Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting people of every age. Belaray Dermatology treats acne at both the Hicksville and Stony Brook Long Island offices — from mild comedonal breakouts to severe cystic acne — with a physician-supervised, evidence-based approach tailored to your skin type and lifestyle. Teens and younger children with acne can also be seen through our pediatric dermatology program.
Types of Acne We Treat
- Comedonal acne — blackheads and whiteheads; clogged follicles without inflammation
- Inflammatory acne — papules and pustules; red, tender bumps
- Nodular and cystic acne — deep, painful lesions that can cause permanent scarring
- Hormonal acne — cyclical breakouts along the jawline, chin, and cheeks; common in adult women
- Acne in teens and adolescents — managed with age-appropriate therapies
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — dark spots left after acne heals
Treatment Options
Topical Medications
- Tretinoin and other retinoids — normalize cell turnover, prevent clogged follicles
- Topical antibiotics (clindamycin, erythromycin) — reduce C. acnes bacteria
- Benzoyl peroxide — antimicrobial, reduces resistance when combined with antibiotics
- Topical dapsone — effective for inflammatory and hormonal acne patterns
Oral Medications
- Oral antibiotics (doxycycline, minocycline, sarecycline) — for moderate-to-severe inflammatory acne
- Spironolactone — hormonal acne in adult women; reduces androgen-driven sebum production
- Isotretinoin (Accutane) — the only treatment that produces long-term remission in severe, scarring, or treatment-resistant acne
- Combined oral contraceptives — select formulations are FDA-approved for acne in women
In-Office Procedures
- Chemical peels (salicylic acid, glycolic acid) — exfoliation and anti-inflammatory
- Cortisone injections — rapid reduction of painful cystic nodules
- RF microneedling and CO&sub2; laser for acne scars — Cutera Secret Pro platform, after active acne is controlled
- Extraction of comedones — careful manual extraction at appropriate visits
Acne Scarring
Once active acne is controlled, textural scars — icepick, boxcar, and rolling scars — can be addressed. Belaray offers RF microneedling and CO&sub2; fractional laser resurfacing (Cutera Secret Pro) for acne scar improvement. These treatments stimulate collagen remodeling below the surface to smooth and fill depressed scarring over a series of sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does acne treatment take to work?
Most topical and oral treatments show meaningful improvement at 8–12 weeks. Isotretinoin courses run 5–7 months. Your provider will reassess and adjust your regimen at 6–8 week intervals.
Is acne treatment covered by insurance?
Medical acne treatment — prescription medications and office visits for active acne — is generally covered by major insurance plans accepted at Belaray. Cosmetic scar treatments are typically not covered.
Can adults get acne treatment?
Yes. Adult acne, particularly hormonal acne in women, is extremely common. Spironolactone and low-dose isotretinoin are frequently used in adults and are not limited to teenagers.
What is the difference between a dermatologist and an esthetician for acne?
Dermatologists are physicians who can prescribe medications, perform biopsies, diagnose underlying conditions, and manage severe disease. Estheticians provide skincare services but cannot prescribe medications or treat medical conditions. For persistent or scarring acne, a board-certified dermatologist is the appropriate provider.
Schedule at Belaray Dermatology
Hicksville and Stony Brook, Long Island. Most major insurance accepted.
📅 Book Online 💬 Text (516) 822-7546Medical References
Belaray Dermatology education articles are written by our clinical team and medically reviewed by our physicians. This article draws on guidance from the following authoritative sources:
- American Academy of Dermatology — Acne causes, treatment, and skin care.
- MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Trusted consumer health information.