Pregnancy can be one of the most exciting and memorable times of your life, but the hormonal rollercoaster it causes can bring about many changes. Acne breakouts may become a new problem, even if you have previously had clear, blemish-free skin. Overactive hormones can cause your skin to produce more oil, leading to eruptions of pimples. What are your options for treating flare-ups of acne while keeping yourself and your baby healthy?

Start With Your Skin Care Regimen

Your first step to dealing with pregnancy acne might be as straightforward as modifying your skincare routine. Here are some things you can try.

• Simplify: Many women mistakenly believe skincare that involves multiple steps and a variety of expensive products is their ticket to a healthy complexion. However, all you need is a mild cleanser and a lightweight moisturizer to see outstanding results. Avoid exfoliants and alcohol-based toners, which can cause irritation and strip the skin of its natural moisture barrier, worsening your breakouts.
• Choose products wisely: As you’re reviewing what makes the cut with your stripped-down skincare regimen, read the labels carefully. Look for the word “non-comedogenic,” which means a product will not clog pores and encourage acne to flourish. 
• Don’t squeeze pimples: No matter how tempting it can be to do so, don’t try to pick at your pimples. Touching your face excessively can contribute to the spread of acne, and popping pimples can create scarring and infection.

Treatments That Can Help Alleviate Pregnancy Acne

What are your options for overcoming breakouts during this special time of your life? Consider the following.

• Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a completely non-surgical, non-chemical procedure that gently exfoliates the top layers of the skin using a stream of aluminum oxide crystals, encouraging the growth of new collagen and helping you look younger and more rejuvenated.  
• Chemical peels: Treating the skin with a mild chemical like glycolic acid, which is very safe to use during pregnancy, is another way to exfoliate. A peel can reveal a brighter, clearer, and younger-looking skin surface.  
• Acne facials: Are you looking for a way to treat yourself during pregnancy? Getting a facial can help clear up breakouts while providing a relaxing and comfortable experience. If your baby bump isn’t visible yet, be sure to confirm with your treatment provider that you’re expecting.

You may also wonder if you can successfully use medication to get your pregnancy acne under control. Before doing so, it is essential to talk with your OB-GYN, because any medication you swallow or apply topically can enter your bloodstream and affect your developing child. Though we still need more research on which specific medicines can harm babies in utero, some prescription medicines, such as tetracycline and Accutane, are known to cause birth defects and, in extreme cases, miscarriage. 

Can You Expect Clearer Skin While You’re Expecting?

As frustrating as pregnancy acne can be, be judicious about what treatments you use. The health of you and your baby is paramount during this special time of your life. If you have any questions about safe methods for minimizing your breakouts and achieving clearer skin, Dr. Seth Matarasso can help. As an expert in both cosmetic and clinical dermatology, Dr. Matarasso offers many of the most in-demand treatments available to safely treat common skin concerns and provide balance to your complexion. If you live in the San Francisco area, schedule your consultation today.

While acne usually begins in the teen years, this skin condition can persist well into adulthood. With the onset of hormonal changes as you age, you might find yourself struggling with acne flareups regularly. And when it comes to acne, the initial breakout isn’t the only problem; acne often leaves behind hyperpigmentation and in some cases, deep-pitted scars.

Fortunately, there are many options for men and women who’d like to eliminate acne and reduce the appearance of post-acne scars. For those suffering from acne, the following treatments are available to help you restore a smooth, radiant complexion.

Best Acne Treatments

Acne is best managed using a combination of different treatments. Some of the most effective treatments include the following:

The Right Cleanser

Clear skin starts with using the right cleanser. Depending on your skin type, you may need a cleanser that’s suited for dry skin, oily skin, sensitive skin, or aging skin. Cleanser is so important because it serves as the foundation of your skincare routine. Even if you find a topical treatment that’s effective, using the wrong cleanser can continue to exacerbate your acne symptoms. For best results, consult with your dermatologist for recommendations.

Topical Treatments

In addition to cleansers specifically formulated for your skin type, topical treatments can help keep breakouts at bay. There are over-the-counter topical treatments for mild acne, and prescription topical treatments for more severe cases. The right treatment for you depends on the nature of your acne and what exactly is causing it. For instance, there are topical medications and facial masks that are designed to decrease oil production, while others reduce inflammation or kill bacteria inside of the pores.

Other topical treatments, like acids, resurface the skin. Alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate the skin by increasing cell turnover and sloughing off dead skin cells. Beta hydroxy acids work a bit deeper inside of pores, and they are especially helpful if you frequently get bumps from clogged pores. Beta hydroxy acids are usually suitable even for sensitive skin.

