Acne
Acne affects nearly everyone at some point during their lifetime. While acne usually dissipates by the time most of us reach our thirties, some people experience adult acne much later in life. Hormones definitely play a role in developing acne, and many women notice changes in their skin during pregnancy, post-partum and when approaching menopause.
The average acne treatment usually takes up to 6 to 8 weeks to see results. It’s important to remember to continue your treatment once your acne improves. Contact your health care provider if your skin is not responding to the prescribed treatment.
Treatment Options
Skin care products: There are several medical-grade skin care products that work well for acne. During your complimentary consultation, your provider will review your history and determine which product will be best for your skin.
Topical prescriptions: Medications such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid have been used for many years to treat acne. Topical antibiotics and Retin-A are also effective treatments. There are both over-the-counter and prescription-strength topical medications available. Your provider will help find the right combination for you.
Oral antibiotics: If your acne is not responding to topical treatments, oral antibiotics may be added. These antibiotics are generally reserved for inflammatory or cystic acne. Your provider will review your options with you to find a safe and effective treatment.
Chemical peels: Chemical peels use such ingredients as glycolic acid or alpha-hydroxy acid to improve the skin’s tone and texture, improve acne and lighten age spots and melasma. Chemical peels stimulate new cell growth while naturally sloughing off dead cells.
Microdermabrasion: Microdermabrasion is a non-chemical skin exfoliation that uses a diamond-tip wand to gently exfoliate the skin and suction to remove the dead skin cells. It can give your skin a healthy glow, especially in preparation for a special event.
