Acne Specialist in Wendell, NC

Acne is a common skin concern we frequently treat at Wendell Family Medicine. Acne primarily occurs due to the blockage and inflammation of hair follicles and oil-producing glands (sebaceous glands) in the skin. When excess sebum—an oily substance naturally produced by our skin—combines with dead skin cells, pores can become clogged. This blockage, along with bacterial growth (particularly by Cutibacterium acnes, previously known as Propionibacterium acnes), often leads to redness, inflammation, and acne lesions.

At Wendell Family Medicine, we recognize that acne can affect patients of all ages. Hormonal fluctuations during adolescence, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or due to hormonal imbalances can significantly increase sebum production, making acne more likely. Additionally, genetics, certain medications, stress, and lifestyle factors can also play a significant role in the frequency and severity of acne outbreaks.

Our team is committed to providing personalized care, addressing your unique skin concerns, and helping you create an effective skincare regimen to manage and reduce acne outbreaks.

At our primary care clinic, we understand that acne can significantly affect your confidence and quality of life. Acne duration and severity can vary greatly from person to person, influenced by factors such as skin type, hormonal fluctuations, genetics, and the effectiveness of treatments used.

Typically, acne begins during adolescence due to hormonal changes associated with puberty, often lasting several years into young adulthood. However, many of our patients experience acne beyond their teenage years, with breakouts continuing into their 20s, 30s, or even later stages of life.

Individual acne lesions also vary in how long they persist. Mild acne, such as blackheads or whiteheads, typically lasts from several days to a few weeks before resolving spontaneously or responding to topical treatment. However, inflammatory acne lesions—including papules, pustules, or cystic acne—can persist much longer, sometimes weeks or even months, especially if left untreated.

Several personal factors influence acne duration. Hormonal fluctuations related to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, or stress often trigger outbreaks or prolong acne. Genetics play a significant role as well—individuals with a family history of acne may experience more persistent or prolonged acne.

Without appropriate medical treatment, acne may persist longer, potentially causing more severe outbreaks and scarring. Fortunately, there are effective solutions available. Our healthcare providers offer personalized skincare advice, topical treatments, and, when necessary, systemic medications to help you manage acne effectively.

With proper care, mild to moderate acne typically resolves within weeks to months. Severe acne may require longer-term management and careful medical supervision. We encourage you to schedule a consultation at Wendell Family Medicine, where our experienced providers can help identify the underlying causes of your acne and guide you toward effective treatments, clearer skin, and improved overall skin health.

Acne is a common skin concern that we frequently address here at Wendell Family Medicine. Characterized by pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads, acne often prompts patients to wonder if it will resolve naturally without treatment. For many adolescents and young adults, acne can indeed improve on its own as hormonal changes stabilize with age.

However, acne experiences vary significantly from person to person. Some patients may see improvement within months or years, while others experience persistent acne well into adulthood. Factors such as genetics, hormonal balance, diet, stress levels, lifestyle choices, and skincare routines can all influence the duration and severity of acne.

At Wendell Family Medicine, we emphasize that while mild acne may resolve without intervention, moderate-to-severe acne typically benefits from medical care. Without treatment, more severe acne can lead to permanent scarring and pigmentation issues. Early guidance and intervention can significantly improve skin health, prevent scarring, and accelerate healing.

If you or a family member experiences persistent or worsening acne, the providers are here to help. We offer comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans, including topical creams, oral medications, lifestyle recommendations, and skincare guidance tailored specifically to your individual needs. Schedule an appointment today and let us help you achieve clearer, healthier skin through our customized services.

At Wendell Family Medicine, we understand that acne can significantly affect your confidence and quality of life. Our providers take a personalized approach to your skincare, recognizing that the timeline for noticeable improvement from acne treatments varies according to the severity of your acne, the treatment methods we recommend, and your unique skin characteristics.

Typically, topical treatments prescribed at our practice—such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or salicylic acid—may begin showing initial improvement within four to six weeks. However, more noticeable and lasting improvements are typically visible after two to three months of consistent use.

If your acne requires oral medications, such as antibiotics or hormonal treatments, you might notice initial improvements within a few weeks, with more significant results appearing after approximately two to three months of consistent therapy. For severe acne cases, we may prescribe oral isotretinoin, which sometimes leads to temporary worsening before improvement begins. Typically, improvement becomes evident after one to two months, with significant clearing at around three to four months.

At Wendell Family Medicine, our top primary care physicians emphasize the importance of consistency, patience, and regular follow-ups. Your skin may respond slowly at first, and temporary irritation or worsening can occur before improvement. Our providers will guide you through your personalized treatment plan and regularly evaluate your progress, adjusting therapies as necessary to help you achieve clear, healthy skin.

Clearer skin starts with the right care—trust the acne specialists at Wendell Family Medicine. Our team offers expert, compassionate treatment to help you regain your confidence. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are located at 2839 Wendell Blvd Suite 100, Wendell, NC 27591. We serve patients from Wendell NC, Archer Lodge NC, Hocutts Crossroads NC, Zebulon NC, Eagle Rock NC, Shotwell NC, Middlesex NC, and BEYOND.