Acne Treatment

If you’re dealing with occasional breakouts or persistent acne, you’re not alone—it’s a challenge that can deeply affect both your confidence and skin health. Though often linked to adolescence, acne doesn’t always fade with youth; it can linger into adulthood or even emerge later in life. As one of the most widespread skin conditions, it touches people of all ages. During adolescence and early adulthood, it affects about 85% of individuals aged 12 to 24. Even beyond age 20, acne impacts 31.9% of women and 20.5% of men.

At ICON Dermatology, we understand how acne—and the scars it leaves behind—can weigh on you. Our board-certified dermatologists bring decades of experience and cutting-edge technology to create personalized, transformative treatments that address acne at its core and soften the appearance of scars. Whether you’re fighting active breakouts or looking to rejuvenate your complexion, we’re here to help. Discover why Bethesda trusts us for exceptional acne care, delivered with compassion and precision. Our advanced, FDA-cleared treatments are designed to restore your skin’s clarity and your sense of confidence.

Causes of Acne

Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with dirt, oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. It can be non-inflammatory (blackheads or comedones, and whiteheads), and inflammatory (papules, pustules, nodules, and acne cysts). Inflammatory acne causes inflammation and swelling and is what we often think of when we refer to acne. Contributing factors include:

  • Hormonal fluctuations – Occurring during puberty, pregnancy, or menstrual cycles

  • Excess oil production – Leading to clogged pores and breakouts

  • Bacteria (P. acnes) – Contributing to inflammation and worsening acne lesions

  • Stress – Increasing oil production and exacerbating breakouts

  • Dietary factors – High-glycemic foods and dairy may play a role

  • Certain medications and skincare products – Some ingredients can clog pores and trigger breakouts

Common Types of Acne

Acne presents in different forms, and identifying your acne type helps determine the best treatment approach:

  • Comedonal Acne – Whiteheads and blackheads caused by clogged pores

  • Inflammatory Acne – Red, swollen papules and pustules due to bacterial infection

  • Cystic Acne – Deep, painful breakouts resulting from severe inflammation

  • Hormonal Acne – Often appears along the jawline and chin during hormonal shifts

  • Acne Rosacea – Resembling acne, but associated with persistent redness and sensitivity

Acne Treatment Options at ICON Dermatology

 

At ICON Dermatology, we take a customized approach to acne treatment, offering both medical therapies and innovative in-office procedures to target acne at its source.

We create customized acne treatment plans based on the severity and type of acne, your skin type, and any underlying causes.

 

Medical Therapy for Acne


Our dermatologists offer a variety of prescription medications to target acne at its source:

  • Topical Treatments – Prescription-strength retinoids, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory creams to reduce breakouts and prevent new ones

  • Oral Medications – Antibiotics, hormonal therapies (such as spironolactone), and isotretinoin (Accutane) for more severe cases

  • Customized Skincare Plans – Medical-grade cleansers, exfoliants, and serums tailored to your skin’s needs

In-Office Treatments for Active Acne

At ICON Dermatology, we recognize the profound effect acne can have on your skin and self-esteem. Our board-certified dermatologists bring decades of expertise and pioneering technology to craft personalized, transformative treatments that target acne at its source. Whether you’re battling active breakouts or stubborn scars, our innovative solutions reduce oil, clear pores, and restore luminous clarity. Discover the ICON difference and reclaim your confidence with healthier, radiant skin.

 

Sebacia Acne Treatment

Sebacia, an FDA-cleared, drug-free innovation exclusive to leading practices like ICON, targets excess oil production—the root cause of acne—for lasting results.

 

  • How It Works: Over three sessions, we cleanse the skin, apply gold microparticles, and activate them with laser energy to shrink sebaceous glands, curbing oil and preventing flare-ups.

 

  • Why Choose It: Minimal downtime, long-lasting clarity, and reduced reliance on daily medications make this a standout solution.

