Acne

At Tristan E. Bickman, MD, in Santa Monica, California, Dr. Bickman understands that acne can be more than just a cosmetic issue—it can affect your self-esteem and overall well-being. With years of experience, the team is dedicated to providing effective and personalized acne treatments tailored to your unique needs. Schedule a consultation by phone or online to start the path toward achieving clear and healthy skin.

What causes acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that typically involves the formation of pimples, blackheads, and cysts. Several factors contribute to the development of acne, including: 

Hormonal changes

One of the primary causes of acne is hormonal fluctuations. During puberty, hormones stimulate oil production in the skin, leading to clogged pores. Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can also trigger or worsen acne.

Excess oil production

Your skin produces oil to keep it moisturized. However, when the sebaceous glands produce too much oil, it can mix with dead skin cells and become trapped in pores, leading to acne.

Bacterial growth

Acne can be exacerbated by bacteria that thrive in clogged pores. These bacteria can cause inflammation and lead to more severe acne.

Lifestyle factors

Diet and stress levels can also influence acne. High-sugar and high-fat diets may contribute to breakouts, and stress can exacerbate existing acne by increasing oil production.

How do hormones play a role in acne?

Hormones play a significant role in the development and persistence of acne. Understanding how they affect your skin can help you manage and treat acne more effectively.

Hormonal surges

During puberty, the body experiences a surge in androgens, which are hormones that increase oil production in the skin. This excess oil can clog pores and result in acne.

Menstrual cycle

Many women notice that their acne flares up around their menstrual period. Hormonal fluctuations that occur throughout the cycle affect oil production and skin condition.

Pregnancy and menopause

Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause can also lead to acne. For some women, these changes may trigger or worsen acne, requiring specialized treatment.

How can an OB/GYN help treat acne?

Dr. Bickman is uniquely positioned to offer comprehensive acne care, especially for women whose acne is influenced by hormonal changes.

She can assess your specific situation and create a tailored treatment plan. This may include prescription medications, topical treatments, and lifestyle advice to address the root causes of your acne.

For women whose acne is related to hormonal imbalances, Dr. Bickman can prescribe hormonal therapies, such as birth control pills, to regulate hormones and reduce acne. Managing acne often requires ongoing care and adjustments to treatment plans. Dr. Bickman provides continuous support and monitoring to ensure the best results.

At Tristan E. Bickman, MD, the experienced team is here to help you achieve clear, healthy skin. If you're struggling with acne, contact Dr. Bickman by phone or online.