Acne Treatment

Topical/Oral Prescriptions

Topical Acne Agents: Topical acne agents are applied to the skin to treat mild acne. They contain medicines, which control acne on the surface but may not treat the actual cause beneath the skin. These topical agents are categorized as either antibacterial or comedolytic (unclogging pores.) They may contain antibiotics that destroy or inhibit the growth of bacteria that form the pustules or they may contain agents that help renew the skin more quickly and therefore reduce acne.

Oral prescriptions: Antibiotics, hormone modulators (hormone therapy), and Isotretinoin (Accutane) are taken every day and can be effective in treating acne by improving current acne breakouts and preventing reoccurrences.

Light/Laser

Isolaz Laser Treatments: use suction and intense pulsed light to clear acne and clean pores, making them smaller and less noticeable. Approved for both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne. Similar to other acne procedures, Isolaz treats acne with light energy however, unlike other procedures; it also uses a gentle vacuum to draw up dirt, blackheads, and excessive oil from your pores. Isolaz may be used alone or in combination with medications.

The Aerolase® Light Pod Neo® laser uses a gentle yet highly effective laser that does not touch the skin to heal acne bacteria deeper than most lasers in the sebaceous gland and surrounding tissue to kill the bacteria which produces acne flare-ups. A reduction in swelling and inflammation results in immediate relief of acne discomfort such as pain and pressure in acne lesions. The LightPod Neo® acne treatment requires no anesthesia and there may be minimal pain and downtime.

Photodynamic therapy: (Also called “PDT”) is the use of light or laser energy to act against skin disease including acne and inflammatory rosacea. Often used for moderate to severe acne, including cystic. A prescription liquid called Levulan is applied to the skin and a laser activates the medication. The combination of Levulan and light not only treats the diseased skin cells or glands, but it also makes the skin healthier, smooth, and clear, possibly even preventing skin cancer.

Light/laser treatment: Omnilux Light Therapy uses blue, red, and infrared light to kill bacteria and quiet inflammation. There is no pain or downtime with this treatment.

Hormonal Therapy/Isotretinoin (Accutane)

Hormonal therapy: An oral medication that minimizes hormonal fluctuations and controls acne. Medications include some oral contraceptive pills, spironolactone, and hormone replacement therapy. Typically reserved for treating women when acne develops around or after menopause. This therapy is more likely to be prescribed when the condition is accompanied by mood swings, insomnia, and anxiety, thinning hair, and decreased verbal skills.

Isotretinoin (may also be called Accutane) is often used for severe acne. Deep, painful cysts and nodules are resistant to other types of treatments and can leave scars if not treated. With just one treatment, Isotretinoin can clear the skin. One treatment typically lasts 4 to 5 months. However, there is the potential for serious side effects. About 85% of patients see clearing after one treatment.

In-office procedures

Chemical Peels: The application of a chemical substance (such as glycolic acid (AHA) or salicylic acid (BHA) that exfoliates the surface of the skin. Usually scheduled as a series, the goal of the treatment is to improve the appearance of superficial lines and uneven pigmentation of the skin. This treatment is often used to open pores, improve acne scars, and reduce breakouts. Other outcomes include softer and smoother looking skin.

DiamondGlow™ treatments can help anyone who has acne, sun damage, hyperpigmentation, brown spots, mild wrinkles, skin dullness, and large pores. Unlike other microdermabrasions, the DiamondGlow™ System combines non-invasive exfoliation with deep delivery of patient-specific solutions directly to the skin – without the use of crystal or other chemical exfoliants. DiamondGlow™ is exclusively offered through facilities with medical directors on staff and isn’t available at a typical day spa or salon. The procedure is non-invasive and even soothing; delivering the results you want without harsh chemicals or uncomfortable treatments. The DiamondGlow™ is a 30-minute treatment and patients can return to activities immediately.