Acne: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

Dr. Marie Hayag is a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in diagnosing and managing acne across all ages and skin types in New York City. Acne is a multifactorial inflammatory skin condition that affects the hair follicles and oil glands. While often associated with adolescence, acne frequently persists into adulthood or develops later in life due to hormonal influences, genetics, and environmental factors.

At Marie Hayag MD, acne care begins with an accurate dermatologic diagnosis and individualized treatment planning. By combining clinical dermatology expertise, advanced treatment technologies, and personalized skincare guidance, patients receive comprehensive care designed to control breakouts, reduce inflammation, prevent scarring, and support long-term skin health.

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide, affecting up to 85% of individuals between the ages of 12 and 24. However, acne is not limited to teenagers. Many adults experience persistent or late-onset acne due to hormonal fluctuations, genetics, lifestyle factors, and chronic inflammation.

Dermatologists treat several different forms of acne, each with unique causes and treatment approaches. Common types include comedonal acne (blackheads and whiteheads), inflammatory acne characterized by papules and pustules, hormonal acne often affecting the jawline and lower face, and cystic or nodular acne that forms deeper painful lesions beneath the skin. Identifying the specific type of acne is an important step in developing an effective treatment plan.

Breakouts most often develop on areas of the body with higher concentrations of oil glands, including the face, chest, shoulders, and back. Without proper treatment, acne can lead to complications such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, uneven skin texture, and permanent scarring. Early evaluation by a dermatologist can help control inflammation and reduce the risk of long-term skin damage.

Medical acne treatment involves physician-directed therapies designed to address the underlying causes of acne, including excess oil production, clogged pores, acne-causing bacteria, and inflammation.

Medical treatment helps control active breakouts, reduce inflammation, regulate oil production, and prevent acne scarring. Treatment plans may include prescription topical medications, oral therapies, hormonal management, and dermatologist-guided skincare protocols.

Ideal for teens and adults experiencing persistent, inflammatory, hormonal, or treatment-resistant acne that does not improve with over-the-counter products.

Chemical peels use dermatologist-selected exfoliating solutions to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and stimulate skin renewal.

Chemical peels help improve acne by clearing clogged pores, reducing oil buildup, and minimizing post-acne discoloration. They can also help refine skin texture and improve overall skin clarity.

Ideal for patients with mild to moderate acne, congestion, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation seeking non-invasive skin renewal.

Medical facials are dermatologist-guided skincare treatments performed in a clinical setting to cleanse, exfoliate, and support healthy skin function.

Medical facials help remove impurities, reduce congestion, improve hydration, and support acne management by maintaining clear pores and balanced skin.

Ideal for patients with acne-prone or congested skin seeking professional skin maintenance or supportive care alongside other acne treatments.

Morpheus8 RF microneedling combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production and remodel deeper layers of the skin.

Morpheus8 helps improve acne scars, refine skin texture, reduce enlarged pores, and support overall skin rejuvenation following acne breakouts.

Ideal for patients experiencing acne scarring, uneven skin texture, or enlarged pores after acne has been controlled.

AviClear is an FDA-cleared laser treatment designed to target sebaceous glands and reduce excess oil production, one of the primary causes of acne.

AviClear helps improve active acne by decreasing oil output and reducing breakouts over time without the need for systemic medications.

Ideal for patients with moderate to severe acne or those seeking a non-medication-based treatment option for long-term acne management.

Dermatologic acne evaluation may benefit individuals who:

• Experience persistent or recurring breakouts
• Have inflammatory, cystic, or hormonal acne
• Notice acne scarring or discoloration
• Do not respond to over-the-counter treatments
• Want physician-guided treatment for long-term acne control

Early intervention helps reduce inflammation and minimize the risk of permanent acne scarring or pigmentation changes.

At Marie Hayag MD, acne care is delivered through a physician-led, evidence-based dermatology approach focused on both medical outcomes and long-term skin health.

Dr. Marie Hayag combines clinical dermatology expertise with advanced treatment technologies to safely treat acne across all skin types and tones.

Patients benefit from:

• Care from a board-certified dermatologist
• Comprehensive acne evaluation and diagnosis
• Personalized treatment planning
• Access to advanced acne technologies
• Safe treatment for pigmentation-prone skin
• Long-term prevention and maintenance strategies

This comprehensive approach helps patients achieve clearer skin while protecting the integrity and health of their skin over time.

If you are experiencing persistent or treatment-resistant acne, a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist can help identify the underlying causes and determine the most effective treatment approach. At Marie Hayag MD, patients receive personalized acne care designed to reduce breakouts, prevent scarring, and support long-term skin health.

To schedule your appointment, please call 212.722.2055 or book online. Our Upper East Side dermatology practice proudly serves patients throughout Manhattan and New York City.