 

Laser Genesis Acne Treatment

Laser Genesis uses Nd:YAG laser technology to eliminate acne-causing bacteria, reduce oil, and soothe redness—all without invasive measures or downtime.

 

  • How It Works: Near-infrared energy penetrates deep to kill bacteria, break down oil and debris, and target tiny vessels causing redness, while enhancing skin texture.

 

  • Why Choose It: Perfect for all types of acne and all skin types, this non-invasive treatment delivers smoother, clearer skin with no recovery needed.

 

The Perfect Derma™ Peel

Available at ICON Dermatology, The Perfect Derma™ Peel redefines acne care for all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI) with Glutathione—a master antioxidant that rejuvenates while combating acne.

 

  • How It Works: It exfoliates, unclogs pores, and reduces oil production while targeting bacteria. Add our Acne Clear Booster with Benzoyl Peroxide for moderate to severe acne or scars.

 

  • Why Choose It: Achieve brighter, healthier skin in just one week with this transformative peel.

 

Expert Extractions

Performed by ICON’s skilled professionals, extractions safely clear blackheads, whiteheads, and minor cysts with precision, protecting your skin from damage.

 

  • How It Works: Using sterile instruments, our experts gently remove clogged pores over a series of visits, with routine maintenance to keep your skin pristine.

 

  • Why Choose It: Immediate relief and lasting clarity, delivered by our experienced team with minimal risk of scarring.

 

Steroid Injections

For inflamed cysts or nodules, steroid injections provide rapid relief, expertly administered by our board-certified dermatologists.

 

  • How It Works: A precise injection reduces swelling and inflammation, with optional incision and drainage for larger lesions to optimize healing.

 

  • Why Choose It: Fast, targeted results tailored to your needs make this a go-to solution for stubborn acne.

 

Acne Treatment Facial

Our Acne Treatment Facial is a deep-cleansing experience designed to purify and heal acne-prone skin with advanced techniques.

 

  • How It Works: Featuring a double cleanse, expert extractions, hydradermabrasion, and LED light therapy, it removes impurities, unclogs pores, and soothes inflammation with customized products.

 

  • Why Choose It: Revel in cleaner, calmer, and more youthful skin after just one session—no downtime required.

 

HydraFacial for Acne

HydraFacial is a multi-step, non-invasive treatment that delivers instant glow and sustained improvement for acne-prone skin.

 

  • How It Works: It cleanses and exfoliates to unclog pores, extracts impurities with gentle suction, and infuses targeted serums (like salicylic and glycolic acid) while LED therapy kills bacteria and reduces redness.

 

  • Why Choose It: Enjoy immediate radiance and ongoing clarity with regular treatments—all tailored to your skin’s needs.

 

Acne Scar Treatment

 

What are atrophic acne scars?

Atrophic acne scars are those with depressed, i.e. tethered indentation on the skin such as boxcar and rolling scars. The type and depth of the scars dictate the kind of procedure we choose to treat them. Atrophic acne scars are indentations in the skin caused by acne that's left untreated or treated inadequately. They are the most common type of acne scar. 

Types of atrophic scars 

  • Ice-pick scars: V-shaped scars that are deeper than they are wide

  • Boxcar scars: Round or oval scars with sharp vertical sides

  • Rolling scars: Irregular scars with a rolling or undulating shape

In-Office Treatments for Acne Scars

At ICON Dermatology, we know that acne scars can linger long after breakouts fade, affecting both your skin and your confidence. Our board-certified dermatologists combine unparalleled expertise with state-of-the-art technology to deliver transformative in-office treatments that smooth, rejuvenate, and restore your complexion. From subtle texture improvements to dramatic scar reduction, our innovative approaches target the deepest layers of your skin for lasting results. Let us help you reclaim the beauty of your skin with tailored solutions designed for you.

 

Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive powerhouse that harnesses your skin’s natural healing to diminish acne scars and refine texture.

