Next Generation Acne Treatments
Acne can be problematic no matter what your age is. However, with the right treatment it is possible to keep even the worst acne under control. Traditional acne treatments, including prescription creams or antibiotics, are effective forms of treatment to get rid of many different acne types. However, even when used properly acne medication can fail to prevent chronic breakouts.
Fortunately there are several newer acne treatments that can be effective for individuals who do not respond to traditional acne therapy.
Laser and Light Therapy
Laser acne treatments target a variety of factors that are the source of acne. Some treatments focus on altering oil glands (sebaceous) within the skin in an effort to lower their production of oil (which can lead to acne). Other treatments eliminate Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), a bacteria linked to acne. Laser acne treatments are safe and extremely effective. In addition to acne control, these therapies can also lessen the appearance of acne scars and improve the overall texture of the skin.
Several types of laser and light therapies exist:
- Blue-U light therapy. Blu-U is a unique treatment that involves the use of a high intensity, fluorescent blue light to the face. The fluorescent light technology kills the Propionibacterium (P. acnes), a bacteria that can worsen acne by causing additional inflammation and potentially allow acne to progress and spread.
- Pulsed light therapy. IPL treatments combine light and heat therapy to destroy P. acnes while also shrinking oil glands.
- Diode laser therapy. Diode lasers eliminate excess oil glands in the middle layer of the skin without causing harm to the outer dermis layer.
- Photodynamic therapy. A treatment that combines a topical medication (a photosensitizing agent) with blue, red, or pulsed light therapy.
- Photopneumatic therapy. This therapy uses vacuum suction to remove the oil and dead skin cells from within the sebaceous glands. The targeted area is then treated with blue and red light therapy to destroy P. acnes and reduce inflammation.
Steroid Injections
Steroid injections are effective for treating nodules and cysts, two types of acne lesions that are characterized by large and sometimes painful lumps that occur underneath the skin. Steroid injections typically resolve acne lesions within four days of treatment.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are formulas that are topically applied to the skin to initiate a controlled shedding of the top skin layer. Shedding results in the exposure of a new layer of skin along with the triggering of new skin growth. The peel can remove both blackheads and white heads, clearing a breakup.
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion utilizes crystals to exfoliate the skin, removing the top layers. In terms of acne control, microdermabrasion is a great treatment to systematically unclog the pores when performed routinely. Microdermabrasion can also be used in conjunction with other acne treatments to increase their effectiveness.
Interested in trying new acne treatments? Contact us today to learn more about advanced acne treatments and find out what’s right for you.
Lela Lankerani D.O. received her undergraduate degree in Biology at Washington University where she graduated cum laude. Dr. Lankerani has published articles in several scientific journals and has presented at national scholarly meetings including the American Academy of Dermatology and American Osteopathic Academy of Dermatology.
It’s amazing how many different treatment options are available for acne. I have several friends who had huge success with using laser and light therapy as treatment options. Thanks for sharing!
This was an incredible post, I was looking for help with my Acne and this had really good tips!
Some truly interesting info!