Adult acne can be an annoyance and embarrassing. Acne comes in many forms and is often not easy to get rid of. Adults may have the added problem of scarring from previous acne. There are many simple ways to treat acne and remove scarring left by acne. Treatment can be proactive or preventative. It does not have to be uncomfortable and does not have to have unnecessary side effects. If treatment of acne does not work with at home remedies or through medication, it can be treated by highly skilled estheticians like those at Skin Perfect Medical, Anaheim who use cutting edge technology to prevent and treat acne and scarring in a relaxed atmosphere.
Acne can affect anyone young or older. It may be caused by heredity, hormones or makeup but it is caused by hair follicles on the face, back or chest that become blocked by natural oils called sebum. Bacteria can build up and create pimples in a variety of forms. Topical and oral medications are often used to reduce oil prevention, fight bacteria and reduce inflammation. These can have side effects including drying skin.
Acne can include non-inflammatory or inflammatory breakouts. Non-inflammatory acne includes whiteheads and blackheads. These often spontaneously unplug and heal. Inflammatory acne includes papules, pustules, nodules and cysts when the follicle wall ruptures and causes inflammation. Papules are small, pink and tender. Pustules are red at the bottom with pus on top. Nodules are large, solid and painful with pus on top. Cysts are deep, painful and pus-filled. Cysts are most likely to leave scars.
- Light therapy
LED (light emitting diode) or PDT (photodynamic) therapy is an effective way to treat mild to moderate acne. Blue Light therapy uses light that develops oxygen radicals that kill P. acne bacteria without damage to healthy skin. There is little chance of side effects with this treatment and works well for those who may have side effects such as drying or peeling with topical or oral benzoyl peroxide.
- Facial cleansing
Working deeper and more powerfully than at-home facial cleansers, special facial cleansing treatment gently extracts blackheads, whiteheads and other non-cystic acne. It has fast results and reduces scarring. Done regularly, it can reduce the chances of further acne breakouts.
- Pulsed light and heat
Pulse light and heat treatment reduces the oil production in the skin that causes acne and kills harmful P. acne bacteria. It also improves the growth of healthy skin. In the procedure, a pulsed light is used, then heat. It is a bit more expensive than light therapy or facial cleansing treatments but it works well to combat and prevent acne and scarring.
- Acne cyst injections
Acne cyst or Kenalog injection are a one time treatment of acne that appear as cyst. Cystic acne is caused by deep swelling and can rupture leaving a scar. Draining the deep cyst will remove it and prevent it from leaving a scar.
- Chemical peels
The most effective treatment of acne scarring is a chemical peel. Glycerol acid is used to remove the top layer of skin and enhance the growth of new healthier skin. Chemical peels will take a few days for the skin to heal, but they are very effective against acne scarring.
Without treatment, acne can lead to dark spots and scarring. Acne is uncomfortable and embarrassing for adolescents and more so for adults. Damage from scarring can be permanent and even more embarrassing. Many people can reduce or limit acne with special cleansers or topical treatments at home. Some benefit from prescribed oral medication although side effects of dryness and peeling are common. For any acne that is problematic there are alternative treatments that are gentle and healthy for the skin. Skin Perfect Medical, Anaheim has qualified medical anesthetists using up to date technology to treat and prevent all types of acne and scarring. In a comfortable, relaxed setting, you can enjoy a pain free experience while clearing and protecting your complexion.