Acne Treatment in Dallas, Texas
Acne can affect people at any age, bringing frustration, discomfort, and changes in skin tone or texture. At Dermatology Treatment and Research Center in Dallas, patients receive expert guidance that helps them understand why breakouts occur and what can be done to manage them.
From identifying common causes to exploring treatment options, our team, led by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ross Radusky, can help you work toward clearer, healthier skin. Whether symptoms are mild or persistent, we’re here to provide clinical and cosmetic solutions to address your concerns.
What Is Acne?
Acne is a condition in which the pores of the skin become clogged. This causes the appearance of bumps and other blemishes on the skin. Acne typically appears in adolescents, but it can also affect babies and adults.
Acne is quite common. Experts estimate that between 80 and 95 percent of young people aged 12 to 24 experience at least occasional breakouts. This estimate is all-inclusive, accounting for the wide range of cases treated each year.
Knowing that acne is common doesn’t mean that you should not seek clinical treatment if your acne is troublesome. Whether your acne is severe or not, your dermatologist can help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.
Where Can Acne Appear?
While acne generally affects the face, it can also appear on the neck, back, chest, and arms. Symptoms of acne can fluctuate and range in severity from mild to moderate to severe. Mild acne involves minimal symptoms and infrequent breakouts. Moderate acne involves more noticeable breakouts that occur more regularly. Severe acne involves breakouts that appear as large, irritated, red, irregularities of the skin. A consultation with your dermatologist can help determine the severity of your acne and which treatment options may be best for you.
Acne Causes
Acne occurs when hair follicles become obstructed by oil or dead skin cells. Factors that may trigger or aggravate acne may include:
- High levels of oil production
- Bacteria
- Hormone levels
- Certain medications
- Consumption of certain foods
- Stress
- Age
- Genetics
- Direct skin contact with greasy or oily substances
- Direct pressure placed on the face, e.g., holding a cellphone to your cheek
Acne Symptoms
In general, acne symptoms appear on the face. Acne may also appear on other areas of the body, including the arms, back, chest, neck, and buttocks. Depending on the type of acne and other factors, symptoms will vary from patient to patient. Symptoms of acne may include:
- Whiteheads
- Blackheads
- Papules
- Pimples
- Nodules
- Cysts
- Dark spots or scarring after the acne heals
Diagnosing Acne
To diagnose acne, your doctor will carefully examine your skin to help rule out any other potential conditions that may be causing your symptoms. Once your doctor has determined that your symptoms are the result of acne, your doctor will “grade” the degree of acne. One is a mild case of acne, and four is a severe case of acne.
Along with grading the severity of acne, your doctor will also diagnose what type(s) of acne are affecting your skin, which may include:
- Acne vulgaris
- Comedonal acne
- Cystic acne
- Nodular acne
- Acne rosacea
- Acne mechanica
- Acne cosmetica
- Excoriated acne
How to Treat Acne
Acne treatment is available for babies, children, adolescents, and adults. Treatment options can be used on the face, neck, back, arms, or other affected areas.
Depending on the severity of acne, treatment may vary. For patients with mild acne, nonprescription products may be sufficient to alleviate symptoms. However, some patients may require additional treatments.
For patients with severe or persistent acne, your doctor may recommend the following acne medications and treatment options:
- Topical medications
- Oral medications
- Antibiotics
- Birth control
- Laser therapy
- Chemical peels
- Whitehead and blackhead removal via extraction
- Steroid injections
- Clinical trials
Acne Scar Treatments
For patients with stubborn or severe acne scars, treatment options are also available. While full removal of acne scars is not always possible, there are solutions to help reduce the appearance of acne spots and scarring, such as topical creams, microneedling, laser therapy, and more. Speak with your doctor to learn more about which acne scar treatment options may be best for you.
Why Choose Dermatology Treatment and Research Center for Acne Treatment in Dallas?
Dermatology Treatment and Research Center offers acne care guided by highly trained providers who combine medical knowledge with a personalized, attentive approach. Dr. Ross Radusky, a board-certified dermatologist with advanced training from NYU and Memorial Sloan Kettering, brings extensive experience in acne management, cosmetic dermatology, and minimally invasive procedures. He is joined by Shevonne Chude, MPAS, PA-C, who emphasizes prevention, patient advocacy, and clear communication. Together, they provide thoughtful, comprehensive care for individuals seeking reliable acne treatment in Dallas.
