Acne Treatment

These are applied directly to the skin and are often the first line of treatment for mild to moderate acne.

• Topical Retinoids: Retinoids such as tretinoin (Retin-A), adapalene (Differin), and tazarotene help unclog pores and reduce inflammation. They are effective in preventing new breakouts and improving skin texture.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation, and helps prevent clogged pores. It can be found in cleansers, gels, and creams.
• Salicylic Acid: This ingredient helps exfoliate the skin, clearing pores of excess oil and dead skin cells. It is commonly found in toners, washes, and creams.
• Antibiotic Creams: Topical antibiotics such as clindamycin and erythromycin reduce bacteria on the skin and inflammation. These are typically used for moderate acne.
• Azelaic Acid: This naturally occurring acid helps reduce inflammation, kill bacteria, and promote cell turnover. It is often used for mild acne or in combination with other treatments.

Oral medications are typically used for more severe cases of acne or when topical treatments do not provide sufficient results.

• Oral Antibiotics: Medications like tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocycline reduce bacteria and inflammation in moderate to severe acne. They are typically prescribed for a short duration to avoid antibiotic resistance.
• Oral Contraceptives: For women, birth control pills containing estrogen and progestin can regulate hormones that contribute to acne. These are often prescribed when acne is related to hormonal fluctuations, such as during puberty or menstruation.
• Isotretinoin (Accutane): This is a powerful medication for severe acne that has not responded to other treatments. It works by reducing the size of oil glands, preventing clogged pores, and decreasing inflammation. Because of its potential side effects, it is typically prescribed as a last resort.

For persistent or severe acne, dermatologists may recommend in-office treatments.

• Chemical Peels: A chemical solution is applied to the skin to exfoliate the top layers, which helps clear pores and reduce acne. They can be particularly useful for acne scars and persistent breakouts.
• Drainage and Extraction: A dermatologist may perform drainage and extraction for cystic acne, removing large cysts or nodules to prevent scarring.
• Laser and Light Therapies: Laser treatments for acne have become an essential part of dermatologic care, offering a noninvasive solution to manage and treat acne. These lasers are used to treat active acne, and other lasers are used to treat acne scarring.
• Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) uses a concentrated light beam to target blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface. It is primarily used to treat inflammation and redness associated with acne, especially in conditions like rosacea or active acne lesions. By reducing blood flow to these areas, the laser decreases the severity of active acne lesions. The treatment is quick and generally pain-free, with minimal downtime.
• Blue Light Therapy targets the bacteria that thrive in clogged pores and contribute to acne. The laser emits blue light with a specific wavelength to penetrate the skin and destroy these bacteria. Blue light therapy treats mild to moderate acne, especially in patients with active breakouts and inflammatory lesions. The treatment can reduce the number of acne lesions and inflammation. Typically, this therapy is done in multiple sessions, each lasting about 15 to 30 minutes. It is noninvasive with no downtime.
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), while not technically a laser, is often used in acne treatments. It uses broad-spectrum light to target multiple skin issues simultaneously. Treatments target both acne bacteria and the blood vessels involved in acne inflammation. It also helps to reduce the size of sebaceous glands, which can contribute to excess oil production, leading to acne formation. IPL can reduce active acne lesions, decrease redness, and improve the skin’s appearance. It’s a great option for individuals with persistent acne and skin discoloration.
• The Diode laser is another treatment option for active acne. It is often used to target the sebaceous glands responsible for producing excess oil, a key factor in acne formation. Light energy destroys the glands, reducing the amount of oil produced and helping to prevent the clogging of pores. It can be effective for mild to moderate acne, especially oily skin. By reducing oil production, it helps prevent future breakouts.
• The KTP laser is a type of laser treatment that targets acne-causing bacteria and the blood vessels responsible for inflammation in active acne lesions. It uses a green wavelength of light that is absorbed by the skin’s red blood cells. It reduces inflammation and treats the underlying causes of acne, including excess oil and bacteria.

In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle changes can also support acne management.

• Diet: A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may help reduce inflammation and prevent breakouts. Limiting dairy and high-glycemic foods (such as sugary snacks and refined carbohydrates) may also benefit some individuals.
• Stress Management: High stress levels can worsen acne, so managing stress through exercise, meditation, and adequate sleep is crucial.
• Proper Skincare Routine: Using a gentle cleanser, avoiding excessive scrubbing, and moisturizing appropriately can prevent further irritation and acne flare-ups.