Topical Treatment for Acne

1- Retinoids

This class of topical products are the “first line” and “the gold standard” treatment for acne. It is a topical Vitamin A that helps to control active acne, treat acne scars, and prevent and correct skin aging, among many other benefits and usage in medicine.

Click here to read more about Retinoids

2- Antibiotic treatment for acne (topical or oral)

The major use of antibiotics for acne is to control the infection caused by a bacteria called P. acne. Commonly used antibiotics for acne are as follows:

  • Tetracycline, Doxycycline, Minocycline
  • Clindamycin, Erythromycin, Azithromycin
  • Sodium sulfacetamide
  • Ampicillin, Keflex
  • Dapsone (Aczone)

3- Chemical Peels

Topical acids can be effective treatment options for acne if it is done right. Acne-specific chemical peels, such as salicylic acid, at different strengths, are a type of acne treatment that we offer at our office. This can help control active acne and promote skin rejuvenation, including the correction of acne-related skin discoloration and scars.

Acids commonly used to treat acne are:

  • Salicylic acid peel for active acne
  • Glycolic acid peel for active acne and scarring
  • TCA (trichloroacetic acid) cross to correct acne scar

Acids have the following properties:

  • Anti-Keratinization

    unclogs pores and decreases the abnormal shedding of the skin cells, improving non-inflammatory acne in the process.

  • Antibacterial

    reduces the population of P. acne bacteria without inducing resistance to this bacteria.

  • Anti-inflammatory

    improves inflammatory type acne.

  • Discoloration

    gradually improves discoloration due to acne.

4- Azelaic acid (Azelex)

Azelaic acid is a unique compound. It occurs naturally in the skin and is well tolerated by most people, and it can be safely used for years at a time. It does not cause sun sensitivity or significant local irritation. However, dryness or lightening of the skin where it is applied is possible. It can easily be combined with other acne products such as Benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics, and/or tretinoin.

5- Steroids for acne

Steroids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents used to control inflammation of severe cystic or nodular acne. Improper use of steroids might outweigh the benefit – therefore, any type of steroid must be used only under a doctor’s supervision.

  • Topical use

    It can be administered topically to control acne-related swelling, redness, and pain related to inflammation.

  • Steroid injection

    Frequently, steroids are injected in stubborn, persistent cystic acne lesions. This is one of the unique options for persistent cystic acne.

  • Oral Steroid use

    Oral steroids are rarely used to control inflammation, but they are only used for a limited time.

6- Acne Soothing Masks

Some of the masks we use are specially made for acne. They kill bacteria, decrease the oiliness of the skin, and have a soothing effect by controlling skin inflammation (swelling, redness, and associated pain). Masks may be applied after extractions or microdermabrasions to facilitate the healing process after these procedures. We offer a variety of masks that nourish your skin with vitamins, minerals, and topical healing.

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