MI Skin Dermatology Center: Melda Isaac, MD
Two Lafayette Centre
1133 21st Street NW, Suite 450
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 393-7546
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
Acne and Acne Scarring
Acne is one of the most common dermatological problems, affecting almost everyone at some point during their life. Acne, also called “pimples” or “zits,” is an inflammatory condition of the oil glands of the skin, which is most commonly found on the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and back. When pimples become inflamed and painful and are left untreated, acne scarring can occur.
Treating Active Acne
Acne can be caused by stress, hormonal fluctuations, abnormal cell turnover, and excessive oil production. Some people may experience only a mild outbreak every once in a while, while others may have to contend with chronic pimples that never seem to completely disappear.
Acne is the single most common skin ailment in America among men and women of all ages and ethnicities. The severity of the condition can vary, making it difficult to treat with over-the-counter options. A board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Isaac, who treats more than 300 acne cases every year, can help identify the appropriate treatment for your skin.
Acne commonly appears on the face, chest, neck, and back. Acne is caused when pores are clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, which cause inflammation in the pores. Acne can take many forms, including:
- Acneic cysts
- Blackheads
- White heads
- Inflamed bumps
Your treatment will depend on the type of acne and severity of the condition. No matter what type of pimples you have or how frequently it occurs, however, there is an active acne treatment option for you. Dr. Isaac is an expert dermatologist in DC who will be able to assess your skin’s condition and recommend the most effective treatment options for you. Contact MI Skin Dermatology to schedule a consultation or call
(202) 393-7546 today.
“For active acne patients, we use the full medical approach, but bringing devices in earlier can make a huge difference. It can reduce the distress acne causes, help calm active breakouts, and intervene earlier on the red and brown marks that can linger afterward.”
Dr. Melda Isaac
Acne Scarring
It’s very important to treat acne as soon as possible so that it does not form scars. Acne scars are a common side effect of leaving active acne untreated for too long, and they can be difficult to eliminate completely.
Acne scars are formed by the breakdown of the walls of the pores due to inflammation caused by active acne. Some scars are shallow and easily heal, while others are deeper, causing either a depression in the skin or a raised scar.
Depending on the type of scarring you experience, your treatment options will vary. It is important to have your skin assessed by a board-certified dermatologist to find the best treatment for your needs.
A Reputation Built on Results
Acne and Acne Scar Treatments
There are multiple treatments available for both active acne and acne scars. These include topical creams, oral medications, and in-office acne treatments such as chemical peels, DermaSweep , and lasers for chronic pimple removal. Dr. Isaac at the MI Skin Dermatology Center in Washington DC uses the most innovative and advanced ways to treat your stubborn acne and or acne scarring.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a great option to remove dead skin cells in order to facilitate new skin growth and create brighter, smoother, healthier-looking skin. A common treatment for mild pimples is a de-toxifying facial coupled with DermaSweep, which helps in zit reduction. This will clear even deeply clogged pores, leaving skin healthy and glowing. DermaSweep combined with a superficial chemical peel will renew the skin, leaving it better able to absorb topical medications as well as products such as moisturizers, and is overall an effective acne treatment. This will help your skin to better fight off pimple outbreaks in the future as well.
DermaSweep
DermaSweep microdermabrasion is an innovative exfoliating treatment that combines brush tip exfoliation with topical solutions and variable pressure for a precise and thorough skin treatment. Combined with a chemical peel, this extraordinary skin treatment can completely refresh and renew pimple-prone skin.
Tixel®
Tixel® is a fractional skin treatment that uses heat energy to treat a variety of skin conditions, including active acne, acne scarring, and other scars. Safe for all skin types, Tixel is a revolutionary treatment that works to restore healthy skin with less downtime than traditional fractionated laser treatments.
Other Acne Scar Treatments
Dr. Isaac performs TCA CROSS (chemical reconstruction of skin scars), which applies trichloroacetic acid to individual acne scars, and subcision, a minimally invasive procedure that releases the tissue tethering certain depressed scars.
Laser Treatments
For more stubborn or problematic zits, laser treatments may be a good option. The MI Skin Dermatology Center in Washington DC offers many kinds of laser treatments for different skin conditions.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy, or PDT, is an effective way to treat both acne and acne scars, as well as sun damage and facial redness. PDT uses blue or laser light in order to kill pimple bacteria and treat the sebaceous glands that cause active acne lesions.
BBL Forever Clear and V-beam Photofacial
BBL, or broadband light, Forever Clear photofacials can treat redness and uneven skin tone. The V-beam photofacial can treat scars, rosacea, uneven coloring and red birthmarks. The Derma V laser is a multi-tasker that can treat active acne, acne scars, uneven skin tone, irregular skin texture, and other skin conditions. These lasers are completely safe and relatively painless in the hands of an experienced dermatologist such as Dr. Melda Isaac in Washington DC.
Laser Resurfacing, Genius RF Microneedling, and Collagen PIN Microneedling
For more problematic and deeper pimple scarring, numerous resurfacing procedures are offered at MI Skin Dermatology Center in Washington DC. Depending on the depth or severity of scarring, one’s skin type, schedule and amount of downtime, Fraxel laser resurfacing, fractional CO2 resurfacing with Active and or Deep Fx lasers, UltraClear® Laser, Erbium laser treatments, Genius RF microneedling and Collagen PIN Microneedling are performed to reduce appearance of pimple scars and marks.
Treatment Designed
Exclusively for You
At MI Skin Dermatology, we believe your skin deserves more than just a menu of standard med spa treatments. Dr. Isaac crafts a personalized plan tailored to your unique goals and skin needs. Through in-depth skin assessments and years of expertise, treatments are layered and thoughtfully sequenced over time to amplify your skin’s health and radiance. This refined approach ensures you look and feel your best—now and for years to come.
Explore Customized TreatmentsAcne Treatment FAQs
How long do acne and acne scar treatments take?
Your treatment timeline depends on whether you’re addressing active acne, acne scars, or both. It also depends on the treatments recommended for your skin. Acne often improves gradually over several weeks or months, while scar treatments may require a series of sessions spaced apart to allow the skin to heal and rebuild collagen.
Can acne scars be reversed?
Acne scars can often be significantly improved, although completely eliminating them may not be possible. Treatments can soften depressions, smooth uneven texture, reduce discoloration, and stimulate collagen remodeling. Different types of scars, such as rolling, boxcar, and ice pick scars, may respond to different treatments, so an effective plan may combine several approaches.
Should you treat acne or acne scars first?
In most cases, controlling active acne comes first. Treating breakouts helps prevent new scars from forming and creates a better foundation for procedures designed to improve existing scarring. Once acne is well controlled, your provider can develop a treatment sequence based on the type, depth, and extent of your scars.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you suffer from acne or acne scarring, there is an acne treatment that is right for you. To find out more about what solutions are available for you, contact the MI Skin Dermatology Center in Washington DC to schedule your consultation! Call (202) 393-7546 to make your appointment today.
About Melda Isaac, MD
Dr. Melda Isaac is consistently recognized among the top dermatologists in Washington, DC. A board-certified dermatologist, she combines medical dermatology, aesthetic precision, and advanced technology, with specialized expertise in injectables, laser resurfacing, skin cancer care, acne, rosacea, and acne scar treatments.
Credentials you can trust
Reviewed for clinical accuracy by Dr. Isaac on September 28th, 2026.