As one of the most common skin conditions, acne affects up to 50 million Americans, affecting both men and women in their teens and twenties. Additionally, studies have shown women can experience acne throughout adulthood up until their 50’s and 60’s. Acne and blemishes occur when the pores become clogged with dead skin cells, bacteria and sebum (the oil that prevents our skin from drying out). As the bacteria in the pores grow, the skin can become red, swollen and inflamed. It is important to care for acne with the proper treatments to avoid scarring and help prevent future breakouts. At Dr. Jeff Alexander’s Dermatology Clinic, acne is most commonly treated with laser treatments or peels in combination with topical medicines or antibiotics.