Best Acne Treatments in NYC

The best oral medications for acne depend on the type and severity of your breakouts. When topical products aren’t enough to control moderate to severe acne, cystic acne or acne that causes scarring. Doxycycline, Minocycline, or Saracyline are used.

For women, Spironolactone or birth control pills approved for acne.

For severe cystic acne, oral isotretinoin (Accutane) is the gold standard.

Dr. Jaliman will choose the best oral acne medication based on your acne type, severity and age, ensuring a safe and effective customized treatment plan.

Most people begin to see improvement in acne within 4-6 weeks, but full results often take 8-12 weeks, depending on the treatment plan. Topical treatments usually work gradually, while oral acne medications, chemical peels, blue-light therapy, and other acne treatments may show faster or more noticeable results.

Consistency is key–stopping treatment too early can delay progress.

The latest prescription treatments for acne include advanced topical retinoids, combination creams, and newer options like Winlevi, a topical medication that blocks androgens in the skin.

For the most effective up-to-date, acne treatment plan see Dr. Jaliman who can customize the latest options to your skin type and acne severity.

The best acne treatment depends entirely on your skin type, whether you have oily, dry, sensitive, or combination skin. At Dr. Debra Jaliman's NYC dermatology practice, your skin is evaluated during a thorough consultation so we can determine what's driving your acne. We then design a customized acne treatment plan that may include topical medications, oral treatments, or targeted in-office procedures tailored to your skin's unique needs. Choosing the right treatment for your skin type helps clear acne more effectively, and prevents irritation.

You should see a dermatologist for acne if you have cysts, large nodules, or acne that causes scarring. If your acne does not respond to over-the-counter treatments, it's important to consult a board-certified dermatologist who can create a customized acne treatment plan. Seeking professional acne care early can prevent scarring, reduce breakouts, and help you achieve clear, healthy skin.

Dermatologists create an acne treatment plan by evaluating your skin type, acne severity, and potential triggers such as hormones, stress, or skincare products. They design a customized acne strategy that may include topical treatments, oral medications, and in-office procedures to reduce breakouts, prevent scarring, and promote clear, healthy skin.

The most effective prescription treatment for hormonal acne is spironolactone, a highly trusted oral medication that lowers androgen (hormone) levels to prevent deep, cystic breakouts-especially along the jawline, chin, and lower face. Many patients with adult female hormonal acne see significant improvement with this treatment. Additional options include Sarecycline, a targeted oral antibiotic for acne, and Accutane (Isotretinoin) for severe cystic acne that hasn't responded to other therapies. At Dr. Debra Jaliman's NYC dermatology office, your skin and hormone-related triggers are evaluated to create the most effective hormonal acne treatment plan for you.

Yes, certain birth control pills can significantly improve hormonal acne by regulating hormone fluctuations that trigger excess oil production and breakouts. It's important to inform your dermatologist about any birth control you're taking, since some formulations can worsen acne while others can help clear it. Several FDA-approved birth control pills for acne, including Estrostep, Ortho Tri-Cyclen, and Yaz.

They work by reducing androgen activity, which helps control oil glands and prevent new hormonal breakouts.

Acne treatments for darker skin tones and sensitive skin must be carefully selected to prevent irritation and hyperpigmentation. At Dr. Debra Jaliman's NYC dermatology pratice, we customize treatment approaches using gentle topical medications, oral therapies, and in-office procedures designed specifically for skin of color. Our goal is to reduce acne effectively while protecting the skin's natural tone and minimizing the risk of dark spots or redness. Tailoring acne treatment to your unique skin type ensures safer results.

Acne medications and treatments can have side effects, which vary depending on the product. Common reactions include dryness, redness, peeling, and increased sensitivity, especially with retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. Oral medications may also cause temporary stomach upset or photosensitivity. If side effects occur, your dermatologist can adjust the dosage or switch to gentler alternatives to keep your acne treatment effective while protecting your skin barrier.

Diet can play a role in acne flare-ups, particularly foods that raise blood sugar quickly, such as sugary snacks, white bread, and processed carbs. Dairy, especially skim milk, may also worsen acne for some individuals due to its hormone content. While diet is not the sole cause of acne, many patients notice clearer skin when reducing high-glycemic foods, sugary beverages, and excess dairy. A dermatologist can help determine whether your diet is contributing to breakouts and tailor a plan that supports clear skin.

The cost of acne treatment can vary depending on the type of acne therapy you need. Many prescription acne treatments and visits to a board-certified dermatologist may be partially or fully covered by insurance. However, in-office procedures such as LED red and blue light therapy, medical facials, chemical peels, and laser acne treatments are generally not covered by insurance.

Many insurance plans cover visits to a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Debra Jaliman for acne treatment and prescription acne medications, either fully or partially. Note that in-office procedures such as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser treatments are typically not covered by insurance.

For acne-prone skin, it's important to wash your face twice daily, once in the morning and once at night, to remove excess oil, dirt, and bacteria. Over-washing can irritate the skinfand worsen acne, so use a gentle cleanser suited for your skin type. Consistent facial cleansing helps prevent clogged pores and supports clearer skin.

Yes, certain skincare and beauty products can contribute to acne breakouts if they contain pore-clogging ingredients or are too heavy for your skin type. Always check product labels for non-comedogenic, oil-free, and acne-safe formulations. Using the right acne-friendly products can reduce irritation and help maintain clear skin.

Using non-comedogenic products prevents clogged pores, which are a primary cause of acne. These acne-safe moisturizers, cleansers, and makeup are formulated to avoid causing breakouts, making them ideal for sensitive or oily skin. Incorporating non-comedogenic skincare into your routine supports long-term acne prevention.

Post-acne dark spots, also known as hyperpigmentation, can be treated with topical treatments containing retinoids, vitamin C, hydroquinone, azelaic acid as well as chemical peels and laser treatments performed by a dermatologist. Consistent use of sunscreen is essential to prevent dark spots from worsening. Proper dark spot treatment helps restore an even complexion.