Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting people of all ages—not just teenagers. It develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or cysts.
Because acne can have multiple underlying causes, treatment requires more than just topical solutions. It calls for a comprehensive approach that addresses both skin health and internal factors like hormone balance.
At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, acne treatment is guided by Kimberley Shine, MD, who combines evidence-based medicine with integrative and functional approaches.
Dr. Shine considers the entire picture—including hormones, diet, lifestyle, and stress—to pinpoint the root causes of acne. With personalized treatment plans, patients gain access to strategies that not only clear the skin but also improve overall health and confidence.
Common Causes of Acne
Several factors can contribute to acne flare-ups, including:
- Hormonal Imbalances: Shifts in estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone can increase oil production.
- Excess Oil (Sebum): Overactive oil glands can clog pores.
- Bacteria: Growth of acne-causing bacteria in blocked pores.
- Diet and Lifestyle: High-sugar foods, dairy, or stress can trigger breakouts.
- Genetics: A family history of acne increases the likelihood of developing it.
- Skin Care Habits: Over-washing, harsh products, or heavy makeup may worsen symptoms.
- Identifying the right combination of factors is key to developing a successful treatment plan.
Symptoms and Types of Acne
Acne can appear in different forms, such as:
- Blackheads and Whiteheads: Non-inflammatory blemishes caused by clogged pores.
- Papules and Pustules: Red, inflamed spots, sometimes with pus.
- Nodules: Large, painful lumps under the skin.
- Cysts: Deep, pus-filled lesions that may cause scarring.
At Shine Health and Wellness, treatment strategies are tailored to the type and severity of acne each patient experiences.
How Acne Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis involves a thorough evaluation of both skin and overall health. This may include:
- Medical History: Reviewing lifestyle habits, diet, and family history of acne.
- Physical Examination: Assessing the type, severity, and distribution of acne.
- Laboratory Testing: Checking hormone levels, thyroid function, or metabolic factors that may contribute.
This integrative diagnostic approach ensures that treatment is focused not only on clearing breakouts but also on preventing future flare-ups.
Treatment Options for Acne
At Shine Health and Wellness, acne treatment plans are personalized and may include:
- Topical Therapies: Prescription-strength creams or gels to reduce inflammation and bacteria.
- Oral Medications: When necessary, antibiotics, hormonal treatments, or other medications may be used.
- Hormone Therapy: For women, regulating hormone imbalances can reduce breakouts linked to menstrual cycles or conditions like PCOS.
- Nutritional Counseling: Identifying dietary triggers and creating a balanced plan to support skin health.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Stress management, sleep support, and proper skin care routines.
- Functional Medicine Approaches: Addressing gut health, inflammation, and other systemic factors that influence skin.
By combining medical treatments with integrative support, Shine Health and Wellness provides a holistic path to clearer, healthier skin.
Why Choose Shine Health and Wellness?
Kimberley Shine, MD, offers more than a decade of medical experience and specializes in integrative and functional medicine. She takes time to listen, validate concerns, and create treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
In addition to Dr. Shine’s expertise, patients benefit from the support of experienced nurses, a lifestyle coach, and a licensed acupuncturist. This collaborative team provides a wide range of tools to address acne from multiple angles, empowering patients to feel confident and supported throughout their treatment.
Start Your Journey Toward Clearer Skin Today
Acne doesn’t have to control your confidence or quality of life. With the right care, you can address the root causes, reduce breakouts, and restore healthier skin. At Shine Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, Dr. Kimberley Shine and her team are here to help you achieve long-lasting results. Call 626-317-0207 today to schedule a consultation.