Acne can feel unpredictable. A few clogged pores can turn into painful breakouts overnight, and even after pimples heal, they may leave behind dark marks or scarring that lasts much longer than the acne itself. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn adult or teen acne, hormonal breakouts, or frequent flare-ups that don’t respond to over-the-counter products, medical dermatology treatment can make a real difference. The right plan helps clear active acne, prevent future breakouts, and protect your skin from long-term damage.
At Manhattan Dermatology, patients receive expert acne care from leading board-certified dermatologists, including NYU dermatology professors. With two convenient locations in Murray Hill and Midtown East, you can access customized treatments that address the root causes of acne and support healthier skin long term.
What Is Acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This can lead to whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and deeper cystic lesions. Acne can affect the face, chest, back, shoulders, and even the scalp.
While acne is often associated with teenagers, adult acne is extremely common — and may require a different approach, especially when hormones, stress, or lifestyle factors play a role.
Types of Acne
Understanding the type of acne you have helps guide the most effective treatment plan.
Common types include:
- Blackheads (open comedones)
- Whiteheads (closed comedones)
- Papules (small red bumps)
- Pustules (inflamed pimples with a white center)
- Nodules (deep, painful bumps under the skin)
- Cysts (large, inflamed lesions that can cause scarring)
Many patients experience a mix of acne types at the same time, especially during flare-ups.
Common Types of Acne and Treatment Approaches
| Type of Acne | What It Looks Like | Common Causes | Potential Treatment Options |
| Blackheads | Small dark spots caused by open, clogged pores | Excess oil, dead skin cells, hormonal fluctuations | Retinoids, professional extractions, chemical peels |
| Whiteheads | Small flesh-colored or white bumps beneath the skin | Clogged pores, excess oil production | Prescription topical treatments, retinoids, acne-focused skincare |
| Papules | Small red, inflamed bumps without visible pus | Bacteria, inflammation, clogged follicles | Topical medications, oral medications, anti-inflammatory treatments |
| Pustules | Red pimples with a white or yellow center | Inflammation and bacterial overgrowth | Topical treatments, oral medications, customized acne regimens |
| Nodular Acne | Large, firm, painful bumps deep beneath the skin | Severe inflammation, hormonal influences | Oral medications, hormonal therapy, isotretinoin when appropriate |
| Cystic Acne | Deep, inflamed lesions that may increase scarring risk | Hormonal acne, genetics, severe pore blockage | Isotretinoin, hormonal therapies, cortisone injections for active cysts |
| Adult Acne | Persistent or recurring breakouts after age 25 | Hormonal fluctuations, stress, lifestyle factors | Hormonal treatments, prescription medications, personalized skincare plans |
| Acne Scars & Post-Acne Marks | Depressions, discoloration, or texture changes after breakouts heal | Previous inflammatory acne | Chemical peels, laser treatments, customized scar-reduction treatments |
Acne Treatment Options
Successful care depends on matching the right approach to your acne type, skin sensitivity, and lifestyle. Manhattan Dermatology offers a full spectrum of medical and cosmetic solutions that can be tailored to your needs.
Treatment options may include:
Prescription Topical Treatments
- Retinoids (to unclog pores and prevent new breakouts)
- Antibacterial or anti-inflammatory creams
- Azelaic acid for acne and discoloration
- Topical antibiotics (in select cases)
Oral Medications
For moderate to severe acne, oral treatment may be recommended.
- Oral antibiotics (short-term use)
- Hormonal acne therapies (often for adult acne)
- Isotretinoin (for severe or scarring acne when appropriate)
In-Office Acne Treatments
These can help speed up results and reduce inflammation.
- Professional extractions for clogged pores
- Cortisone injections for large, painful cysts
- Chemical peels for acne, texture, and post-acne marks
- Laser treatments for acne scarring and redness (when appropriate)
Your dermatologist will create a plan that balances clearing acne with protecting your skin barrier and reducing irritation.
Why Choose Manhattan Dermatology for Acne Treatment
Acne treatment works best when it’s personalized, consistent, and guided by medical expertise. Manhattan Dermatology offers both medical and cosmetic acne care in one trusted practice, so patients can treat active breakouts, prevent scarring, and improve skin quality over time.
Patients choose Manhattan Dermatology because they offer:
- Board-certified dermatologists experienced in treating teen and adult acne
- NYU faculty physicians — all providers are dermatology professors
- Comprehensive acne care, including prescription therapy and in-office treatments
- Advanced options for scarring and discoloration, including chemical peels and laser services
- Two convenient New York City locations on Park Avenue and East 36th Street
- Personalized, long-term plans to keep skin clear and healthy
Clear Your Skin With Acne Treatment in New York, NY
Acne can be frustrating, painful, and difficult to manage on your own, but it is treatable. With expert care, you can reduce breakouts, protect your skin from scarring, and build a plan that keeps your complexion clear and confident long term.
To get started with acne treatment in New York, NY, call (212) 683-6073 or (212) 683-6073 today.