ProductsAcne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting both teenagers and adults. At her Upper East Side Manhattan dermatology practice, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman provides personalized acne treatment in NYC for adult acne, hormonal acne, cystic acne, and persistent breakouts that have not responded to over-the-counter products.
With more than 40 years of dermatology experience and a faculty appointment at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Dr. Jaliman combines medical expertise with advanced dermatologic treatments to create a plan based on your skin type, acne severity, lifestyle, and individual goals.
Acne treatment may include prescription medications, customized skincare, chemical peels, laser treatments, and LED light therapy.
What Causes Acne
Acne develops when pores become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to inflammation and breakouts.
Hormones, genetics, stress, diet, certain medications, and skincare products can all contribute.
Hormonal fluctuations are a common cause of adult acne and can lead to deep breakouts along the jawline and chin.
During your consultation, Dr. Jaliman reviews your medical history, skincare routine, lifestyle, and previous treatments to identify factors contributing to your acne and create an individualized treatment plan.
One of the most common mistakes patients make is using too many acne products at once. Layering multiple active ingredients can cause irritation and damage the skin barrier. A carefully selected combination of medications and skincare products is often more effective.
Personalized Acne Treatment Plans
Treatment is tailored to your acne type, severity, skin type, and response to previous treatments.
Topical Acne Treatments
Topical treatments may include retinoids, topical antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, and customized compounded formulas to unclog pores, reduce oil, and decrease inflammation.
Some topical acne medications can cause temporary dryness, redness, or sensitivity. Dr. Jaliman may recommend medical-grade skincare products to help reduce irritation and support the skin barrier.
Oral Medications for Acne
For persistent or hormonal acne, oral medications such as sarecycline, doxycycline, or spironolactone may be appropriate. Isotretinoin may be considered for severe nodular acne when other treatments have not been effective.
Isotretinoin is one of the most effective treatments for severe acne but requires careful medical oversight, including the FDA’s iPLEDGE pregnancy safety requirements. Dr. Jaliman reviews the potential benefits, monitoring involved, and whether isotretinoin is appropriate for each patient.
In-Office Acne Treatments
For patients who need additional treatment, in-office procedures can help reduce active breakouts, calm inflammation, and improve the appearance of the skin.
Professional extractions safely remove blackheads and unclog pores without causing further irritation.
Cortisone injections quickly shrink painful cystic nodules, often within 3 to 7 days. Chemical peels using salicylic or glycolic acid exfoliate the skin, reduce active breakouts, and brighten overall skin tone.
Microdermabrasion provides gentle mechanical exfoliation to smooth skin and help prevent pore congestion. Medical facials are tailored to your skin’s current condition and incorporate extractions, soothing masks, and acne-fighting ingredients.
Dr. Jaliman’s practice offers Lightwave LED therapy, a painless treatment that requires no downtime. Blue light targets acne-causing bacteria directly at the source, while red light reduces inflammation and redness associated with active breakouts. It can be used alone or combined with prescription medications and customized skincare.
Laser Genesis reduces redness, improves skin texture, and promotes healing by stimulating collagen production for smoother, clearer skin. For patients with acne scars, certain laser treatments may also improve uneven texture, redness, and discoloration left behind after breakouts.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Jaliman
Dr. Jaliman provides comprehensive acne care that combines prescription medications, in-office treatments, and physician-developed skincare products.
For patients who have tried over-the-counter products or previous treatments without lasting improvement, treatment can be adjusted based on their skin type, acne severity, lifestyle, and individual goals. The goal is to control active breakouts, reduce the risk of scarring, and help maintain clearer skin over time.
Book Your Acne Consultation Today
If you are struggling with persistent, hormonal, or cystic acne that has not improved with previous treatments, Dr. Jaliman provides personalized acne consultations at her Upper East Side Manhattan dermatology practice.
Call or schedule your consultation online to discuss your acne and develop a treatment plan tailored to your skin.
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A Personalized, Ingredient-Level Approach
Dr. Jaliman personally reviews the skincare products each patient uses to identify ingredients that may be irritating, clogging pores, or contributing to breakouts. This detailed review may help explain why previous treatments have not worked and allows her to create a more targeted treatment plan.