 

  • How It Works: Using a specialized, sterile device with fine needles, we create controlled micro-injuries that stimulate collagen and elastin production. Over a series of sessions, these proteins rebuild and smooth the skin from within, reducing scar visibility.

 

  • Why Choose It: With clinical improvements of 50% to 80% after three or more treatments, this versatile option restores confidence by addressing scars from acne, trauma, or surgery—all with minimal downtime.

 

Virtue RF Microneedling

Virtue RF elevates microneedling with radiofrequency energy, delivering heat deep into the skin for enhanced scar improvement across all skin types.

 

  • How It Works: Fine needles paired with RF energy penetrate the skin, promoting robust collagen and elastin growth to remodel scars at a deeper level. It shines when combined with subcision or fillers.

 

  • Why Choose It: This advanced treatment offers outstanding results with precise targeting, making it a cornerstone of our acne scar solutions.

 

Helix Laser Treatment

Helix laser blends fractional ablative and non-ablative laser energies into a cutting-edge treatment that resurfaces skin and reduces acne scars with remarkable precision.

 

  • How It Works: Combining the power of fractional CO2 and non-ablative resurfacing, Helix offers customizable protocols—used alone or together—to smooth scars and accelerate healing. Our dermatologists tailor each session to your needs.

 

  • Why Choose It: Impressive results and superior versatility make Helix a standout choice for scar reduction and skin renewal.

 

Ultimate Duo

The Ultimate Duo pairs Virtue RF microneedling with CoolPeel laser technology for a potent, dual-depth approach to tackling deep acne scars.

 

  • How It Works: Virtue RF stimulates deep collagen remodeling, while CoolPeel’s short-pulse laser energy refreshes the surface—together, they enhance tone, texture, and elasticity without extended recovery.

 

  • Why Choose It: This powerful combo delivers comprehensive rejuvenation with little to no downtime, perfect for those seeking dramatic yet convenient results. It is safe in all skin types.

 

Fraxel Dual

Fraxel Dual, a fractional laser treatment, resurfaces skin to reduce acne scar depth while promoting a smoother, healthier complexion.

 

  • How It Works: Tiny laser columns penetrate deep, triggering collagen production to replace damaged tissue. Dual wavelengths target both scars (like boxcar and ice pick) and surface irregularities, leaving surrounding skin intact.

 

  • Why Choose It: With minimal downtime and proven efficacy for moderate to severe scars, Fraxel Dual offers a balanced approach to lasting improvement.

 

Subcision (With or Without Filler)

Subcision is a specialized technique that releases tethered scars beneath the skin, with the option to enhance results using fillers for added volume.

 

  • How It Works: After numbing the area, our experts use a precision needle to break fibrotic strands anchoring scars, lifting depressions. When paired with biostimulating fillers like Bellafill and Hyperdilute Radiesse, it adds volume and supports collagen growth over months.

 

  • Why Choose It: Ideal for indented scars, subcision offers tailored, long-term leveling of the skin—especially when customized by our experienced team.

 

Lifestyle and Skincare Recommendations for Acne

Along with professional treatments, certain lifestyle and skincare habits can support clearer skin:

  • Use non-comedogenic skincare and makeup products

  • Follow a gentle, consistent skincare routine with dermatologist-approved products

  • Maintain a healthy diet, reducing high-glycemic foods and dairy if they trigger breakouts

  • Avoid picking or squeezing acne, which can lead to scarring

  • Manage stress levels, as stress can worsen breakouts

  • Decrease bacterial contamination by using Clean Skin Club towels following cleansing

Schedule an Appointment for Acne Treatment

At ICON Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists bring expertise, caring, and a passion for innovation to both acne and acne scar care. With the latest advancements and personalized treatment plans, we craft transformative solutions that clear breakouts, smooth scars, and restore your confidence. Don’t let acne or its aftermath define you—call us today 301-810-3600 or book your consultation online today.