The face is the first part of the body that people notice when they meet you. Having smooth and clear skin can leave a positive impression and serve as a boost for your confidence. However, smooth and clear skin is not always readily available for everyone because acne. Acne is different for everyone. It can be mild with a few pimples, moderate with inflamed papules, or severe with nodules and cysts. Fortunately, there are treatment options available that can help you get the clear skin you want.
What Is Acne?
Acne is a skin condition that appears when oil and dead skin cells block hair follicles. This blockage results in the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders.
Acne is more common in teenagers; however, people of any age can be affected by it. Hormone changes, picking on acne lesions, wearing blocking clothing and headgear, and environmental factors can all make acne worse.
Treatments for Acne
Fortunately, acne can be treated in a variety of ways. Your dermatologist can identify the severity of your condition and recommend treatments based on it. The following are some treatment options for your acne.
Medication
Over-the-counter and prescription medications are the most common treatment option for acne and acne scars. Some of these medicines include:
- Benzoyl Peroxide. This is an over-the-counter product that can either be a leave-on gel or facewash. It works by targeting the bacteria on your skin to limit acne production.
- These are also known as vitamin A derivatives. They help prevent your pores from clogging and are applied to the entire face to avoid the formation of new acne.
- They can either be applied to the skin or taken orally. Antibiotics work by controlling the surface bacteria that causes acne.
Light Therapy and Laser Treatments
Light therapy is done by exposing your skin to various types of light, killing the bacteria that cause swelling and redness on your skin. Meanwhile, laser treatment is for acne and acne scars. Pulsed light and heat energy are used to kill acne-causing bacteria and decrease oil production.
Exfoliation
Skin exfoliation can either be through chemical peels or microdermabrasion.
- Chemical Peels. This is a treatment option in which a chemical solution is applied to your face to clean out pores and remove dead skin cells, whiteheads, and blackheads. Some examples of chemical peels are glycolic peels, which use glycolic acid, and beta lift peel, which uses beta hydroxy acids or organic fruit acids.
- Your dermatologist performs this procedure by vacuuming away dead skin cells from the topmost layer of your skin.
Acne Removal Procedures
There are also procedures you can get done to remove acne and acne scars. Excision, extraction, and dermabrasion are some examples.
- This is done by cutting out acne scars and repairing the wound with stitches.
- Your dermatologist may opt to remove your acne by draining and extracting it. You can remove cysts, whiteheads, and blackheads with special instruments during an extraction.
- This treatment option is also known as surgical sanding. It works by removing the top layers of the skin to encourage new skin growth.
Skin Care Experts in Miami
Acne can impact your self-confidence and affect the way you look. Fortunately, a lot of treatment options are available for this condition. The board-certified dermatologists at Children’s Skin Center Pediatric and Adult Dermatology are experts in acne problems.
You can reach us at (305) 669-6555, or use our online form to schedule an appointment. We have seven locations in Florida for your convenience – visit us today!
