It's a well-known fact that our skin is pretty fragile. As the largest organ in the human body, its constant exposure to the elements makes it particularly tricky to care for. The skin also experiences problems that can cause significant damage if not addressed immediately. One perfect example of this is acne.
Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the sebaceous glands. It’s characterised by red bumps and often painful and itchy whiteheads. These lumps can quickly develop into scars and can be unsightly. The causes of acne are a combination of skin and genetic factors, but that doesn't make them any less annoying. The good news is that different acne treatments work for anyone and can be done at home or in a clinic. These include:
Skincare Products
First and foremost, you must use good skin care products, particularly for people with oily skin, as it can make matters worse by creating a breeding ground for bacteria and acne. When shopping for acne products, look for those that have salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide, as these are proven to be effective in the fight against acne.
Salicylic acid is a mild acid that helps to get rid of dead skin cells. At the same time, benzoyl peroxide is a prescription-strength acne medication that helps to prevent acne by killing bacteria. Applying these products with a cotton pad or a cotton ball will help you to get rid of the dead skin cells and clean up excess oil that can be a breeding ground for bacteria and acne.
Aesthetic Treatments
In the case of more severe acne, it may be necessary to consider aesthetic treatments such as laser treatments, chemical peels and dermabrasion. Lasers can be used to treat acne by destroying the bacteria while also helping to reduce inflammation.
Chemical peels work by stripping off the top layer of skin to reveal fresher, healthier skin that is less likely to develop acne. Dermabrasion helps to smooth and soften the skin by removing the outer layers. This can help to even out the skin tone, making it an ideal treatment for acne scars.
Prescription Medications
In the case of severe acne, or if the above treatments haven't worked, it may be necessary to see the doctor and get a prescription for acne medications. One commonly prescribed drug for acne is isotretinoin.
This drug is a combination of vitamin A and retinoic acid, and it is taken by mouth. It helps prevent the formation of acne by reducing inflammation and preventing oil production. It effectively treats severe acne and can also reduce acne scars. It is only used in extreme cases with side effects, making it necessary only to take it under the supervision of a medical professional.
Energy-Based Treatments
Often, acne is particularly stubborn, which is when energy-based treatments can come in handy. One good example of this is treatments that use infrared light and radio frequency to reduce the severity of acne. Outstanding results have been seen after a few treatments, and the treatments are only about 15 minutes long.
The procedure works by targeting the sebaceous glands and killing bacteria. It also reduces inflammation and smoothes the skin's surface to make it look healthy and clear. The radio frequency helps to promote collagen growth, which can help to improve acne scars. It is painless and has no downtime effects, as the skin can be cleaned after treatment.
Choosing the Right Acne Treatments
You must choose the proper acne treatment as some will work well for some people but not others. It's best to consult a clinitian about acne treatment options and to find out what is best for you.
Conclusion
Acne is a condition that can be managed, even if the cause is unknown. The right approach will depend on the severity of the acne and which treatments can work, so you must discuss this with a clinician. All that matters is taking care of acne correctly to ensure it doesn't happen again.
Advanced Laser Clinic provides top-quality services for acne treatment. We have different treatment options for various skin concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, hair removal, and enlarged pores, all for fair prices. Call 03 8360 9495 today for a consultation!