Acne Treatment Options
Management of Acute Acne
A combination of treatment strategies is
essential for fast results. Basically, the
treatment is directed towards the various
components of acne formation:
- Sebum production
- Clogging of pores with keratinocytes
- Bacterial infection
- Hormone imbalance (excess Androgen)
Creams
Skincare products can regulate sebum
production and produce mild exfoliation.
Astringent components reduce bacterial
overgrowth.
Chemical
Peels
The Easy Phytic Peel
is a good primer for Skin Tech's Purifying
Cream. It loosens the bonds making up the skin
barrier, allowing the deep penetration of a
reservoir of Purifying cream. Daily application
of the cream then maintains the results. This
peel is comfortable in application and does not
have any redness, flaking or skin peeling
associated with it. Treatment can be repeated
once a week to control severe acne.
The
Easy TCA Peel
is also excellent for the treatment of acne,
particularly when associated with
hyperpigmentation. This requires 4 treatments,
spaced a week apart. Sometimes there is
worsening of acne before improvement, as toxins
are drawn up towards the skin surface.
Glycolic Acid peels
are commonly used in the management of acne. By
stimulating skin exfoliation, it reduces
follicular plugging. Monthly maintenance is
needed.
The Miami Peel
contains salicylic acid which is particularly
good at dissolving keratin plugs. It also
reduces the inflammation associated with acne.
Prescription
Drugs
Tablets can be prescribed to
reduce the effects of male androgens that
stimulate sebaceous gland activity. Yasmin and
Aldactone both have anti-androgen effects.
Vitamin A derivatives,
either in cream or tablet form will modulate the
acne process. Differin is now known to be useful
in the prevention as well as treatment of acne.
Antibiotics, either
topical or oral, reduce the inflammatory
component of acne.
Management of Acne Scars
The aim of good acne
management is the avoidance of permanent acne
scars. These are the depressions in the skin
which will not level off with normal skin care.
They can take the form of shallow depressions or
deep ice picks.
The dark pigmentation
following acne will resolve with time. The
recovery will be faster with the regular use of
skin lightening creams and chemical peels.
Soft acne scars can appear less obvious after
treatment with microdermabrasion (about 25
weekly sessions are needed) and TCA peels. Deep
ice pick scars often require punch biopsy to
remove the tunnel of fibrosis. Subcision has
also been used to dissect the fibres that hold
the scarred skin down. Up till
recently, the gold standard for removal of acne
scars has been laser resurfacing. This process
removes the skin from the entire face and it
recovers without evidence of acne scars.
However, the recovery takes months and can be
associated with pigmentary changes.
Fractional lasers and
microneedle therapy are newer (minimal
downtime) options for acne scar reduction. A few
sessions are needed for either option. |
