Acne Treatment in
Marietta & East Cobb
Board-certified dermatology care for blackheads, inflammatory acne, hormonal breakouts, and cystic acne – with a personalized plan built for your skin and your goals.
Rated 4.9/5 from 274+ verified patient reviews
What Is Acne?
Acne is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. It affects approximately 85% of people between ages 12 and 24 – but it can persist well into adulthood.
While often dismissed as a cosmetic concern, acne is a medical condition. Left untreated, moderate to severe acne can cause permanent scarring, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and significant psychological impact including anxiety and reduced self-confidence.
At DESSNA, we approach acne as the complex, multifactorial condition it is – because effective treatment starts with understanding your specific acne type, triggers, and skin biology.
Acne isn't one condition
Comedonal Acne
Blackheads and whiteheads caused by clogged pores without significant inflammation.
Inflammatory Acne
Red, swollen papules and pustules that result from bacterial infection in clogged pores.
Hormonal Acne
Breakouts along the jawline and chin, often cyclical and tied to hormonal fluctuations.
Cystic & Nodular Acne
Deep, painful lesions beneath the skin's surface with the highest risk of permanent scarring.
Why Acne Happens
Acne is rarely caused by a single factor. Understanding the interplay of these contributors helps us build a treatment plan that addresses your specific triggers.
Excess Oil & Clogged Pores
Overactive sebaceous glands produce excess sebum, which combines with dead skin cells to block follicles and create the foundation for breakouts.
Bacteria & Inflammation
Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) bacteria thrive in clogged pores, triggering an inflammatory response that produces the redness, swelling, and pain of active acne.
Hormonal Fluctuations
Androgens stimulate oil production, which is why acne often flares during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and periods of hormonal change.
Genetics & Lifestyle
Family history, stress, certain medications, occlusive skincare products, and dietary factors can all influence acne severity and persistence.
How We Treat Acne at DESSNA
We focus on three things: clearing active breakouts, preventing new lesions, and protecting your skin from long-term texture changes and discoloration.
Comprehensive Assessment
Your dermatologist evaluates your acne type, severity, scarring risk, skin sensitivity, and current routine. We review your medical history, hormonal factors, and lifestyle to understand the full picture – not just what's on the surface.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Based on your assessment, we build a targeted plan that may include prescription topicals, oral medications, hormonal therapies, or in-office procedures. Every recommendation is evidence-based and tailored to your skin biology, schedule, and comfort level.
Maintenance & Prevention
Clearing acne is only half the goal. We design a long-term maintenance strategy to prevent relapse, protect your skin barrier, and address any post-inflammatory marks or early scarring – so your results last.
Acne Treatment Options at Our Marietta Practice
Your treatment plan is built around your specific acne type, severity, and goals. Here are the tools we use to get you clear.
Prescription Topicals
Retinoids, benzoyl peroxide combinations, and topical antibiotics that reduce oil production, unclog pores, and fight bacteria directly at the skin's surface.
Oral Medications
Systemic antibiotics, isotretinoin (Accutane), or other oral therapies for acne that hasn't responded to topical treatment alone.
Hormonal Therapies
Spironolactone and other hormonal approaches that address the root cause of cyclical, hormone-driven breakouts along the jawline and chin.
Chemical Peels
Medical-grade peels that accelerate cell turnover, reduce clogged pores, and improve post-acne discoloration and uneven skin texture.
Light & Laser Therapies
Targeted light-based treatments that reduce acne-causing bacteria and inflammation while promoting healing and reducing redness.
Acne Scar Planning
Comprehensive scar assessment and treatment roadmap including microneedling, laser resurfacing, and filler options for textural irregularities.
When Does Acne Require Professional Treatment?
While mild acne may respond to over-the-counter products, certain types require dermatologist intervention to prevent permanent scarring:
Deep, painful lesions that can cause permanent scarring
Acne that doesn't improve after 6–8 weeks of consistent OTC treatment
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or textural changes forming
Breakouts concentrated on jawline, chin, or lower face in adults
Why Early Treatment Matters
Acne Scars (Texture Changes)
Ice pick, boxcar, and rolling scars form when deep inflammation damages the skin's collagen structure. Once formed, these require targeted procedures like microneedling, laser resurfacing, or subcision to improve.
Dark Marks (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation)
Flat, discolored spots left behind after a breakout heals. While these typically fade over time, targeted topicals and professional treatments can significantly accelerate the process.
Early, consistent treatment is the best way to reduce the chance of permanent scarring – and we'll help you choose options that fit your skin sensitivity and schedule.
What Our Patients Say
“Doctor Edward Chen is the BEST! He's very professional, very caring, he will always give you his honest advice. He helped my son who had acne issues – his skin now looks great like never before.”
“Dr. Candace Green has a very warm bedside manner and makes you feel very comfortable! Great office, staff, and overall experience.”
“The office is well run and Dr. Green is thorough.”
Acne Treatment FAQs
Answers to the questions our Marietta and East Cobb patients ask most about acne care.
Acne presents in several forms – comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads), inflammatory (red papules and pustules), hormonal (cyclical breakouts along the jawline), and cystic/nodular (deep, painful lesions). During your consultation, your DESSNA dermatologist will identify your specific acne type and severity to build the right treatment approach.
Ready for Clearer Skin in Marietta or East Cobb?
Your first step is a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists. We'll assess your skin, explain your options clearly, and build a plan that works for your life.
Most patients see meaningful improvement within 6 – 12 weeks.
Related Conditions & Services
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