Acne Treatment in Gambrills, MD

Breakouts can affect more than just your complexion, they can impact your confidence and quality of life. At Skin Oasis Dermatology in Gambrills, Maryland, we specialize in helping patients throughout Anne Arundel County, including Odenton, Fort Meade, and Severn, find lasting relief from acne and acne scars.

Under the care of Dr. Katina Miles, our team provides advanced, customized acne treatments that target the root cause of breakouts and promote clearer, healthier skin. Whether you’re dealing with persistent acne, hormonal flare-ups, or post-acne discoloration, we’ll create a treatment plan designed specifically for your skin type and goals.

What Causes Acne?

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting teens and adults alike. It occurs when oil glands and pores become clogged with excess sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria, leading to inflammation and visible breakouts. But the underlying triggers can vary from person to person.

Common causes of acne include:

• Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause

• Genetics and family history of acne-prone skin

• Stress, which can stimulate oil production and inflammation

• Dietary factors, including high-glycemic or dairy-heavy diets

• Comedogenic cosmetics that clog pores

• Environmental stressors, such as humidity, sweat, and friction from masks or helmets

At Skin Oasis Dermatology in Gambrills, Dr. Katina Miles takes the time to identify the root causes of your acne so your treatment plan can target the problem at its source, not just the symptoms. This personalized approach helps you achieve clearer, healthier skin with lasting results.

Types of Acne We Treat

No two breakouts are the same, and neither are our treatments. At Skin Oasis Dermatology, we treat all forms of acne, from mild congestion to severe cystic flare-ups. Our goal is to calm inflammation, prevent new breakouts, and help your skin heal smoothly and evenly.

Common types of acne we treat include:

• Comedonal acne – Blackheads and whiteheads caused by clogged pores.

• Inflammatory acne – Red, swollen bumps or pustules that may feel tender to the touch.

• Cystic acne – Deep, painful nodules beneath the skin that can lead to scarring if untreated.

• Hormonal acne – Breakouts that flare along the jawline or chin, often related to hormonal changes.

• Acne rosacea and maskne – Breakouts triggered by irritation, friction, or heat under a mask.

Whether your acne is occasional or chronic, Dr. Katina Miles will customize a treatment plan that targets the underlying causes and restores your skin’s natural balance.

Our Approach to Acne Treatment

At Skin Oasis Dermatology in Gambrills, MD, we understand that acne isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. Each patient’s skin tells a different story, affected by genetics, hormones, stress, environment, and even lifestyle. That’s why Dr. Katina Miles, a board-certified dermatologist with advanced expertise in medical and cosmetic dermatology, takes a customized, results-driven approach to acne care.

Your journey toward clearer skin begins with a thorough evaluation of your acne type, skin sensitivity, and contributing factors. From there, Dr. Miles will design a comprehensive treatment plan that may include both medical therapy and in-office procedures to address acne at every level, from reducing inflammation and bacteria to improving tone and texture.

Our goal is not only to clear active breakouts but also to prevent future flare-ups and minimize the risk of scarring. With the right combination of science-backed treatments, advanced technology, and ongoing guidance, we’ll help you achieve healthier, more balanced skin you can feel confident in.

Medical Therapy for Acne

At Skin Oasis Dermatology, Dr. Katina Miles takes a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to treating acne. Medical therapy often serves as the foundation of acne management, helping to reduce bacteria, balance oil production, and prevent new breakouts from forming.

After evaluating your skin and acne type, Dr. Miles will determine which treatments are most effective for your individual needs. Depending on the severity and persistence of your acne, your plan may include:

Topical Medications

Prescription-strength creams or gels that help unclog pores, reduce bacteria, decrease inflammation, and promote healthy cell turnover. These may include retinoids, antibiotic creams, or anti-inflammatory formulations designed to support long-term acne control.

Oral Antibiotics

For moderate to inflammatory acne, oral antibiotics may be recommended to reduce bacteria and calm deep inflammation. These medications can help bring active breakouts under control while other parts of your treatment plan work to maintain results.

Personalized Skincare Regimens

Dr. Miles will also help you build a daily skincare routine using medical-grade cleansers, moisturizers, and serums designed to support your treatment plan. These professional products help maintain clear skin while minimizing irritation and sensitivity. Combining the right medical treatments with professional skincare guidance creates a solid foundation for long-term acne control and improved skin health.

In-Office Acne Treatments

For patients who need additional support beyond topical or oral medications, Skin Oasis Dermatology offers a range of in-office procedures to help clear active breakouts, calm inflammation, and improve overall skin tone and texture. Each treatment is selected and customized by Dr. Katina Miles to address your skin’s specific needs.

Chemical Peels for Acne

Chemical peels help unclog pores, reduce oil buildup, and exfoliate dead skin cells to prevent future breakouts. They also improve discoloration and uneven tone left behind by previous acne. Treatments are available in varying strengths, allowing Dr. Miles to tailor the peel to your skin type and level of sensitivity.

PRX Derm Perfexion and PRX Plus for Acne

PRX Derm Perfexion and PRX Plus are innovative biorevitalization treatments that help improve acne-prone skin, enlarged pores, and uneven tone without peeling or downtime. This non-invasive solution combines trichloroacetic acid (TCA), kojic acid, and hydrogen peroxide to stimulate healthy skin renewal while keeping the surface layer intact.

During treatment, the solution is gently massaged into the skin to refine texture, brighten discoloration from past breakouts, and support a clearer, more balanced complexion. PRX is an excellent option for patients who want noticeable improvement with no interruption to their daily routine. A series of sessions is typically recommended for best results.

Aerolase Neo Laser

The Aerolase Neo is an advanced, gentle laser treatment that effectively targets acne at multiple levels of the skin. This technology uses a 650-microsecond pulse to reduce inflammation, eliminate acne-causing bacteria, and regulate oil production—all without discomfort or downtime.

The Aerolase Neo is an excellent option for patients with inflammatory acne, nodulocystic acne, and breakouts that haven’t responded well to traditional therapies. It can also help improve discoloration and early acne scars by stimulating collagen and supporting healthier, clearer skin over time.

Because the treatment is safe for a wide range of skin types and requires no recovery period, many patients choose Aerolase Neo as a convenient, reliable way to manage both active acne and lingering textural concerns.

Steroid Injections for Cystic Acne

When painful cysts or nodules develop beneath the skin, a small corticosteroid injection can provide rapid relief, reducing swelling, tenderness, and the risk of scarring within just a few days.

Professional Extractions

For clogged pores and non-inflammatory acne such as blackheads or whiteheads, professional extractions offer a safe and effective way to clear congestion without damaging the skin or causing scarring. Dr. Miles may recommend combining several treatments as part of your acne management plan to achieve smoother, clearer skin with lasting results.

Acne Scars

Even after active breakouts have cleared, acne scars can linger as a lasting reminder of past inflammation. At Skin Oasis Dermatology in Gambrills, MD, Dr. Katina Miles offers advanced treatments to smooth uneven texture, fade discoloration, and restore a more refined, confident complexion.

Acne scars form when the skin’s natural healing process is disrupted, often due to inflammation or collagen imbalance during recovery. These scars may appear as shallow depressions, deeper indentations, or areas of discoloration that vary in depth and severity.

Common types of acne scars include:

• Ice pick scars – Narrow, deep pits that resemble small holes in the skin

• Boxcar scars – Broad, round depressions with defined edges

• Rolling scars – Shallow, wave-like indentations that create an uneven texture

• Hypertrophic Scars - Firm, raised scars that sit above the skin’s surface due to excess collagen during healing.