Unblemished
In-Office Acne Treatment Options:
Acne is the most frequent skin condition in the United States affecting up to 50 million Americans annually with the cost of treatment exceeding $3 billion dollars. It is estimated that 95% of all Americans will experience acne at some point in their life.
Acne is triggered by many factors including heredity, genetics, hormones, stress, food allergies, high sugar diets, medications and menstruation.
Blackheads, whiteheads, pustules, papules, pimples, zits, whatever you call it, acne is frustrating and can be difficult to resolve on your own.
There are many treatment options available and a combination of in office along with a good home care regime will produce optimal results. Since acne treatments can vary based on the individual patient, types of acne and underlying conditions, meeting face to face with a qualified skincare specialist is the best approach to developing a customized treatment plan.
Some in office clinical treatments that may be recommended include:
Laser & Light Therapies:
IPL/Photofacial: IPL Photofacial therapy is an effective treatment option for many clients with mild to moderate acne. IPL treatments destroy the most common acne causing bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes. In addition to destroying acne causing bacteria, the heat generated from IPL directly targets overactive sebaceous glands that cause outbreaks. Due to the bacteria killing properties of IPL/photofacial treatments, this therapy will not just treat current breakouts, but will also prevent future ones from occurring. It is also important to note that IPL has received FDA clearance for the treatment of acne.
Blue Light Therapy: Is a completely painless treatment regime with absolutely no down time and no side effects. The treatment is performed by having the patient lay under special high intensity blue lights that activate bacteria fighting agents in their skin, called porphyrins. Stimulation of these porphyrins start a chemical reaction, which produces peroxide that kill these acne causing bacteria that create inflamed blemishes. Typical treatment protocols consist of 8-10 treatments performed over a 4 week period.
Chemical Peels: Chemical peels can be used to help control acne and smooth the appearance of acne scars. The strength and type of the peel will depend on the patient’s skin condition. Chemical peels use a special solution to exfoliate the skin’s top layer and to stimulate cellular turnover. The benefits of a chemical peel for acne include, removal of blackheads, unclogging and reduction of pores, fighting acne causing bacteria, drying out of active pustules, reduction of oil, calming of inflammation, and active exfoliation of skin cells. Most chemical peels require about 3-5 days of downtime during the active “peeling or shedding” phase and should be timed appropriately around a patient’s social schedule.
A great mid-level peel for acne is the Vitalize Peel by SkinMedica. The Vitalize Peel uses a combination of Salicyclic Acid, Resorcinol and Lactic Acid and is safe for most skin types. Ideal results are achieved with a series of peels spaced out every 3-4 weeks.
HydraFacial & Microdermabrasion:
HydraFacial: HydraFacial is a hydra-dermabrasion procedure that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection simultaneously, resulting in clearer skin with no discomfort or downtown. HydraFacial uses special vortex technology to unclog pores, extract blackheads and infuse a proprietary formula called GlySal that is a mixture of glycolic and salicylic acids that deliver the benefits of a peel without any post-peel downtime.
Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion can help with mild to moderate acne resulting from clogged pores. It is also useful for treating mild acne scaring. Microdermabrasion is done with a device that combines the use of crystals and vacuum suction to manually exfoliate or “buff “the outermost layer of the skin.
Micro-Needling: Micro-needling is not used to treat active acne but rather to target post-acne scars. Micro-needling is performed with a mechanical device that utilizes special tiny needles that break apart collagen bundles in the superficial layer of the skin that are responsible for acne scars. Treatment also stimulates healing that induces new collagen and cellular turnover resulting in smoother appearing skin.
Acne Facials with Manual Extractions: Acne facials provide a deep cleanse for your face while focusing on opening up blocked pores and manually removing debris. Your pores naturally produce oil, called sebum, which can build up over time and block or clog pores. Excessive sebum buildup is a leading cause of blemishes and acne breakouts. In addition to a deep cleanse of the skin an acne facial also includes gentle exfoliation, steam treatment and mechanical or manual extractions. The steam used during this facial causes pores to relax and open, facilitating the extraction process. After your steam treatment, the extractions are performed. The extraction process requires specialized training and expertise. Extractions can lead to scarring if done incorrectly and should only ever be done by a licensed skin care provider. (Never try to do this yourself at home!)
Added tip… To achieve the best clinical results, acne treatments must address both external and internal factors. Dietary changes including supplementation along with in office treatments can help win the war on acne. One of Elizabeth’s favorite skin care supplements for acne is Acnutrol by Designs for Health.
Acnutrol™ capsules focus on the internal healing process and overall skin health. The key ingredients are pantothenic acid and carnitine. Pantothenic acid plays a significant role in maintaining keratinocytes, the predominant cell type in the skin’s epidermis (outermost layer). Research shows that when pantothenic acid is depleted, the production of keratinocytes is suppressed. This vitamin also helps regulate lipid metabolism, and may affect the balance of oils in the skin. The potent anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive nutrient carnitine helps pantothenic acid work more efficiently in lipid metabolism. It is found in cells throughout the body, including skin fibroblasts, and is necessary for cellular repair.