Retin-A (tretinoin) has long been a mainstay of acne treatment. This prescription medication is a topical retinoid, and it can be used for mild to severe acne. Retin-A prevents pores from becoming clogged by increasing cell turnover, and it can also improve inflammatory acne. Retin-A also helps expel existing clogs to keep pores clear and less visible.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are often used for their anti-aging benefits, but they can treat acne as well. During a chemical peel, an acid is applied to the skin, which helps reduce oil production, loosens up clogged pores, and exfoliates dead skin cells. Chemical peels vary in strength, and some may result in mild to moderate peeling, while others will require a longer recovery period. There are also over-the-counter chemical peels available in lighter formulations, such as 10% glycolic acid.

After Acne: Treating Your Scars

One of the most frustrating things about acne is that you often have scars to deal with long after the initial breakouts have cleared. While mild acne typically produces hyperpigmented spots, severe acne can result in deep-pitted acne scars. The following treatments can restore a smooth appearance to your skin after suffering from acne:

Microdermabrasion

Microdermabrasion is a skin resurfacing treatment that exfoliates the skin by using a small handheld device. When the top layers of skin have gently been exfoliated, this clears the way for new, fresh skin. This procedure does not require an anesthetic, and patients can expect to have smoother, rejuvenated skin. Microdermabrasion is perfect for mild acne scars like hyperpigmentation.

Fraxel Laser Treatment

The Fraxel laser essentially creates microinjuries deep within the skin, which stimulates the body’s natural healing process. As the healing process continues, healthy skin cells replace old, damaged skin cells, resulting in vibrant skin with an even texture. Results are quick, and your skin will continue to improve over the months that follow as new collagen is produced.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

With this treatment, a rapid pulse of light is emitted through the IPL device. As the wavelength hits the skin, it is absorbed by the melanin of hyperpigmented spots, creating a controlled injury. The skin’s natural healing process is triggered, eventually revealing a brighter, even complexion. IPL can safely be repeated every 1 – 2 months, and because it can be customized to your skin color, treatment is much more comfortable compared to other treatments.

Acne is one of the most frustrating skin conditions to deal with, but with the above treatments, you can be that much closer to having clear skin. To schedule an appointment for acne treatment in San Francisco, contact Dr. Seth L Matarasso today at (415) 362-2238.

Acne Often Requires a Multi-Method Approach

Acne has many causes and can be difficult to treat. Dr. Matarasso has found that most patients respond well to a multi-method approach. We’ll combine different treatments, medications, and skin care products to treat your acne. Occasionally we’ll need to try a few different options to find the treatments that work best for you. Dr. Matarasso has extensive experience in treating acne and can help clear your skin, even when you’ve struggled to find success elsewhere. If over-the-counter treatments aren’t working, you may need help from a skilled dermatologist like Dr. Matarasso.

What Are My Treatment Options for Acne?

We use many different treatments for acne. Your acne treatment plan may include some or all of the following:

• Skin Care Training- The right techniques and skin care products can make a huge difference in the appearance of your skin. We’ll provide training on proper cleansing and skin hygiene and can recommend products for your skin and acne type.
• Topical Medications and Masques- Topical treatments can reduce oil production, lessen inflammation, and kill bacteria within the pores.
• Benzoyl Peroxide, Retin-A, and AHA- Benzoyl peroxide, Retin-A, and exfoliating formulas like alpha-hydroxy acid open clogged pores and kill acne-causing bacteria.
• Antibiotics- Topical and oral antibiotics kill stubborn bacteria.
• Chemical Peels- Chemical peels unclog pores, reduce oil production, and exfoliate dead skin cells.

Dr. Matarasso can provide treatment recommendations after carefully examining your skin. Different types of acne may require different treatment methods.

How Long Until I See Results?

Many acne treatments work quickly. Come in for treatment today and start enjoying clearer skin in just a few days. Many treatments offer visible results in just one treatment, often with continued improvement as you continue to use the treatment. We’ll give you a better idea of what to expect from your treatment before we begin. The sooner you come in, the sooner you’ll see results.

Clearer skin awaits. Call and schedule your appointment with Dr. Matarasso today.

What Causes a Scar?

Scars occur when the dermis (deep layer of skin) is damaged. The body produces extra collagen to heal the injury, and this leads to a scar. Scars often have a different texture and appearance than the surrounding skin. Pitted acne scars are similar, but result when a pit develops in the space where the deep acne was present. Surgical scars, acne scars, and injury scars are all treatable by an experienced dermatologist like Dr. Matarasso.

What Are My Treatment Options for Scarring?

