Acne is a condition that more than half of the adult population has dealt with at some point. Some people are lucky enough to have one pimple every few months, whereas others live with this condition daily. The latter category does not usually go one day without at least one breakout affecting their skin, which can be annoying and induce feelings of embarrassment or cause men and women to feel self-conscious.
When the acne refuses to budge, it is time to get specialized treatment to have it addressed. This can be either a topical treatment or a deep-tissue laser option, depending on the severity of the condition. In this blog, you will learn more about acne and the best treatments we use at Refine, MD Northwest, to address acne.
Why Does Acne Happen?
Acne occurs because your pores are blocked by bacteria, dead skin cells, and dirt. The blockage leads to an inflammatory reaction, a localized infection that can worsen if left untreated. Depending on the type of dirt or cells blocked inside your pores, you can develop various types of acne, from whiteheads and blackheads to pustules and cystic acne.
Best Treatments to Address Acne
Acne can be brought under control with various treatments offered by Dr. Bryan McIntosh, including:
1. Facial Treatments
As counterproductive as it may seem, the skin needs to be well-nourished to ensure your acne breakouts are kept at bay. The drier the skin, the likelier it will be to start shedding and the dead cells will enter the pores. Once excess sebum covers the pores, you have the perfect recipe for an acne breakout. Treatments like HydraFacial® or DiamondGlow® exfoliate the dead and damaged tissue and nourish it with serums so excess sebum is no longer produced.
2. Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing
An excellent option for deep tissue treatment would be Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing. This procedure uses a fractionated CO2 laser to create tiny injuries in the skin, promoting the body’s natural healing process. This triggers a new production of collagen that smooths the skin texture and reduces your acne scars, as well as the size of the pores.
3. Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are also a great ally against acne, as the acidic formula of the treatment triggers the damaged layers to peel themselves. This exfoliation process helps unclog your pores, reducing the presence of whiteheads and blackheads. Peels based on salicylic acid also decrease sebum production while reducing inflammation, which is a common problem with acne.
4. SkinPen® Microneedling
If your acne breakouts led to the appearance of acne scars, SkinPen® microneedling can be an effective treatment to address them. By using very small needles to create microchannels in the skin, the procedure triggers a new production of collagen, which reduces the pits left behind by acne. The new collagen also diminishes the size of your pores, making it less likely for dead skin cells and dirt to become trapped inside.
5. Medical-Grade Skincare
Medical-grade skincare is likely one of the best options to prevent acne from appearing and keep a breakout under control. Unlike OTC skincare, medical-grade products are richer in active agents, treating the acne from the roots and neutralizing acne-causing bacteria. These topical treatments are often provided for patients whose acne breakouts are minimal yet insistent.
Acne Control by ZO® Skin Health is one of these products, with the formula highly recommended for those with oily skin. Containing 10 percent benzoyl peroxide, this treatment dries out the root cause of acne, clearing your skin in the long term. Rather than just managing the acne, it acts as a treatment and maintains the effect even after you stop using the cream.
Treat Your Acne at Refine, MD Northwest
Acne may be tricky to deal with, but it can be managed with the right treatment. Schedule an appointment for a consultation at Refine, MD Northwest, and we’ll find the best services for you!
For more information about the best acne treatments and products, contact Refine, MD Northwest at 425-654-2409. We can offer you all the guidance you need to ensure you receive the correct treatment. You can also fill out the online contact form, and we will get in touch with you shortly.