Acne is a common, frustrating problem for teenagers, but that does not mean it is limited to the young. The truth is that acne can strike at any age and affect anyone’s self-image.
Acne forms when pores in your skin get clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading bacteria to grow inside them. If you have acne, you will experience most of these symptoms: blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.
If you think you might be dealing with acne or another inflammatory condition like rosacea or eczema, schedule an appointment with a professional dermatologist and avoid picking at your pimples at all costs until then! This article discusses some common acne treatments recommended by dermatologists.
Chapter Overview
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels work by removing layers of dead skin cells from the face or body with a chemical agent. Ideally, this encourages the growth of new skin cells below the skin surface, resulting in smoother skin (especially for acne scars) and a brighter complexion. The most common chemical peels used for acne treatment are alpha-hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid (BHA), and lactic acid.
Chemical peels are not just for treating acne; they are also regularly used to address sun damage and fine lines around the mouth or eyes. These treatments are usually done in dermatologist offices but are also available at many spas. Either way, it is crucial that whoever performs your chemical peel has experience with them before proceeding with any procedure.
Lasers
Laser treatments for acne scars and active acne can be an excellent way to treat your skin. There are many options available, and it is crucial to understand the differences between them. Lasers can treat active acne, but it is best to try non-invasive methods first because lasers may leave behind scars. Many different types of lasers work well for treating acne scars (icepick, rolling, boxcar), but they cannot get rid of the original under-skin lesions that caused the scarring in the first place. It means that you will still have some redness and inflammation after treatment.
In general, laser treatments are better suited for people with lighter-colored skin instead of darker. Patients with lighter skin tend to heal better after treatment because dark pigments do not absorb light while lighter ones do. If you have darker skin and are interested in laser therapy, try a steroid or antibiotic medication first; these medications may help lighten your skin before pursuing a laser treatment. You won’t need extra sessions afterward.
Visit Dermavel for other acne treatments and scarring removal.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion, often referred to as microdermabrasion, is a form of cosmetic surgery involving the use of wire brushes or diamond wheels to remove the topmost layer of skin. Dermabrasion is used for various aesthetic purposes: smoothing out wrinkles, cleaning acne scars, and improving sun-damaged skin are among the most common reasons for undergoing this procedure.
Dermabrasion procedures are usually performed in a doctor’s office. Patients should expect some discomfort during this procedure and possible pain and swelling after the completion. Depending on the size of the area treated, one appointment in a doctor’s office will effectively remove all top layers of skin on an area up to 20 square inches (i.e., cheeks).
Steroid Injections for Acne Cysts
Steroid injections are one of the most effective ways to treat cysts that are causing or threatening pain, swelling, and infection. These steroid injections are also an option for treating recurrences of acne lesions. Like all injectables, they are a surefire way to get fast results, but there are risks involved in getting them.
The goal of steroids is to shrink the size of the cyst enough so that it heals on its own; this is called “excision” or “curettage” and involves using a small blade to cut out the center or core of the cysts before injecting it with steroids. It is usually done while numbing the area with lidocaine, so you do not feel any pain during or after being injected. This method takes some skill because there is a thin line between giving your body enough steroids and causing too much damage to your skin.
Cortisone Injections
When your skin is covered in acne, it can hurt to touch, and the acne scars are no fun at all. The pain of the healing process and the stress of constantly anticipating a breakout can be exhausting. Cortisone injections provide a temporary solution that helps achieve quick results while reducing scarring by 80%. If you give yourself a cortisone injection twice a week for two weeks, you will probably see an improvement in your skin.
You may not notice it immediately, but there will be less redness and swelling on your face after a few weeks. The effects should last for two to three months after each dose, enough time to give you peace of mind and allow your skin to heal naturally.
Antibiotics for Acne
The most common kind of acne treatment is a short-term antibiotic regimen. It is usually prescribed by your dermatologist or family doctor and uses an oral antibiotic to kill the bacteria causing most of the acne. The antibiotics will help clear up your pimples in about three to four weeks, and then you will stop taking them.
If your acne comes back after taking antibiotics, likely, they won’t work for you. In such situations, it may be time to talk with your doctor about more potent prescription treatments like Accutane or Isotretinoin (which have more potential side effects). You can also try over-the-counter products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid instead.
Spironolactone (Aldactone)
Spironolactone is a diuretic that can be used to treat acne, but it is not as simple as putting a few pills under your tongue and waiting for clear skin. It is not a first-line therapy for acne, but you may consider it if other treatments have not performed well.
As with all medications, there are possible side effects to be aware of. There is solid evidence that spironolactone can help treat acne and cause clearer skin in many patients who take it. For others, the benefits are not so clear-cut.
Spironolactone comes with warnings (by prescription only, avoid sunlight, do not get pregnant while taking it), which makes us think that its most common use is to treat high blood pressure or heart failure. But there is solid evidence that spironolactone can also treat acne when taken at higher doses than those intended for hypertension treatment.
The best way to decide if spironolactone is right for you is to talk to your dermatologist about what other treatments have worked or have not worked for you, how long you have been struggling with acne, and what your general feelings about side effects are.
There are Many Ways to Treat Acne
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to acne treatment, but with some research and a conversation with your doctor, you can find the right one for you. Some treatments work by drying the skin and shrinking pores, while others help clear skin by killing bacteria. Many people assume that the same treatment that worked on their brother or sister will help them as well, but this is not necessarily true.
It does not take much to prevent acne from forming. Taking care of your skin is an easy way to keep your face clear and smooth. Prevention usually involves keeping your pores unclogged and maintaining a healthy diet. If you notice any new blemishes on your skin, seek medical help immediately before it becomes worse.