Services

ACNE TREATMENT

Looking for acne treatment in Danville? Acne is a common but treatable skin condition that affects people of all ages. At Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology, we create comprehensive acne treatment plans designed to clear existing breakouts, prevent new ones, and minimize scarring with personalized care tailored to your skin’s unique needs.

What Is Acne?

We can’t stop hormonal changes and genetics, but we can effectively treat and control acne breakouts. Acne is an inflammatory skin disorder that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. If you’re dealing with persistent breakouts, blackheads, whiteheads, or painful cystic acne, professional treatment can help restore clear, healthy skin.

Acne develops when pores become blocked, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive and cause inflammation. While it’s most common during adolescence, many adults continue to experience acne well into their 30s, 40s, and beyond, particularly women dealing with hormonal fluctuations.

Contributing factors to acne development may include:

  • Hormonal changes (puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy)
  • Genetics and family history
  • Excess oil production
  • Bacterial overgrowth (C. acnes bacteria)
  • Stress and lifestyle factors
  • Certain skincare and hair products
  • Medication side effects

Acne can range from mild blackheads and whiteheads to severe cystic lesions. Early treatment is essential to prevent scarring and achieve the best possible outcomes for your skin.

How Do Acne Treatments Work?

Effective acne treatment targets the multiple factors that contribute to breakouts. Our comprehensive approach addresses excess oil production, bacterial overgrowth, clogged pores, and inflammation simultaneously. What makes our treatment approach different? We create personalized treatment plans that may combine topical medications, oral therapies (when appropriate), and advanced in-office procedures to achieve optimal results. Our Danville patients appreciate our thorough approach that not only clears existing acne but prevents future breakouts and minimizes the risk of scarring.

What Types of Acne Can We Treat?

We successfully treat all forms of acne, including:

  • Comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads)
  • Inflammatory acne (papules and pustules)
  • Hormonal acne (particularly in adult women)
  • Cystic acne (deep, painful lesions)
  • Nodular acne (large, hard bumps under the skin)
  • Back and chest acne (truncal acne)
  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark spots after breakouts)
  • Post-inflammatory erythema (red spots after breakouts)

Our treatment options include topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, hormonal therapies, isotretinoin (a.k.a. Accutane), and advanced procedures like chemical peels and laser treatments. We also offer the Accure Laser, which safely reduces sebaceous gland activity to decrease oil production and improve acne long-term.

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Who Is a Good Candidate for Acne Treatment?

Ideal candidates for professional acne treatment include individuals who:

  • Experience persistent breakouts despite over-the-counter treatments
  • Have moderate to severe acne
  • Are dealing with painful cystic or nodular acne
  • Want to prevent acne scarring
  • Experience hormonal acne patterns
  • Have acne affecting multiple areas (face, chest, back)
  • Are ready to commit to a consistent treatment routine

If you’re in the Danville area and struggling with acne, our expert team can evaluate your skin and create a customized treatment plan during a comprehensive consultation.

Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding may have limited treatment options, but we can still provide safe and effective care tailored to their specific needs.

Why Dermatology Expertise Matters

Acne is a complex condition that requires careful diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. At Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology, care is guided by our board-certified dermatologists and delivered by a team that includes highly skilled physician assistants and nurse practitioners with specialized training in acne treatment. Our team has extensive experience treating all types of acne and knows how to combine therapies for maximum results with minimal side effects.

Personalized Consultation and Treatment Plan

During your consultation, we will thoroughly examine your skin, review your medical history, discuss your skincare routine, and understand your treatment goals. We’ll identify your specific type of acne and any contributing factors before creating a personalized treatment plan. Whether you’re dealing with teenage acne or adult-onset breakouts, we’ll help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.

Frequently Asked Questions About Acne Treatment

How long does it take to see results from acne treatment?

Most patients begin to see improvement within 6-8 weeks of starting treatment, with continued improvement over 3-6 months. Consistency with your prescribed regimen is key to achieving optimal results.

Can adults get acne treatment?

Absolutely. Adult acne is increasingly common, especially in women. We successfully treat acne in patients of all ages with customized approaches based on individual skin needs and lifestyle factors.

Will acne treatment prevent scarring?

Early and effective treatment is the best way to prevent acne scarring. For existing acne scars, we offer various treatment options including chemical peels, microneedling, dermal fillers, and laser therapies.

Are there side effects to acne medications?

Some acne treatments may cause temporary skin irritation, dryness, or sensitivity. We carefully monitor your progress and adjust treatments as needed to minimize side effects while maximizing results.

Can I wear makeup while treating acne?

Yes, we can recommend non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) makeup products that won’t interfere with your acne treatment. Proper makeup removal is also an important part of your skincare routine.

What Our Patients Have to Say

Doctors Ellis and Potozkin

Why Choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology

Patients from San Francisco, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo, and Blackhawk choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology for our unparalleled expertise and results.

We combine the science of dermatology with the artistry of aesthetics to deliver natural-looking enhancements that build confidence. With board-certified dermatologists performing all injections and a comprehensive range of laser technologies delivered by skilled providers, we provide both safety and excellence in a sophisticated yet approachable environment.

Unlike other practices, we complement our advanced treatments with physician-selected medical-grade skincare products and begin every aesthetic journey with our signature DermDesigned consultation. Whether you're seeking cosmetic enhancement or medical dermatology care, our commitment to natural-looking results and excellence ensures you'll receive the highest standard of care in the East Bay.

Visit Us In Danville

Experience world-class dermatology care right here in the East Bay.

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contact Us

925.838.4900