June is acne awareness month – the perfect time for you to learn more about this condition. Acne affects more than 50 million people in the USA, and it can leave a great psychological impact on those who deal with it. The condition prevents you from enjoying smooth skin; not to mention that some types of acne can also be downright painful. Acne can also have a (sometimes negative) effect on your self-esteem.

The more you know about this issue and how it affects you, the easier it should be to bring it under control. Some types of acne can be dealt with using surface treatments, whereas others may require an internal approach. In this blog, you will learn more about acne and the best ways to treat it.   

How Does Acne Happen?

Acne is a condition that can happen to individuals of all ages, whether they are teenagers or adults. If their hair follicles and pores become clogged with dead skin cells, bacteria, and sebum, this can lead to inflammation and the well-known zit. Depending on how deep the pore goes and what exactly gets trapped within it, the acne can take various forms: 

• Inflammatory Acne: Skin pustules and papules that are swollen and red
• Comedonal Acne: Mainly whiteheads and blackheads, without inflammation
• Cystic Acne: Puss-filled, painful cysts that are right underneath the skin
• Nodular Acne: Harder lumps that are painful and severe, usually found in deeper skin layers

Sometimes, acne goes away on its own. However, hormonal changes can increase sebum production, making it more likely for your skin to break out. Pores also get larger during summer, which can increase the chances of acne.

Acne Treatments to Consider

Usually, the best way to treat acne is to go straight to the source: the over-productive sebaceous glands. By reducing sebum production, the risk of dirt and bacteria that become trapped in the pores is much lower. Some treatments even help kill acne-causing bacteria, diminishing an active breakout. The following procedures are typically recommended to treat this condition:

• AviClear™

When acne breakouts continuously compromise the quality of your skin, a good way to restore its health is to use AviClear™. Specifically oriented toward patients with acne, the procedure uses a 1726 nm wavelength laser to treat the acne from the source. Once the laser has penetrated the glands, it not only suppresses their oil production but also kills existing bacteria. The procedure features the AviCool™ technology, which cools the skin, offering a comfortable experience.

• CUTERA® Laser

While CUTERA® is frequently used to reduce signs of aging and treat redness, these qualities also make it perfect as an acne treatment. CUTERA® promotes collagen production and starts a new healing process as the laser shrinks the pore glands. The warmth of the laser also kills existing bacteria, which reduces current acne breakouts. The skin resurfacing process triggered by CUTERA® also helps shed the top skin layer, reducing the intensity of your acne scars. 

• Medical-Grade Skincare 

The skincare you use plays a great part in whether or not your acne-treating efforts are successful. Bear in mind that if you have acne, a customized treatment like Dr. Ostad’s Acne Regimen Set is more effective for long-term results. This type of medical-grade skincare has a higher concentration of active agents, and the ingredients also aim to reduce sebum production specifically.

• Accutane

Accutane, commonly known under the generic name of isotretinoin, is an internal acne treatment that helps control severe acne. Derivative of vitamin A, Accutane reduces sebum production, preventing the pores from clogging. Its anti-inflammatory effects also decrease swelling and redness associated with acne, improving overall skin texture. As your damaged skin cells shed naturally, Accutane can reduce numerous acne-related lesions. 

Get Your Acne Treatment from Dr. Ariel Ostad!

Acne is a stubborn condition, especially for those predisposed to it. That said, it does not mean it is unmanageable. With the right treatment and skincare routine, keeping acne at a distance should be easier, regardless of the type you are dealing with. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ariel Ostad so that you can find the right acne treatment for you!

For more information about how to deal with acne, you can contact Dr. Ariel Ostad at 212-517-7900. We can offer all the details you need to develop a customized treatment. As an alternative, you can use our online contact form, and we will get in touch shortly with an appointment.