Say Hello to Clear Skin With These Acne Treatments

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.