improve acne:

• Chemical peels – Controlled acid solutions remove the skin’s top layers, unclogging pores and promoting new cell growth. Superficial peels using alpha‑hydroxy acids treat mild acne and discoloration with minimal downtime. Medium peels penetrate deeper to address moderate scarring but require longer healing.
  

• Light or laser therapy – Blue‑light devices kill P. acnes bacteria and reduce inflammation. Intense pulsed light (IPL) or fractional lasers can diminish acne scars and redness.
  

• Microneedling – Creates micro‑injuries that stimulate collagen, improve texture and reduce scars. It’s suitable for darker skin tones and has minimal downtimeg.
  

• HydraFacial® – Combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction and infusion. Its painless suction removes impurities and delivers serums to calm active breakouts.
  

• Extraction and steroid injections – Dermatologists can manually extract stubborn cysts or inject corticosteroids to reduce inflammation quickly.
  

Professional treatments often yield faster and more dramatic results than at‑home care. However, they work best when combined with a supportive daily routine and lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle and home care

Medication alone won’t cure acne if underlying habits continue to aggravate your skin. Consider these lifestyle adjustments:

• Cleanse gently twice daily with a non‑foaming, pH‑balanced cleanser. Over‑washing can irritate the skin.
  

• Moisturize with oil‑free, non‑comedogenic products, even if your skin is oily. Hydrated skin is less likely to overproduce sebum.
  

• Choose makeup carefully – Use mineral or non‑comedogenic formulas and remove makeup completely before bed.
  

• Watch your diet – Emerging evidence suggests that high glycemic foods and dairy may worsen acne in some people. Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables and lean protein.
  

• Manage stress – Cortisol can trigger oil production. Practices like yoga, meditation or regular exercise may help.
  

• Avoid picking – Squeezing pimples spreads bacteria and increases the risk of scarring.
  

Local resources and Skin By Kim’s approach

At Skin By Kim, we understand that no two acne cases are alike. That’s why we begin with a comprehensive skin consultation, using advanced imaging to assess oil production, pore congestion and inflammation. Based on your type of acne and lifestyle, we might recommend a combination of treatments: a HydraFacial® with acne‑fighting boosters, a series of mild chemical peels to accelerate cell turnover, or microneedling to reduce scarring. We also provide a personalized at‑home regimen featuring medical‑grade cleansers, serums and moisturizers. Our boutique environment ensures you receive one‑on‑one guidance and follow‑up.

FAQs

Q: When should I see a dermatologist or aesthetician? If over‑the‑counter products don’t improve your acne after 6–8 weeks, or if you develop painful nodules or scarring, schedule a professional evaluation. Early treatment prevents long‑term damage.

Q: How long will it take to see results? Topical treatments may take 4–12 weeks. Oral medications can show improvements in a month or two. Procedures like chemical peels may reveal smoother skin within a week but often require a series of treatments.

Q: Can acne be cured permanently? While there is no one‑time “cure,” acne can be managed effectively. Many people achieve long‑term remission through a combination of lifestyle changes, appropriate skincare and, if necessary, medication.

Conclusion

Acne is a complex condition with many contributing factors, but it’s also highly treatable. From simple over‑the‑counter solutions to advanced dermatologic procedures, there’s a solution for every severity level. The key is to approach your skin holistically and seek professional guidance when needed. If you’re ready to take control of your skin health, Skin By Kim offers personalized acne consultations and treatments tailored to Greenville’s climate and your lifestyle.