New Year, Clear Skin: How to Finally Get Your Acne Under Control
Jan 02, 2026
Acne is common, but that doesn’t mean it’s simple. In fact, it’s a surprisingly complex condition involving oil production, pore blockages, bacteria, inflammation, and sometimes hormones. That’s why it shows up in so many forms — and why it can plague you at nearly any age.
Whether it’s whiteheads, blackheads, red bumps, cysts, or stubborn nodules under your skin, you’ve probably tried plenty of over-the-counter (OTC) products. But those popular OTC treatments often fall short, leaving you frustrated and wondering if clear skin will ever be yours.
That’s when professional intervention can make the difference. Our team at Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center specializes in acne treatment, and we’re ready to help you get your acne under control this year.
Acne differs widely from person to person: in root cause, severity, skin type, and underlying triggers. While OTC cleansers, spot treatments, salicylic acid washes, and benzoyl peroxide gels can help with mild breakouts, they’re usually not enough for stubborn or more severe acne.
That’s because there’s no one-size-fits-all acne treatment. What works for blackheads might do nothing for cysts. Some formulas target oil, others bacteria, but they may miss inflammation or hormone-driven acne entirely.
Plus, you might notice skin irritation, dryness, or flare-ups despite regular use. Overuse of strong cleansers, scrubs, or drying agents can strip your skin, triggering more oil production and making acne worse.
Even if you’re using a good OTC product, you need consistency and time. Acne treatments can take two to three months to deliver noticeable changes, and many people give up too soon or apply them incorrectly.
Deeper causes need deeper treatment. When acne involves hormonal shifts, inflammation deep under the skin, or stubborn clogged pores, topical gels and washes often can’t penetrate far enough or balance the underlying issues.
That said, a customized plan from a dermatologist or skin specialist is often the only way to finally get things under control.
At Advanced Laser and Skin Cancer Center, we offer professional acne treatment that goes deeper than typical drugstore remedies. We start with a thorough skin evaluation, where we identify your acne type (like comedonal, cystic, or hormonal), determine skin sensitivity, review lifestyle factors, and uncover any contributing issues like stress or hormones.
With that insight, we build a tailored treatment plan designed for clearer skin and long-term success. Here are some of the tools and strategies we may use when OTC acne treatment just isn’t enough:
Prescription-grade retinoids are stronger than OTC versions, and they help speed up skin-cell turnover, unclog pores, and prevent new blemishes. We might also prescribe topical antibiotics or anti-inflammatory creams to calm irritation and reduce bacteria.
If topical treatments can’t reach deep enough, prescription oral medications like antibiotics, hormonal therapies, or other systemic options can address the cause of your acne breakouts from the inside.
Once active breakouts are under control, we may discuss the benefits of periodic in-office therapies like chemical peels, light treatments, extractions, or other advanced dermatologic procedures. These treatments can help clear stubborn acne, address acne scars, and improve your overall skin texture.
Your skin’s needs can change over time with hormones, seasons, stress, or lifestyle shifts. That’s why effective treatment isn’t just a one-time fix. It’s a plan that we can adjust as needed to help prevent new breakouts and reduce the risk of scarring or long-term skin damage.
If you’re tired of guessing which drugstore acne treatment might work, make this the year you take control of your acne — and your confidence. Book an appointment online or call our Teaneck, New Jersey, office at 201-836-9696 today.