Acne and Acne Care
Whether you are a teenager facing breakouts for the first time or an adult with persistent acne, The Skin Care Center at Northland Plastic Surgery offers personalized acne care designed for long-term skin health.
Expert Acne Care in Duluth
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting up to 85% of teens and young adults. While it is often linked to puberty, acne can persist well into adulthood and may need targeted care to manage effectively.
We believe clear, healthy skin is more than a cosmetic goal. It supports confidence and overall well-being. With the right treatment plan, you can take control of your acne and work toward clearer skin.
Personalized Plans
Customized treatment plans tailored to your skin type, your lifestyle, and the way your acne behaves.
Medical-Grade Products
Professional and prescription-strength skin care, including Obagi systems, chosen to target acne effectively.
Advanced Treatments
In-office options for stubborn acne and scarring, from medical-grade facials and chemical peels to microneedling.
When to See an Acne Care Professional
Over-the-counter products help many people, but some acne calls for professional care. It may be time to visit The Skin Care Center if any of these apply to you.
- Your acne is persistent and keeps coming back
- Breakouts are painful or deep, such as cystic acne
- Acne is leaving scars behind
- Over-the-counter treatments have not been effective
Understanding Acne
Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Breakouts can appear on the face, chest, back, and shoulders, and range from mild to severe. Acne also takes several different forms:
- Blackheads: open pores filled with excess oil and dead skin that appear as dark spots
- Whiteheads: small, closed bumps caused by clogged pores
- Papules: red, inflamed bumps that do not contain pus
- Pustules: pimples with white or yellow pus-filled centers
- Cystic acne: deep, painful, pus-filled lumps that can lead to scarring
Common Acne Myths
Plenty of misconceptions surround acne. Here are a few worth letting go of:
- "Acne is caused by poor hygiene." Over washing can actually worsen acne by stripping the skin of essential oils.
- "Only teenagers get acne." Adult acne is common and can be influenced by hormones, stress, and lifestyle.
- "Diet has no impact on acne." High-glycemic foods and dairy may trigger breakouts in certain individuals.
- "Popping pimples helps them heal." Picking at acne can lead to scarring and infection, making breakouts worse.
Acne Treatments We Offer
We take a comprehensive approach, combining professional-grade products with advanced in-office treatments. Options include medical-grade facials and chemical peels, microneedling for scarring, and prescription-strength acne solutions.
You also leave with a personalized home care plan: product recommendations tailored to your skin type and support in building a sustainable skin care routine.
Obagi Products for Acne
We proudly recommend Obagi skin care products, known for their clinical effectiveness in acne treatment.
The Clenziderm M.D. System, designed for normal to oily skin, uses benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid to target acne at its source. Obagi Tretinoin Cream (Retin A) is a powerful retinoid that increases cell turnover, unclogs pores, and reduces breakouts while helping prevent acne scars.
Home Care Tips for Clearer Skin
Day-to-day skin care habits play a critical role in managing acne.
- Wash your face twice daily with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser
- Choose oil-free, non-comedogenic skin care and makeup products
- Moisturize daily to keep your skin barrier healthy
- Avoid touching your face to prevent transferring bacteria
- Limit dairy and high-sugar foods if they trigger your breakouts
- Change pillowcases regularly to minimize bacteria buildup
What Causes Acne
Understanding what drives your breakouts is the first step toward an effective treatment plan.
Hormonal Changes
During puberty, pregnancy, or menstruation, the body produces more androgens. These hormones stimulate oil production and clog pores.
Genetics
If your parents had acne, you may be more likely to experience it as well.
Lifestyle Factors
Foods high in sugar and dairy may trigger breakouts in some people. Stress raises cortisol levels, which can lead to flare-ups, and harsh or comedogenic skin care products can make acne worse.
What to Expect From Your Care
Your care begins with a one-on-one consultation reviewing your problem areas, lifestyle, goals, and expectations.
Your specialist builds a plan combining treatments and products, including prescription strength, matched to your skin type.
Results vary by individual, but most people see improvement within 4 to 8 weeks on the right plan.
Stubborn acne and scarring can be addressed with advanced in-office treatments as your plan progresses.
A Patient’s Story
After years of struggling with acne, one patient finally found a treatment that worked. Our team customized a plan, and their skin has never looked better. Another started the Obagi Clenziderm system and saw breakouts reduce significantly within a few weeks. A third, who had felt hopeless about cystic acne, now has clear skin thanks to professional treatments and a personalized skin care routine.