Her specialized skincare formulations combine prescription-strength active ingredients with non-comedogenic cleansers, serums, and moisturizers designed for acne-prone skin. This approach combines prescription treatment and skincare in one integrated plan.
At-Home Care to Support Acne Treatment
A consistent skincare routine can help support your acne treatment and reduce irritation. Cleanse your face morning and night with a gentle cleanser, and avoid scrubbing or using harsh products that can aggravate breakouts.
Choose non-comedogenic moisturizers, sunscreen, makeup, and concealers to help prevent clogged pores. Avoid heavy or oily products that may contribute to breakouts.
Avoid picking or squeezing pimples. This can increase inflammation and raise the risk of dark marks and permanent scarring. If you have persistent, painful, or recurring acne, professional treatment can help control breakouts and reduce the risk of scarring.
If you suspect that certain foods may be contributing to your acne, keeping track of your diet and your skin’s response can be helpful. Some studies have found an association between milk consumption and acne, particularly skim milk, although diet is only one of many factors that can influence breakouts.
Acne Treatment NYC: Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a dermatologist for acne?
I recommend seeing a dermatologist if your acne is painful, cystic, leaving dark marks or scars, or hasn’t improved after 6 to 8 weeks of over-the-counter treatment. Acne that affects your confidence or daily life is also worth addressing sooner rather than later. Early professional treatment helps prevent permanent scarring and gets you clearer results faster than continuing to experiment on your own.
What if over-the-counter acne treatments haven’t worked?
If over-the-counter products haven’t cleared your acne, it usually means your breakouts need a different approach, not just a stronger version of what you’re using. I look at what you’ve tried, and whether prescription topicals, oral medications, or in-office treatments are better for your skin type and type of acne.
Many patients who feel like they’ve ‘tried everything’ respond well once we find the right treatment for their specific acne.
Can you treat severe or cystic acne?
Cystic acne often needs a more targeted approach than milder breakouts, and I combine treatments like oral medications, cortisone injections for painful cysts, and prescription topicals based on severity. The goal is to calm active cysts quickly while reducing your risk of deep scarring that severe acne can leave behind. Treatment is adjusted as your skin responds, since cystic acne can take longer to fully control.
How do dermatologists treat hormonal acne?
Hormonal acne is often treated with spironolactone, birth control pills, or topical prescriptions to regulate oil production and calm inflammation. I tailor the treatment to each patient’s hormone patterns, medical history, and treatment goals. A personalized plan helps prevent deep cysts, scarring, and recurrent breakouts.
Do you prescribe isotretinoin (Accutane) for acne?
Yes. I prescribe isotretinoin, sometimes still referred to by its original brand name Accutane, for severe or treatment-resistant nodular acne. Because it’s one of the most effective acne treatments available, it requires careful medical oversight, including the FDA’s iPLEDGE pregnancy safety program and regular monitoring throughout treatment. I review your full history to determine whether isotretinoin is the right option before starting.
What acne treatments are safe for darker skin?
Acne treatments for darker skin tones must be selected carefully to avoid irritation and hyperpigmentation. I customize every treatment plan using gentler topical medications, oral therapies, and in-office procedures suited to skin of color, so we can clear acne effectively while protecting your skin’s natural tone. This careful approach helps minimize the risk of dark spots, redness, and lasting discoloration, so you get results that are safe and long-term.
How much does acne treatment cost, and is it covered by insurance?
Cost varies depending on the treatments involved. Prescription acne treatments and dermatologist visits are often partially or fully covered by insurance, while in-office procedures such as LED light therapy, medical facials, chemical peels, and laser treatments are generally considered cosmetic and not covered.
Expert Acne Treatment for Clear Skin
Dr. Debra Jaliman, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, treats even the most stubborn acne, including cases that haven’t improved with previous therapies.
At her Upper East Side practice, she combines advanced prescription therapies with her dermatologist-developed medical-grade skincare to clear active breakouts and prevent future flare-ups. Every treatment plan is customized for your skin type, acne severity, and sensitivity, ensuring effective results with minimal irritation.
Schedule Your Acne Consultation in NYC
Take control of your skin with expert acne treatment in NYC. Call or book online to schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Debra Jaliman.
Content reviewed by:
Debra Jaliman, M.D., Board-Certified Dermatologist, New York City
Last updated: August 2026
Acne treatment in NYC by a board-certified dermatologist since 1985.
