Dealing with stubborn acne in St. Paul, MN? Clarus Dermatology offers comprehensive acne diagnosis and treatment at our New Brighton office, conveniently located just minutes from downtown St. Paul. Our board-certified dermatologists create individualized treatment plans designed to clear active breakouts, reduce scarring, and prevent future flare-ups for patients of every age and skin type.
Why St. Paul Residents Choose Clarus Dermatology for Acne Treatment
Acne is one of the most common skin conditions in the United States, yet it remains widely undertreated. Many St. Paul residents spend years cycling through drugstore products without seeing meaningful improvement. At Clarus Dermatology, we take a different approach. Our dermatologists — led by Dr. Neil A. Shah — conduct a thorough clinical evaluation to determine the specific type and underlying cause of your acne before recommending treatment.
Whether your breakouts stem from hormonal imbalances, excess oil production, bacterial colonization, or chronic inflammation, our team has the training and technology to develop a plan that works. We offer the full range of medical dermatology services, ensuring that your acne care is managed by specialists — not general practitioners.
Types of Acne We Treat
Our dermatologists see the full spectrum of acne conditions at our New Brighton clinic, which serves St. Paul and surrounding communities:
- Mild comedonal acne — blackheads and whiteheads from clogged follicles
- Moderate inflammatory acne — red, tender papules and pustules across the face, chest, or back
- Severe cystic and nodular acne — deep, painful lesions that carry a high risk of permanent scarring
- Hormonal acne — recurring breakouts along the jawline and chin, most common in adult women
- Teenage acne — adolescent breakouts requiring safe, age-appropriate treatment protocols
- Acne rosacea — persistent redness and acne-like bumps often mistaken for traditional acne
Personalized Treatment Plans for Lasting Results
Effective acne treatment is never one-size-fits-all. During your initial consultation, your dermatologist will evaluate the severity, type, and distribution of your acne, along with your skin type, medical history, and lifestyle factors. From there, we build a step-by-step treatment protocol tailored to your specific needs.
Medical and Procedural Acne Treatments
- Prescription topical therapies — retinoids, benzoyl peroxide formulations, and topical antibiotics to target breakouts at the surface
- Oral medications — systemic antibiotics for moderate-to-severe acne, hormonal therapies such as spironolactone, and isotretinoin (Accutane) for treatment-resistant cases
- Chemical peels — professional-grade salicylic acid and glycolic acid peels to exfoliate clogged pores and reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Cortisone injections — in-office injections that rapidly reduce swelling and pain from cystic breakouts
- Light and laser therapy — advanced treatments for active acne and acne scarring
- Customized skincare regimens — medical-grade products selected for your skin to support your clinical treatment at home
Acne Scarring Correction
For St. Paul patients whose past breakouts have left textural irregularities or discoloration, Clarus Dermatology offers advanced scar treatment options including laser resurfacing, microneedling, chemical peels, and injectable fillers for depressed scars. The most effective strategy is always early intervention — treating active acne before scarring develops — so we encourage patients not to delay professional care.
How Minnesota’s Seasons Affect Acne
St. Paul’s dramatic seasonal swings present unique challenges for acne-prone skin. During winter, cold air and indoor heating strip the skin of moisture, causing the sebaceous glands to overcompensate with excess oil. In summer, heat, humidity, and perspiration can clog pores and trigger inflammatory breakouts. A board-certified dermatologist can help you adapt your treatment regimen and skincare routine season by season, keeping your skin balanced throughout the year.
Convenient Access from St. Paul
Our New Brighton office is a short drive from St. Paul via I-35W, making it easy for patients across Ramsey County to access expert dermatological care. Clarus Dermatology also maintains offices in Minnetonka, Maple Grove, Hugo, Otsego, and Spicer — six locations across the Twin Cities metro and central Minnesota for your convenience.
To schedule an acne consultation, call us at (612) 213-2370 or book your appointment online using the scheduler on this page.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Acne treatment outcomes vary by individual. A board-certified dermatologist will evaluate your condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan during your consultation.
