Acne Treatment

Acne is a common condition that causes blocked pores, pimples, cysts and other lesions on the skin of the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and upper arms.  Acne affects over 17 million people in the US, making it the most common skin disease in the country.

Causes of Acne

Acne is caused by a combination of events. Patients with acne have an increase in sebum or oil, which gets blocked in the pores and hair follicles. The upper layer skin cells stick together so tightly that they plug the opening of the pore. This causes a comedone (blackhead or whitehead). The comedone is the precursor lesion to all acne. Bacteria (primarily P. acnes) begins to grow. In some cases, the mounting pressure bursts the pore wall and spreads oil and bacteria into the nearby skin. This material causes inflammation, which results in a pimple, or an even deeper cyst.

Symptoms most commonly appear on the face, neck, shoulders, back or chest. These symptoms can come and go, and may flare up at certain times as a result of hormonal or environmental triggers such as pregnancy, menstrual periods, greasy cosmetic or hair products, high levels of humidity or certain medications.

Treatment of Acne

The goals of acne therapy are to normalize the skin surface, lower sebum production, reduce bacteria, and decrease inflammation. Almost all lesions start with a clogged pore or comedone; thus treatments to reduce clogged pores are essential. This can be done through a combination of topical treatments, antibiotics, isotretinoin or hormonal treatments.  These treatment methods can take up to 8-12 weeks before results are visible.

Chemical peels with or without pore extractions, laser and light treatments are also helpful for clearance of acne:

Chemical Peels and extractions

  • Dry up existing acne lesions, exfoliates skin surface and opens clogged pores
  • Lighten dark spots and prevent new acne lesions
  • Critical for success in acne with lots of clogged pores and milia

Cyst Injections

  • For those tender, inflamed acne cysts

Laser/Light Treatments:

  • BLU-U light: Reduces bacteria and inflammation. Can be combined with peels and acne facials.
  • Photodynamic Therapy: Levulan (Aminolevulinic Acid) is applied to the skin and is selectively absorbed by overactive oil glands and acne lesions. The next step is activated by VBeam laser or IPL and Blue light. 3 treatments for best results.
  • VBeam laser: Can reduce inflammation and redness and improve red scars.

Preventing Acne

While there is no sure way to prevent future breakouts from occurring, maintenance with a topical retinoid is critical to prevent recurrence of clogged pores.

 

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