Acne Treatments

Acne is a common condition affecting 17 million Americans. Although acne is not a serious health threat it can cause serious emotional distress. The good news is that acne is highly treatable.

When the dermis and epidermis layers of the skin become inflamed a production of sebum or oil results, skin cells die and clog the follicle causing acne.

Types of acne:

Non-inflammatory

Whiteheads are plugged follicles below the surface of the skin.
Blackheads are plugs that are dark in color and push through the skin's surface.

Inflammatory

Papules are firm, pink bumps that are tender or sore.
Pustules are small, red round lesions with a white center.
Nodules or Cysts are a severe form of acne usually very large and painful and may cause scarring.

There are many misconceptions about the causes of acne. Acne is not triggered by stress, eating greasy foods or not properly cleaning your skin. Acne is a medical condition that often is a result of heredity. Without proper treatment acne can afflict a patient for years or the majority of their life.

Acne conditions require a multi-step medical solution:

–– Wash with a mild cleanser (hand wash, no cloth) daily. This type of skin care will help reduce the effects of acne.

–– Use of a Topical Retinoid product (vitamin A) can effectively manage acne. Retinoids can be used long-term and have been proven safe and effective. Retinoids also diminish some of the signs of aging skin. Examples of retinoids; Retinol, Retinaldehyde (Retrinal), Adaplene (for darker skin) (Differin 0.1% gel) and Tretinoin (Retin-A micro 0.1% gel). Retinoids should be used before bedtime because retinoids cause the skin to be light sensitive. Retinoid treatment may also be combined with a salicylic acid, glycolic acid and a daily moisturizer.

–– Benzoyl peroxide should be used as a topical every morning as directed. It works as an antibiotic, but is much safer, and resistance won’t occur. You may also consider the use of Ultraviolet (Blu-U) light therapy - the blue light kills the acne-causing bacteria.

–– The use of oral antibiotics can be an effective treatment; however, routine use leads the acne causing germs to become resistant, which limits their effectiveness.

–– Hormone modulation can also be considered, reducing the amount of testosterone expression on the skin will generally reduce acne breakouts. Blood tests are necessary to determine what underlying hormonal factors are present and an appropriate plan established.

When these steps fail more aggressive medical techniques should be considered:

–– Chemical Peels can be used anywhere in acne, even before this stage. The peels basically unplug pores and improve the texture tone and health of the skin, while simultaneously reducing the effects of acne.

Before and After Photodynamic Therapy.

–– Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a more aggressive procedure performed with a topical photosensitizing agent called Levulan activated with wavelengths of light. The treated areas can appear red with some peeling for 2-7 days. In many cases it is extremely effective and often will noticeably reduce acne for periods of six to 12 months.

–– Isolaz™ is the newest and the world's only aesthetic technology that combines vacuum with light technology:

Vacuum: Helps loosen and extract dirt, blackheads and excess oil from deep within your pores.
Light-based: Helps destroy acne causing bacteria, uneven skin tone, sun damaged skin, facial redness and veins. This therapy, called Photopneumatics™ (Photo = light-based, Pneumatics = vacuum), is a proprietary technology available only with Isolaz™ treatments.

Isolaz™ is quick, easy and virtually painless. In fact, many people have their treatments done during lunch without any downtime. Additionally, patients have found their skin feels tighter and has a healthy radiant glow following Isolaz therapy. Also, Isolaz™ therapy is effective on all skin types.

Isolaz™ Purifies Your Pores The Isolaz™ vacuum applies gentle pressure on your pores while the light-based technology helps destroy the acne causing bacteria. This helps soften and remove blackheads, dead cells and other debris from deep in your pores resulting in radiant, clear skin that is purified from the inside out.

–– Accutane is generally the most aggressive acne treatment. Accutane is an oral for of vitamin A and works like topical retinoids. There are some potential side effects, discuss these side effects with your Doctor to determine if this treatment is right for you.

Dr. Mok or Dr. Kotlus will work with patients to develop a formal and accurate assessment of their skin conditions. From that assessment he will prescribe the best treatment for your individual needs.

Above all else patients should remember that acne is very treatable.

Call 800-610-7484 for your Free Consultation.