Acne affects up to 50 million Americans yearly, but the march of medical progress continues. Long-time acne sufferers know to check in occasionally for the latest developments, medical breakthroughs, and treatment options.
From topical solutions to advanced procedures, we’ll explore some of the latest acne treatments for addressing both flare-ups and scars.
News & Updates on The Latest Acne Treatments in Frisco, TX
At Rodgers Dermatology, we keep up-to-date with the latest acne treatments and treatments for acne scarring. If you’ve tried over-the-counter creams (OTC) or topical medications without results, now is the ideal time to find a newer, more effective treatment for your acne.
To schedule a consultation, call Rodgers Dermatology today at (972) 808-5196 or contact us online!
HydraFacial Treatment
HydraFacial treatments cleanse, extract, and infuse your skin. This type of treatment is good for reducing the overproduction of sebum (skin oil), which is one of the main causes of acne. This relaxing and refreshing facial treatment is known to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores, improve skin texture, eliminate sun damage, and more.
Topical Retinoids
Topical retinoids are a treatment option for those suffering mild acne symptoms. These topical solutions are derived from vitamin A and are often considered a cornerstone acne treatment. Topical retinoids come in several forms, including creams, lotions, foams, emulsions, or gels.
Topical retinoids work by keeping pores (hair follicles) unclogged, which also keeps them free of bacteria, oils, and toxins that fuel acne outbreaks. Topical retinoids also promote cellular turnover and reduce inflammation.
Topical retinoids work best when combined with other treatments or products that prevent sun damage or to keep the skin from drying out.
Isotretinoin (Accutane)
Isotretinoin is a very powerful treatment option for patients suffering from severe cystic acne that will not respond to other treatments.
This oral medication is a vitamin A derivative that can reduce activity in the sebaceous gland (the gland that makes sebum or “skin oil”) and accelerate skin cell turnover. Isotretinoin effectively shrinks the oil glands, reducing oil production and preventing clogged pores.
This medication is currently known by several brand names, Asorica®, Claravis®, Sotret®, Amnesteem®, Myorisan®, and Zenatane®, but many still refer to this medication by the brand name Accutane.
Oral and Topical Antibiotics
Antibiotics aren’t exactly the newest thing in acne treatment, but it is important to remember that they will likely be a part of many treatment plans for those with moderate to severe acne.
Antibiotics attack acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface, reduce inflammation, and prevent bacterial growth.
Antibiotics are often combined with other acne medications for a targeted approach. Usually, this type of treatment is used for short periods so that patients do not develop antibiotic resistance or other potential side effects.
Hormonal Therapies (Spironolactone)
Hormonal acne refers to breakouts that happen in adulthood and range from moderate to severe. This type of acne is most common in women and may be treated with hormonal therapies such as birth control pills or a diuretic medication known as spironolactone.
These medications regulate hormone levels and prevent breakouts associated with fluctuations in hormones. Spironolactone, for example, acts on androgens, which are hormones that contribute to hormonal acne. These hormones increase sebum production, which increases oils, toxins, and bacteria on the skin’s surface and in pores. By inhibiting androgen hormones, this treatment effectively reduces hormonal acne outbreaks.
Benzoyl Peroxide Gel
Benzoyl peroxide gel is ideal for mild to moderate acne and works by cleansing the skin of acne-causing bacteria. This gel is easy to use at home and comes in the form of a face wash or other methods of application. The treatment takes a few weeks to begin working, but after about four weeks, patients will see clearer skin and have fewer outbreaks.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is a topical medication that can treat acne along with discoloration from an outbreak (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or PIH). The solution is also antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, which helps soothe the skin and encourage faster healing for faster outbreaks, preventing scarring in the first place.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid reduces acne outbreaks by cleaning and exfoliating the skin. It works by opening pores and eliminating the dead skin cells, bacteria, oils, and toxins that have been trapped there by an overproduction of sebum–one of the primary drivers of acne. Over time, patients should see reduced flare-ups caused by infection.
The Latest Treatments for Acne Scars in Frisco, TX
Unfortunately, acne is a two-fold problem. First, there’s the painful and embarrassing outbreaks that occur at the drop of a hat. But after the outbreaks run their course, the scarring sets in.
At Rodgers Dermatology, we treat both aspects of acne. Here are just a few of the latest treatments for acne scars.
Microneedling – Acne Scar Treatment
Microneedling treatments use fine needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. Your body registers these punctures as “damage” and stimulates collagen production in response. Thankfully, your skin struggles to distinguish between new and old damage, so that supercharged collagen gets to work healing new and old wounds.
Collagen promotes tighter, smoother skin, softens the appearance of scars, and can even improve texture. As such, microneedling is effective for reducing the appearance of acne scars over time and promoting smoother, clearer skin.
Chemical Peels (Melanage Mini Peel)
Chemical peels treat acne by applying a safe, acid-based solution to the skin to exfoliate dead skin cells, unclog pores, and remove toxins. Chemical peels also promote collagen development for faster healing and improved skin texture with fewer blemishes.
This treatment can be customized based on your skin type and the severity of your acne for numerous benefits. Chemical peels may be superficial, medium, or deep, but new patients will typically begin with light or superficial peels first.
At Rodgers Dermatology, we offer the Melanage Mini Peel to address specific skin concerns that arise from acne. The Melanage Mini Peel typically takes a series of three to four sessions.
Patients who undergo this chemical peel treatment can see an improvement in multiple conditions, including:
- Melasma and hyperpigmentation
- Unusual skin texture
- Uneven skin tone
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne lesions and scarring
Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
Intense Pulsed Light therapy is a treatment that can correct a variety of benign skin conditions, including killing acne-causing bacteria and improving acne scarring. Intense bursts of skin-safe light harness heat to kill bacteria on the skin’s surface while promoting collagen production, which reduces the appearance of acne scars.
Find a Modern Acne Treatment For You in Frisco, TX
There are new advancements in skincare technology and dermatological research every day. Now more than ever, there are more options for treating acne. From topical solutions to advanced procedures, you can find a treatment that works best for you.
At Rodgers Dermatology, we customize acne treatments to fit your unique skin care needs. Our staff is friendly and welcoming, and we look forward to offering personalized skin care plans that can change the lives of our patients with stubborn acne.
Schedule your acne treatment consultation today! Request your appointment online or give us a call at 972-808-5196.
Personalized Skin Care at Rodger Dermatology in Frisco, TX
At Rodgers Dermatology we offer customized treatment options for a variety of skin concerns. For many people, the fight for clear skin can seem hopeless, but we are always researching new ways to win the battle against acne. Let us find the best path forward for you toward clearer skin and fewer acne scars. Schedule your appointment today.