What Is The Best Way To Treat Acne?

What Is Acne?

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions affecting millions of people in North America alone. They often show up as a breakout of pimples on the face, but it can also occur on the chest, back, shoulders, and neck.

Acne occurs when your pores get clogged with oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells. Although acne tends to affect teenagers going through puberty, it is very common in adults as well. While a breakout on the chest or back can be easily covered with clothing, it can be more difficult to cover the texture of blemishes and pimples on the face. They can also be tender to the touch and even painful, depending on how severe the breakout is. Acne can sometimes make you feel self-conscious about your appearance and lower your confidence.

Luckily, there are treatments that can help clear up the breakouts and even prevent them from happening in the first place. While it may take some time and trial and error to figure out what works best or you and your skin, battling acne is a process that you are not alone in.

What Acne Treatment Options Do I Have?

While pimples usually go away and disappear with time, frequent breakouts due to a skin problem or hormonal imbalances will usually not resolve on its own. Improper treatment and care can also lead to acne scarring.

We recommend speaking to a dermatologist about your skin concerns so that they can gain a better understanding of what may be causing your breakouts. At Fairview Laser, you can book a free consultation with Dr. Padma Jain where she will make recommendations based on her expertise and experience to get you to achieve your desired results.

To start, topical treatments in the form of a soap, cream, gel, or lotion with active ingredients can be applied to the breakout area. This may help mild to moderate acne and many can be purchased over the counter and without a prescription.

Some ingredients to look out for are:

• • Benzoyl Peroxide is an active ingredient kills acne-causing bacteria and removed excess oil from the pores.
  • Salicylic Acid is a mild BHA exfoliant that removes dead skin cells and clears out clogged pores.
  • Sulfur works great as an exfoliant for the removal of dead skin cells.

Please keep in mind that the use of these ingredients can dry your skin out and also increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV light. When incorporating these active ingredients into your skin care regime, please ensure you use sunscreen on a daily basis to protect your skin.

For moderate to severe acne, a dermatologist may recommend:

• • Antibiotics to kill bacteria on the surface of your skin as well as within your pores.
  • Isotretinoin to help regulate the production of oil.
  • Birth Control for women who have acne breakouts as a result of hormonal imbalances

A combination of oral medication, as well as topical medication, may be required to completely eliminate your acne, although it varies from patient to patient and depends on the condition of your skin. Stick with the routine for the recommended period of time as it takes time for your skin to start responding.

Additional Acne Treatment Options

In addition to oral medication and topical medication such as creams, lotions, and gels. Laser light treatments and a handful of chemical peels can also be an incredibly effective way to treat blemishes. These treatments can be completed in the comfort and privacy of the Fairview Laser Clinic after a consultation with Dr. Padma Jain herself.

Laser Light Treatment Options

• Omnilux Blue and Red Light: In the treatment of mild to moderate acne, the combination of blue and red light treatment can be very effective. The blue light spectrum works to kill acne-causing bacteria while the red light assists in the reduction of inflammation associated with breakouts. This treatment is pain-free, non-invasive, and requires no downtime after your session. It is also suitable for patients of all ages, especially teenagers.
• ALA Photodynamic Therapy: This treatment involves the application of a photosensitizing agent before placing the patient under red and blue light for a short period of time. The light activates the agent and destroys bacteria in the pores while aso shrinking the glands that produce oil.

Chemical Peel Options

• • ,TCA Peel: This medium strength chemical peel can be applied to the areas affected by acne and has the ability to remove superficial blemishes, smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and correct discoloration and uneven pigmentation. This peel is safe for use on patients of all skin types and tones.

To find out which acne treatment would work best for you and your skin, book your free consultation with Dr. Padma Jain at Fairview Laser to get started on achieving your ultimate skin goals.