Acne Treatment

THE RENU ACNE CONSULT

Contrary to what your mother may have told you, it’s not what you’re eating that causes acne. Acne has a strong genetic component, exacerbated by hormonal changes (most women already know this!); stress associated with school, jobs and starting families, and sometimes-poor skin care habits. Acne breakouts can happen at any age. There are different types of acne lesions as well as grades of acne severity. Treatment is based upon these possible combinations

Types of acneiform lesions

• Open Comedone (aka the blackhead)
• Inflamed Papule
• Pustule (aka closed comedone)
• Painful Nodular Cysts

We perform acne grading to help track improvement (or lack thereof) to therapy. Grade 1 is the mildest, with very few lesions. This continues up through grade 4, acne that has the most significant surface coverage. When a patient presents in our office, we evaluate the overall severity of the acne (the grade) and the types of lesions presents. Treatments may include a series of micropeels, topical medications, oral medications, laser treatments, and skin care products.

RENU ACNE PEEL

The acne peel is designed to eliminate moderate to severe acne by exfoliating the build up of dead skin cells, diminishing bacteria levels, and balancing the complexion. The treatment starts with a microdermabrasion and extractions if needed, finally a salicylic chemical peel is applied. Salicylic acid helps correct the abnormal desquamation process that occurs in acne-prone skin. It works as an exfoliant, promoting the sloughing away of dead skin cells. Salicylic acid is especially helpful in treating acne because of its ability to penetrate the follicle. It encourages the shedding of dead skin cells from within the follicle, helping keep the pores clear of cellular debris. In this way, it reduces the number of pore blockage and breakouts on the skin. Treatments are recommended 1 to 2 times a month depending on severity of condition. Skin care products are prescribed after initial skin analysis.

MEDICATION

Used to kill the bacteria P. acnes that causes acne flares as well as anti-inflammatory agents, reducing the size of acne lesions and helping prevent outbreaks altogether. Spironolactone works for those women with hormonal influences causing acne. BCPs again work at the hormonal level.

• Tetracycline
• Minocycline
• Doxycycline
• Erythromycin
• Bactrim (Sulfa)
• Birth Control Pills (Ortho Tricyclen)
• Spironolactone

Topical Vitamin A Derivatives

Used to remove blackheads, dry up excess oil and smooth out bumpy acne.

• Tretinoins (Retin A, A vita)
• Tazarotene (Tazorac)
• Adapalene (Differin

Topical Antibiotics

Used to kill of the bacteria responsible for flaring acne outbreaks.

• Erythromycin (Erycette, Emgel)
• Clindamycin (Cleocin T)
• Azelex
• Azelex Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO)
• Benzamycin (a combination of BPO and Erythromycin)

Skin care for those who are acne prone can be enhanced by the use of high potency Medical Grade Glycolic and Salicylic acids.  During your consultation, we will advise you of the best products to treat your skin condition.

Pixel Laser Resurfacing

This treatment utilizes small laser microchannels into the dermis to stimulate collagen.  A series of pixel treatments reduce acne scaring, improving the texture and tone of your skin.  This laser treatment is safe for all skin type.

A few tips when treating acne.

• Blackheads often require some form of prescription topical vitamin A product for eradication.
• Cysts respond best to pill therapy.
• A corollary: If you’re under 13, nursing or pregnant, tetracycline based medications are off limits as they can permanently discolor tooth enamel. If you really need oral medication, usually it’s limited to Erythromycin.
• Consistency of treatment is your best asset when trying to get results. Don’t pick, it can lead to scar formation.
• Allow at least 6-8 weeks for every new therapy to kick in before giving up on it.
• Don’t scrub your face if you’re acne prone. This simply traumatizes the glands and leads to further flare-ups.
• Keep your bangs off your forehead and your hands off your face. This deposits excess oils that can further clog pores.
• Avoid the use of heavy skin care products like cocoa butter, they will smother the skin and flare your acne.
• Don’t apply your acne creams/lotions, etc. heavily like a masque (unless it is intended to be a masque).

There is no reason that your cream needs to be seen in order to work. Remove your make-up when you’re at home. Let your skin breathe! Change your pillow case every other nite and turn your pillow nightly.