If you have unwanted scarring, come see Dr. Matarasso. He can help you fade your scars. He often chooses to use the Fraxel laser to treat scars, reducing their appearance, smoothing the skin, and refreshing your look. This treatment can improve many types of scarring and works on most skin types. Dr. Matarasso can help you determine if Fraxel can improve the appearance of your skin or if another treatment may be more beneficial.

The Fraxel laser is a type of fractional skin resurfacing, which means that the treatment targets only a fraction of skin, leaving the surrounding skin intact. This can speed healing and promotes the body’s healing response for better results. Damaged skin is replaced by healthy, new skin. In addition to treating scarring, the Fraxel laser can be used to fade wrinkles, rejuvenate the skin, even skin tone, and much more.

Dr. Matarasso can customize your treatment to your skin’s specific needs. Healing time will vary considerably depending on the depth and strength of your treatment. He can discuss your options with you during an appointment. We will work with you to limit downtime so treatment will work with your schedule.

Smooth your scars with Fraxel. Call today and schedule your appointment with Dr. Matarasso.

Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must year round and that includes summer. Wear a high quality sunscreen every day. Dr. Matarasso recommends a minimum of SPF 15 for daily use (higher if you’ll be in the sun or if you burn easily). Don’t forget the ears! Sunscreen is one of the best ways to avoid premature skin aging and to reduce your skin cancer risk.

Improve the Appearance of Wrinkles in Minutes

Have you tried injectables? If you want to improve the appearance of your skin without surgery, try a dermal filler like Juvederm or a botulinum toxin treatment like Botox. Dermal fillers restore lost facial volume (a common sign of aging) and fill in wrinkles. Botox helps relax the muscles that cause some types of wrinkles (like crow’s feet or forehead lines) allowing them to fade away. Treatment takes just a few minutes with results that last for months. Come in for treatment today and look great all summer long.

Target Problem Skin

Do you struggle with acne or eczema? Do you have visible facial veins? Treating skin problems is a great way to improve the overall appearance of your skin. Dr. Matarasso is a highly skilled dermatologist with extensive experience treating problem skin. If you have skin problems, get help and find a solution. Call us today and schedule your appointment with Dr. Matarasso.

Stick to a Routine

The hectic days of the summer make it easy to slip out of your skin care routine. Take time each day to cleanse, tone, and moisturize your skin. It just takes a few minutes a day and makes a big difference in your overall appearance. What’s your skin care routine? How can you improve it this summer?

Give Your Face a Little TLC

This summer do something extra for your face; give it a little TLC. A facial, an exfoliating treatment, or laser skin resurfacing can make a big difference in your skin. We all need a little extra help now and then and it is prime time you gave your skin a little something extra.

Let’s make this summer the summer of beautiful skin. Call us today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Matarasso.

Wear Sunscreen … Today and Every Day

Are you wearing sunscreen? You should be wearing a minimum of SPF 15 every single day, rain or shine. The sun’s UV rays are a major cause of brown spots, wrinkles, skin damage and even skin cancer. Protect your skin by slathering on the sunscreen. If you don’t want to add an extra step to your skincare routine, use a moisturizer with SPF. On those days you plan on spending time in the sun, use a higher SPF and reapply often.

Banish Acne

Celebrities are known for the gorgeously clear skin. Surely you won’t spot any blackheads, pimples or blemishes on the red carpet this year. Acne-free skin is something we can all work towards. Dr. Matarasso offers a variety of different acne treatments to eliminate acne in both adults and teens. If you’ve got acne, come in as soon possible. Quick treatment is essential to minimize acne scars.

Have You Tried Botox?

As your favorite celebrity makes their way down the red carpet, look for Botox. You might not see it, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Celebrities love using Botox to soften wrinkles caused by overactive muscle impulses. A few quick injections can practically eliminate crow’s feet, lines between the brow and forehead lines. When properly administered, Botox provides natural-looking, dramatic results. There’s a reason that Botox consistently tops the list of most popular minimally invasive cosmetic procedures: it works!

Fraxel Laser- Your Skin’s Secret Weapon

In addition to good daily skincare practices, give your skin an occasional boost of TLC. The Fraxel laser can target and treat damaged skin, eliminating brown spots, reducing wrinkles and smoothing skin. Plus, the treatment naturally boosts your collagen production for longer term results. If your skin needs a little extra help, come try the Fraxel laser. This is a great choice before a big event. Celebrities might try Fraxel a few weeks before the Academy Awards; you can use it for a radiance boost before a big night out or any time you want to look your best.

Call us today and schedule your appointment with Dr. Matarasso. He’ll help you get your skin red carpet ready.