Acne is a skin condition that is so common, many of us may have experienced it at some stage in our lives, although its severity and longevity can vary widely.
While it’s a common condition, the effects of acne can be damaging and long-lasting, both physically and mentally. Scaring from acne can last a lifetime, and can adversely impact a person’s self-esteem, confidence, and happiness.
The good news is that there are a range of treatments for acne that can reduce the number and severity of breakouts and reduce or eliminate scarring.
Treating acne early when it first starts and using medical-grade, scientifically proven treatments supplied by a qualified skin doctor or a doctor-led skin clinic are essential to maximise outcomes and minimise scarring.
What is acne?
Acne normally takes the form of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and in severe cases, painful cysts, which generally occur on the face, neck, chest and back.
Acne vulgaris normally affects teenagers and tends to clear up after a few years, while hormonal acne is the form of acne that occurs during adulthood.
What are the best treatments for acne?
While it’s a common skin condition, there are thankfully a range of treatments for acne that can reduce breakouts and scarring.
Here are some treatments for acne that we recommend:
Medical-grade facials and peels
Normally, facials and peels available at beauty salons are not strong enough to significantly treat acne, and medical-grade treatments for acne from a doctor’s clinic are advised.
During a treatment, a safe chemical solution is applied and deeply exfoliates the skin, removing the build-up of dry, oily, and dead skin cells that can cause or worsen acne breakouts.
Chemical peels are also effective treatments for acne as they reduce the appearance of acne scars.
A salicylic acid peel, sometimes referred to as a ‘pimple peel’, helps to calm inflamed skin while gently exfoliating blocked pores and reducing oil production, all while helping to kill the bacteria.
A glycolic peel is another popular treatment for acne. It evens out your complexion, smooths skin texture and brightens the look of your skin. It is also a great collagen-boosting treatment that can target superficial scarring caused by acne.
Best results are achieved by creating a bespoke skin treatment plan to target your individual needs. This requires skill and experience. At Bass Coast Skin Doctors, our skin doctors and nurses are highly experienced and qualified in administering acne treatments.
Intense pulsed light (IPL)
Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy uses light energy to target and remove skin cells affected by acne, inflamed and hyperpigmented skin, as well as reduce overproduction of oil from sebaceous glands.
IPL will also kill the bacteria Cutibacterium, which causes acne. IPL is a very safe and proven technology in treating acne.
During the treatment, a qualified nurse or skin doctor uses a handheld device to send multiple wavelengths of light into the skin. The light selectively targets affected cells in the skin, which causes a reduction in blood vessels, resulting in less redness and less stimulation of oil glands.
Additionally, IPL can stimulate a small amount of collagen through bulk heating of the skin resulting in some improvements in scarring.
LED
LED, or light emitting diode therapy, is a skincare treatment that uses different wavelengths of light, including red and blue.
The blue light has an antimicrobial effect, making it effective at killing several types of bacteria that can collect in your pores and oil glands and cause breakouts.
The red light helps promote healing, reduces inflammation and controls overproduction of oil. Additionally, LED reduces pore size and can aid in scar reduction resulting in smoother, less red skin.
Prescription medications
Medications prescribed by a doctor are very effective in controlling the frequency and severity of acne breakouts, prevent scarring, and make existing acne scarring less visible.
Prescription acne medications significantly reduce oil production and inflammation, treat bacterial infection and remove dead skin cells that block oil ducts. The prescription medication prescribed will depend on a number of factors including your age, and the type and severity of your acne.
Retinoids are often used as a treatment for acne, as are antibiotics, which work by killing excess skin bacteria and reducing redness and inflammation. Azelaic acid, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), and tetracycline antibiotics such as doxycycline or minocycline are also common prescription medication treatments for acne.
Unlike at a regular beauty salon, Bass Coast Skin Doctors has qualified skin doctors who can provide prescription medications to ensure you get a holistic approach to treating acne. It’s our point of difference and it’s why our doctor-led skin clinic offers you a safer, superior service.
Medical-grade skincare
The skincare treatments that will most effectively treat acne are medical grade, their active ingredient being topical retinoids.
Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and they work by increasing collagen and skin cell turnover, as well as through their anti-oil production properties.
There are also powerful serums and creams available to treat acne, so speak to your skin doctor about options for medical-grade skincare.
Subcision
Subcision is an extremely effective method for breaking down scar tissue under the skin using a blunt needle called a cannula. It is particularly useful in treating depressed acne scars.
This procedure can only be performed by skin doctors and requires the injection of strong local anaesthetic. One to three sessions every one to two months are typically required for optimal results.
Microneedling
Microneedling is a cosmetic treatment that involves pricking the skin with tiny, sterilised needles and it can be an effective treatment for acne.
Microneedling is a popular choice due to it being a safe and effective procedure with minimal downtime. We use medical-grade topical anaesthetic, meaning we can go deeper which results in more effective treatment and without pain. Typically, four treatments performed monthly are required.
Microneedling works by stimulating your skin’s normal healing response to produce more collagen and elastin, and is used to reduce the visible signs of acne scarring.
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers are an effective treatment for acne scars and the results are often immediate.
During a treatment, dermal fillers are injected into the affected area, lifting depressions in the skin and flattening and evening skin tone.
Book your skin consultation today
If you’re serious about treating your acne and reducing acne scarring, you need a treatment for acne that only a skin doctor can deliver.
Our doctor-led skin clinic has practitioners that are extensively trained and experienced in treatments for acne.
Get in touch to discuss how we can treat your acne concerns. Call (03) 5618 7007 or book an appointment online.