Understanding Acne

Hello, my name is Dr. Thomas Knackstedt, and I’m a board-certified dermatologist at Peak Skin Center. In this video, I want to talk a little bit about acne.

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, and it can affect children, teens, and adults. It often shows up on the face, chest, back, and shoulders, and it can range from blackheads and whiteheads to inflamed pimples, deeper nodules, and sometimes scarring.

It helps to understand how an acne lesion develops. Acne starts in a hair follicle and oil gland unit. First, the oil gland produces sebum, and the lining of the pore can become “sticky,” so dead skin cells do not shed normally. That combination leads to a clogged pore. If the pore remains open at the surface, it can look like a blackhead, and if it is closed, it can look like a whitehead. As the pore stays blocked, bacteria that normally live on the skin can proliferate within the follicle, and the immune system responds. That inflammation is what turns a clogged pore into a red, tender pimple, and if inflammation is deeper, it can form nodules or cyst-like lesions that are more likely to scar.

The good news is that acne is very treatable, and treatment is based on the type and severity. For mild acne, topical medications can be very effective, including retinoids to keep pores from clogging, and benzoyl peroxide or topical antibiotics to reduce bacteria and inflammation. For more inflammatory acne, oral medications may be used for a period of time, such as oral antibiotics to calm inflammation. In selected patients—especially with hormonal patterns—hormonal therapies can be helpful. And for severe, scarring, or treatment-resistant acne, isotretinoin can be an excellent option with close medical supervision.

Acne treatment takes consistency and time, and most regimens require several weeks to show steady improvement. The goal is to control breakouts, protect the skin barrier, and prevent scarring while keeping the routine as simple and tolerable as possible.

I hope this information is helpful, and thanks for watching.

If you or a loved one is struggling with acne, schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist at Peak Skin Center. Our medical dermatology team in Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, and Fuquay-Varina specializes in treating acne with personalized solutions tailored to your skin type and condition. With advanced treatments and a compassionate approach, we’re committed to helping you achieve clear, healthy skin. Visit one of our convenient locations to start your journey toward effective acne management today.