Expert Acne Treatment in Clovis & Fresno, CA
Acne is more than a cosmetic concern — it can affect your confidence, your social life, and your long-term skin health. At Dehesa Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologist Dr. Luis A. Dehesa and his experienced clinical team provide personalized, evidence-based acne treatment for teens and adults throughout Clovis, Fresno, and the greater Central Valley. Whether you’re dealing with occasional breakouts or severe, scarring acne, we have the expertise and tools to help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.
What Causes Acne?
Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria — primarily Cutibacterium acnes. This leads to inflammation and the formation of whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. While acne is most commonly associated with puberty and adolescence, it affects people of all ages. Hormonal fluctuations, stress, certain medications, dietary factors, and even skincare products can all contribute to breakouts.
Understanding the root cause of your acne is the first step toward effective treatment. That’s why at Dehesa Dermatology, we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. Dr. Dehesa takes time to assess the type and severity of your acne, your skin type, your hormonal status, and your history with previous treatments before developing a customized plan tailored specifically to you.
Types of Acne We Treat
Our dermatology team has experience treating the full spectrum of acne presentations, including:
- Comedonal Acne: Whiteheads and blackheads caused by clogged pores, often the earliest form of acne.
- Inflammatory Acne: Red, tender papules and pustules caused by bacterial infection and immune response within clogged follicles.
- Nodular and Cystic Acne: Deep, painful nodules and cysts that form below the skin surface and are most likely to cause permanent scarring without prompt treatment.
- Hormonal Acne: Breakouts tied to hormonal cycles, often appearing on the jawline, chin, and neck — common in adult women and those with conditions like PCOS.
- Acne Conglobata and Acne Fulminans: Severe, rare forms of acne requiring urgent medical intervention. Learn more on our complex medical dermatology page.
- Post-Acne Scarring and Hyperpigmentation: We offer treatment for the lasting marks that acne leaves behind, including laser therapy through our laser treatment services and skin resurfacing through skin rejuvenation.
Acne Treatment Options at Dehesa Dermatology
At Dehesa Dermatology, we offer a comprehensive range of acne treatments designed to clear existing breakouts, prevent future ones, and address any scarring or discoloration left behind. Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following:
- Prescription Topical Therapies: Retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics, azelaic acid, and combination products to reduce oil production, kill bacteria, and normalize skin cell turnover.
- Oral Antibiotics: Doxycycline, minocycline, or sarecycline for moderate to severe inflammatory acne, typically prescribed for a defined course to minimize resistance.
- Hormonal Therapies: Oral contraceptives and spironolactone for women with hormonal acne patterns, helping regulate androgen-driven oil production.
- Isotretinoin (Accutane): The most effective treatment available for severe or treatment-resistant nodulocystic acne. Our team carefully monitors patients throughout the isotretinoin course to ensure safety and optimize results.
- In-Office Chemical Peels: Salicylic acid and glycolic acid peels to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and improve post-acne discoloration. Available through our esthetician services.
- Laser and Light Therapy: Targeted laser treatments to reduce acne bacteria, decrease oil gland activity, and resurface post-acne scars. See our laser treatment page for details.
- Cortisone Injections: Rapid reduction of painful individual cysts or nodules with same-visit intralesional steroid injections.
- Comedone Extractions: Safe, professional extraction of blackheads and whiteheads performed by our licensed esthetician team.
Acne Treatment for Adults in the Fresno and Clovis Area
Adult acne is increasingly common and is often managed differently than teen acne. Hormonal factors, stress, and the use of comedogenic products play a larger role in adult breakouts, and many adults require a combination of systemic and topical approaches to achieve lasting clearance. At Dehesa Dermatology, we have extensive experience treating adult-onset and persistent acne in patients from Clovis, Fresno, and throughout the Central Valley.
If you’ve tried over-the-counter products without success, or if your acne is painful, leaving scars, or affecting your confidence, it’s time to see a board-certified dermatologist. Call (559) 951-9000 or request an appointment online today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acne Treatment
What is the most effective acne treatment available?
The most effective treatment depends on the type and severity of your acne. For mild to moderate acne, prescription topicals and oral antibiotics often produce excellent results. For severe or cystic acne, isotretinoin (Accutane) has the highest long-term clearance rate of any available therapy. At Dehesa Dermatology, Dr. Dehesa will evaluate your acne and recommend the most appropriate and effective course of treatment for your specific situation.
How long does it take to see results from acne treatment?
Most prescription acne treatments begin showing noticeable improvement within 4 to 8 weeks, though full results can take 3 to 6 months depending on the severity and the treatment used. Isotretinoin courses typically last 5 to 6 months. It’s important to stay consistent with your treatment plan and follow up with your dermatologist regularly, even when things start to improve.
Can adults get acne treatment at Dehesa Dermatology?
Absolutely. Adult acne is a specialty focus at Dehesa Dermatology. We treat patients of all ages and understand that adult acne often has different triggers — including hormones, stress, and lifestyle factors — than teenage acne. Our team creates personalized plans that account for adult skin concerns such as sensitivity, anti-aging goals, and coexisting skin conditions.
Will acne treatments cause my skin to purge or get worse before it gets better?
Some treatments, particularly retinoids and isotretinoin, can cause an initial purge period where acne appears to worsen temporarily before clearing. This is normal and expected. Our team will prepare you for what to anticipate during your treatment and provide guidance on managing any irritation or initial flares during the adjustment phase.
Can you treat acne scars at Dehesa Dermatology?
Yes. Once active acne is under control, we offer several options for improving the appearance of acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, including laser resurfacing, chemical peels, microneedling, and skin rejuvenation treatments. Visit our skin rejuvenation page or laser treatment page to learn more about scar treatment options.
Is isotretinoin (Accutane) safe?
Isotretinoin is a highly effective medication that has been used safely for decades under proper medical supervision. It does require enrollment in the iPLEDGE program and regular monitoring through lab work and follow-up visits to ensure safety. At Dehesa Dermatology, we carefully oversee every patient on isotretinoin throughout their course to minimize risks and maximize outcomes.
Does Dehesa Dermatology treat acne patients from Fresno?
Yes — we proudly serve patients from Fresno, Clovis, and throughout the Central Valley. Our practice at 978 N Temperance Ave in Clovis is conveniently accessible from Fresno via Highway 168 and is just minutes from the Fresno city limits. We welcome patients from the entire Fresno metro area and surrounding communities.