Causes of Acne

Acne. It plaques millions of teens--and adults, too--with vigorous outbreaks of whiteheads, blackheads and red pustules. Frustrating because of its stubbornness and unsightly appearance, acne requires diligent management to achieve clearer skin. At Southeast Dermatology in Southeast Houston and Pasadena, TX, our 10 dermatologists help scores of patients struggling with acne be comfortable in their own skin.

Causes of acne

Years ago, people blamed acne on teen hormones, greasy diets and poor skin hygiene. While those causes appear to have some credence, they don't completely explain why skin pores become so easily blocked on the face, back, shoulders, and chest. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says that a full 15 percent of adult women suffer from acne breakouts across the country.

So, what's going on? Frankly, the causes of acne are as varied as the people who suffer from it. The hormonal fluctuations of puberty and menopause do seem to affect how much oil the skin's sebaceous glands produce. Also, stress, a carb- and fat-loaded diet factors in, too.

Additionally, what you put on your skin may precipitate an acne flare-up. Everyday Health reports that hair care products, over use of sun screen and even touching your hands or your cell phone to your face can irritate the skin enough to promote breakouts.

Treating acne

Some simple at-home interventions help control acne. Simple face washing with a mild acne wash keeps the skin clean and oil-free. However, it's important to use your fingertips gently and never scrub your skin too vigorously. Additionally, limit fatty and sugary foods, and surprisingly, use a moisturizer on patches of dry skin.

However, many people need more than home care to achieve real control of their acne. In Southeast Houston and Pasadena, TX, the professional team at Southeast Dermatology offers careful skin examinations and treatment plans tailored to individual need.

Common interventions include:

  • Face scrubs and creams containing benzoyl peroxide
  • Tretinoin, or vitamin A, which helps unplug pores
  • Hormone therapy
  • Antibiotics when infection is present
  • Extraction of whiteheads and blackheads performed in the office to unplug sebaceous glands

Get the help you need

Don't suffer the embarrassment of uncontrolled acne. If you want real relief, call the experts at Southeast Dermatology for a friendly and informative consultation on your skin care needs. We have two convenient locations open Monday through Friday. For the Pasadena office, phone (281) 991-5944, and in Southeast Houston, phone (281) 481-0033.

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Our Regular Schedule

Pasadena Location

Monday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 pm-4:30 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 pm-4:30 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 pm-4:30 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 pm-4:30 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 pm-4:30 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Houston Location

Monday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 PM-4:30 PM

Tuesday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 PM-4:30 PM

Wednesday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 PM-4:30 PM

Thursday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 PM-4:30 PM

Friday:

8:00 am-11:30 am

1:00 PM-4:30 PM

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed