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Acne Clinic in Bellingham, WA

Click to Call: (360) 647-1900

Acne treatment for adults and teens

Questions before scheduling?

Acne Treatment Services

Non-comedogenic skincare products and professional treatment for blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts, and more. 

For Teens

Teen Acne Treatment

At our clinic, we understand how frustrating and embarrassing acne can be for teenagers. That's why we offer a range of effective and personalized acne treatments that are specifically designed to help teens achieve clear and healthy skin. 

For Adults

Adult Acne Treatment-1

Acne is often thought of as a problem that affects teenagers, but it's quite common among adults. If you're struggling with adult acne, we offer effective and personalized acne treatments designed to help adults achieve clear and healthy skin.

How We Treat Acne

We’ll review your skin and routine, then suggest a plan that fits your severity, skin type, and goals.

Medical-Grade Topical Treatments

We offer prescription-strength topicals for acne-prone skin. These may include retinoids and other medications that help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and limit acne-causing bacteria. Your provider will match formulas to your skin type and sensitivity.

Hormonal Therapy (Adults)

Hormonal changes can drive adult acne. When appropriate, our dermatology team may recommend hormonal therapy to help regulate hormone levels and reduce breakouts.

Accutane (Isotretinoin)

For severe acne, scarring, or acne that hasn’t improved with other treatments, we may discuss Accutane (isotretinoin). This medication requires education, lab monitoring, and regular follow-up. If it’s a fit, we’ll guide you through each step.

Lifestyle Recommendations

Diet, stress, and sleep can affect your skin. Your specialist may share stress management ideas and other lifestyle changes to support your plan. We focus on practical steps you can maintain.

Curated Skincare Products

We offer a curated selection of skincare products made for adult acne-prone skin. Your specialist will recommend products for your skin type and goals so you can maintain results at home.

"All my questions were answered, and I felt like my dermatology exam was thorough and really informative. I appreciated the extra time taken to provide me with additional education regarding my skincare."


Google Review

 

Questions and Answers About Acne

How can I make a pimple go away?

Don’t pick or squeeze. This increases inflammation and raises the risk of dark marks and scarring. 

Cold compress for swelling/redness: Wrap ice in a cloth and apply briefly (a few minutes at a time). This can help with redness and tenderness, but it won’t treat the root cause on its own.

If you break out often: A prevention routine usually works better than “quick fixes,” most often using a topical retinoid and/or benzoyl peroxide. 

If your pimples keep coming back or aren’t improving with OTC care, Mt. Shuksan Family Medicine and Dermatology can help build a routine that fits your skin and goals. Schedule an acne visit with MSFM. 

How to get a cystic pimple to go away

Cystic (deep, tender) acne often needs more than OTC spot care.

  • At home (to reduce symptoms):
    • Don’t try to “pop” it (higher scarring risk).
    • Ice/cold compress can reduce pain and swelling temporarily.
    • Benzoyl peroxide can help, but cysts often respond slowly.
  • If cystic acne is recurring: common evidence-based options include combination topicals, oral antibiotics (not alone), hormonal therapy (for some patients), and isotretinoin for severe/scarring/refractory acne. 

Mt. Shuksan’s dermatology acne services include options like medical-grade topicals, hormonal therapy, and isotretinoin when indicated. 

How do I decrease pimples overall?

The key to decreasing pimples is prevention + consistency, which often means:

  • Gentle cleanser 1–2x/day + non-comedogenic moisturizer and sunscreen. (Irritation can worsen breakouts.)
  • Core proven OTC options:
    • Topical retinoid for prevention (start 2–3 nights/week, then increase as tolerated).
    • Benzoyl peroxide (wash or leave-on) to reduce inflammatory pimples.
  • If you’re getting scarring, deep painful acne, or if acne is not improving: Get evaluated sooner. Earlier control helps reduce scars and builds confidence faster.

Book a dermatology acne appointment so you can discuss prescription options and in-office treatments.

 

 

What is the best hormonal acne treatment?

Hormonal acne treatment depends on medical history and goals. Evidence-based options can include:

  • Certain combined oral contraceptives (for some patients).
  • Spironolactone (commonly used for hormonal acne in many women).
  • Topical clascoterone (a hormonal-pathway topical option).

If your acne flares around your cycle,  or if you're in menopause, make an appointment to discuss whether hormonal acne treatment is a fit for you.

Schedule your acne treatment today

Call: (360) 647-1900