Acne Treatment Options

Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This can lead to various forms of acne, including blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts, and nodules. Hormonal changes, genetics, diet, and stress can contribute to acne development. There are different types of acne, each requiring a specific approach to treatment:

• Comedonal Acne: Characterized by blackheads and whiteheads, comedonal acne is usually the result of clogged pores.
• Inflammatory Acne: This type includes red pimples caused by bacteria and inflammation.
• Nodulocystic Acne: Cystic acne is a severe form of acne that involves deep, painful nodules and cysts beneath the skin’s surface.
• Hormonal Acne: While all acne has a hormonal component, some patients experience a more consistent hormonal pattern of flares along the jawline and chin.

At Vue Dermatology & Laser, we understand that acne can significantly impact your self-esteem and quality of life. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of treatment options to address every type of acne, from mild to severe.

Our approach to acne treatment begins with thoroughly evaluating your skin, the type of acne, its severity, and current and past treatment successes and failures. Based on this assessment, we will create a personalized treatment plan to achieve optimal results.

Topical treatments are often the first line of defense against acne. These medications are applied directly to the skin and treat mild to moderate acne. Common topical treatments include:

• Retinoids: Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, help to unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and prevent new acne from forming. They are particularly effective for comedonal acne.
• Benzoyl Peroxide: Benzoyl peroxide kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation. It is often used in combination with other treatments.
• Salicylic Acid: Salicylic acid helps to exfoliate the skin and clear blocked pores, making it a common ingredient in over-the-counter acne treatments.
• Antibiotics: Topical antibiotics can reduce inflammation and bacterial growth on the skin, helping to treat inflammatory acne.

For more significant or persistent cases of acne, oral medications may be prescribed.

• Oral Antibiotics: Oral antibiotics reduce the bacteria contributing to acne and decrease inflammation. They are typically used for moderate to severe acne.
• Hormonal Treatments: For women, oral contraceptives or anti-androgen medications (spironolactone) can help regulate hormone levels and reduce breakouts.
• Isotretinoin (Accutane): Isotretinoin is a powerful medication for severe cystic acne that hasn’t responded to other treatments. It works by reducing the size of the oil glands, decreasing oil production, and preventing clogged pores.

In addition to topical and oral treatments, Vue Dermatology & Laser offers advanced in-office procedures to target acne more effectively:

• Chemical Peels: Chemical peels involve applying a solution to the skin that exfoliates the top layer, promoting cell turnover and unclogging pores. This treatment is beneficial for both active acne and post-acne blemishes.
• Laser and Light Therapy: Laser and light therapies can target the bacteria that cause acne, reduce inflammation, and stimulate collagen production to improve the skin’s appearance. Treatments like red light therapy are common options.
• Corticosteroid Injections: For large, painful acne nodules and cysts, corticosteroid injections can relieve inflammation and shrink the cyst.