FAQs
It usually takes at least a few weeks for an acne treatment to begin showing significant efficacy. This is because your body needs time to respond to its topical or oral medication that has destroyed acne-causing bacteria and soothed inflammation. You may begin to notice slight changes as soon as a few days after undergoing some acne treatments. This is dependent on your skin, the severity and type of acne you have, and other factors. You can expect your provider to discuss how you can maximize the results of your acne treatment through specific skincare habits. Acne-prone skin tends to be inflamed and irritated as it is. It may naturally be more sensitive, as well. With this in mind, acne treatments are performed with the utmost care. Most are very mild and free of harsh ingredients or aggressive mechanical techniques. Your provider will discuss what is involved in the acne treatment or treatments they recommend, so you know exactly what to expect. Some procedures, like chemical peels, may feel slightly tingly or may cause some stinging, but these sensations are usually mild and not painful. Generally, acne treatments have few side effects. Your provider will prepare you in advance for potential issues that may arise with your personal treatment plan. For example, if you undergo laser treatment or a chemical peel, you may experience temporary side effects such as redness, itching, or dryness that require extra moisturizing. If you are prescribed an oral antibiotic or birth control pills to manage acne, you may have a risk of side effects like temporary nausea. The side effects associated with acne treatments are typically very mild and manageable. Most insurance companies will cover at least a portion of acne care when treatment is considered medically necessary. Some of the most common insurance-approved treatments include topical and oral medications. The Dermatology Treatment and Research Center has been providing care to Dallas residents for several years. Our experienced team is happy to answer your insurance questions and help you understand your coverage. Yes. Adult acne often stems from hormonal shifts, stress, skincare products, or medications. Breakouts may be more common on the lower face, chin, and jawline, and can linger longer than teen acne. Adults may also experience dryness or sensitivity, which can affect treatment choices. Because triggers differ from those seen in adolescence, a dermatology evaluation helps identify the patterns behind breakouts and guide a plan to support clearer skin over time. Dallas is known for heat, humidity, and prolonged sun exposure, all of which can influence acne-prone skin. Warm weather increases sweating and oil buildup, which may clog pores and lead to breakouts. Sunscreens, hats, and time outdoors also play a role in how skin behaves. People who notice that their acne changes with the seasons may benefit from adjusting their routine during hotter months. A dermatologist can recommend steps that help keep flare-ups under control. In some individuals, acne may be associated with medical issues such as hormonal imbalances, thyroid irregularities, or conditions like PCOS. These concerns can influence oil production and inflammation, making breakouts more persistent or harder to manage with over-the-counter products alone. When acne appears suddenly, worsens quickly, or doesn't respond to standard care, evaluating possible internal contributors may be helpful. Dermatologists can coordinate testing or referrals when they suspect another condition is influencing the skin. Not everyone requires a prescription retinoid, but these formulas can be helpful for people with frequent, painful, or stubborn breakouts. They are stronger than store-bought options and support clearer pores, smoother texture, and reduced buildup. Your provider can determine whether a prescription is appropriate, how to introduce it, and which strength fits your skin's needs and sensitivity level. Certain treatments can cause a temporary increase in breakouts as clogged pores begin to clear. This short phase, often called "purging," is a sign that the skin is adjusting to treatment and typically settles as cell turnover becomes more balanced. Not all medications cause this reaction, and it should not last more than a few weeks. If symptoms feel unusually intense or prolonged, your provider can review the routine and make adjustments that support steady, predictable progress.Are Acne Treatment Results Permanent?
Acne treatments help clear existing acne and reduce the risks of future breakouts. Each may work a little differently, but the objective is often to minimize oil production and bacterial activity in the affected area's skin pores. Some of the treatments that are prescribed to treat acne, such as oral contraceptives, target the underlying hormone conditions that can make it easier for acne to occur. Regardless of the treatment your doctor recommends, you will likely need to continue following their plan for some time to avoid the return or worsening of your acne. Usually, acne naturally becomes less of a problem once a person reaches adulthood and their hormones reach a state of relative stability. After that time, acne treatment may no longer be necessary.How Long After an Acne Treatment Will I See Results?
Are Acne Treatments Painful?
What Are the Side Effects of Acne Treatments?
Are Acne Treatments Covered By Insurance?
Can Adult Acne Be Different From Teen Acne?
Does Dallas' Climate Affect Acne Flare-Ups?
Can Acne Be Linked To Underlying Medical Conditions?
Do I Need a Prescription-Strength Retinoid?
Can Acne Worsen Before It Improves?
Explore Options for Acne Treatment in Dallas
If you are experiencing acne symptoms that are interfering with your quality of life, a consultation with an experienced dermatologist may be the first step toward restoring the appearance and health of your skin.
At Dermatology Treatment and Research Center, our board-certified physicians have expertise in clinical, cosmetic, and general dermatology. They are ready to provide you with high-quality, expert care in a friendly, compassionate atmosphere. Call (972) 661-2729 or fill out our contact form to book an appointment.
