Board-Certified Dermatologists in NYC

Acne Treatments

We offer acne treatments that not only reduce scarring but also promote confidence and well-being, ensuring healthy skin for your whole family.

Woman with acne on face.

About Acne: Signs and Symptoms

Side view of a woman's face.

Acne occurs when pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, or bacteria. It can appear as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or cysts on the face, chest, back, or shoulders.

Common symptoms include redness, swelling, tenderness, and sometimes scarring. Acne can affect both teens and adults and may also impact self-confidence.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Before and after acne treatment.

Dermatologists diagnose acne by examining your skin and identifying its type and severity.

Treatment may include:
- Topical or oral medications
- Chemical peels
- Laser therapy
- Accutane

We aim to reduce breakouts and prevent scarring. With personalized care, acne can be effectively managed to improve both skin health and self-esteem.

How We Help with Acne

Understanding the Underlying Causes

We start with a thorough evaluation to understand your symptoms, triggers, and overall health. From there, we create a personalized treatment plan that can involve topical treatment, systemic therapies, and/or in-office procedures.

Management and Support

We provide long-term management support so you can maintain healthy skin and a better quality of life. With the right diagnosis and tailored treatment, our team helps you find lasting relief from acne's discomfort and disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is acne treated?

Treatment starts with a personalized evaluation. Your dermatologist will assess the type and severity of acne and consider factors like pregnancy, allergies, or other health conditions.

  • Topical treatments: Retinoids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, and topical antibiotics are commonly used for mild to moderate acne.
  • Oral/systemic therapies: For more severe cases, options may include oral antibiotics, hormonal treatments (e.g., birth control for women), or isotretinoin (with strict protocols for pregnancy).
  • Combination therapy is often most effective, applying multiple approaches simultaneously.

How long will treatment take to show results?

Acne treatments typically require 4 to 8 weeks to begin showing visible improvement. Continued use is essential—even after the skin clears—to maintain results. Red or brown marks post-breakout are common and can gradually fade over several months.

How can I prevent scarring and future breakouts?

Avoid touching, picking, or popping acne, as this can worsen inflammation and increase scarring risk. Use lukewarm water and gentle cleansing—scrubbing can aggravate acne. Sun exposure should also be minimized, and non-comedogenic sunscreen is recommended.

When should I see a dermatologist instead of relying on OTC products?

If acne is deep (like cysts), widespread, not responding to over-the-counter treatments, or affecting your emotional well-being, it’s time to seek help from a dermatologist. They can provide effective prescriptions and perform in‑office procedures to clear resistant lesions.

Why is professional guidance important rather than treatment on my own?

Dermatologists tailor treatment plans to your specific skin type and acne severity. Professional guidance ensures selected therapies are effective and safe—especially important for deeper, more complicated acne forms and to prevent long-term damage.

What to Expect

Comprehensive Exam

We will review your symptoms, medical history, and triggers, followed by a skin exam to confirm your diagnosis.

Personalized Treatment

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care. Instead, we’ll create a personalized plan for your needs, goals, and lifestyle.

Ongoing Support

We’ll monitor your progress, adjust treatments as needed, and guide you in preventing flare-ups for long-term skin health.

Hear from our Happy Patients

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"Dr. Alvarez is a conscientious and compassionate physician. My family and I have been seeing him for 8+ years and I’ve referred him to family and friends alike.

Everyone is always pleased with the referral and the care they receive."

- V.R.

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"Dr. Alvarez is incredible - by far my favorite doctor. He has helped me with a multitude of issues - advocating to my insurance for necessary care and offering me options for everything.

He and his team are dedicated to giving excellent, welcoming, quality care - and they have great views from their office."

- B.G

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"Dr. Karp is truly amazing! When I walked in, I felt welcomed and at ease. She's knowledgeable and explained everything clearly. I felt comfortable and confident in her care.

I actually came to see her when my regular dermatologist couldn't get me in, but honestly, I won't be going back. Her exceptional care and welcoming demeanor have won me over completely. "

- K.P

Our Certifications & Awards

American academy of dermatology association logo
American society for dermatolgic surgery logo.
ABD logo. American board of dermatology.
NYU Grossman school of medicine logo.
Contact Our Downtown Manhattan Office
DOWNTOWN DERMATOLOGY