1- Retinoids, Gold standard treatment for acne!
Commonly used retinoid are as followed:
- Retin-A (Tretinoin)
- Tazorac (Tazarotene)
- Differin (Adapalene)
Retinoids are derivatives of Vitamin A that are made by the body as well as in the laboratory as a medication. Retinoids are the main key treatment for acne as well as therapy of various diseases such as psoriasis.
These agents normalize the shedding of the hair follicle lining and also have direct anti-inflammatory effects, thereby preventing the blockage of pores and decreasing the formation of comedones, unplugging existing comedones, and allowing other topical medicines (such as antibiotics) to enter the follicles.
2- Antibiotic treatment for acne (topical or oral)
The major effect of the use of antibiotics for acne is to control the infection caused mainly 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)
4- Chemical Peels
Acids used topically is one of the 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 as well as promote skin rejuvenation, including the correction of acne related skin discoloration and scars.
Acids commonly used to treat acne are:
- Salicylic acid peel to treat active acne
- Glycolic acid peel to treat 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: due to acne improves gradually
5- Azelaic acid (Azelex)
Azelaic acid is a unique compound. It occurs naturally in the skin and is well tolerated by most people, and 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.
6- 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 doctor 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.
Oral Steroid use:Oral use of steroids to control inflammation is rarely used just for a limited time.
7- 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 following these procedures. We offer a variety of masks that nourish your skin with vitamins, minerals and topical healing.
Contact Us!
If you are suffering from acne, feel free to call us to make an appointment to see Dr. Shafa. During your appointment, Dr. Shafa will evaluate your skin as well as overall health. After the type and cause of acne is diagnosed, Dr. Shafa will explain the variety of treatment options best suited to your needs and help select the best regimen for you and your skin. If you have questions prior to your visit, please do not hesitate to ask here.
