4 Cosmetic Skin Services to Reduce Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that can plague people from adolescence all the way through adulthood. If you’re looking for a way to clear up your acne, these cosmetic treatments could help.

Intense Pulsed Light Therapy

Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy is a popular dermatology service that can help in the treatment of acne. If you’ve been seeking out a painless treatment that doesn’t require any acne medication, IPL may be a good choice for you. In this acne treatment, broad-spectrum light is used to help stimulate collagen production, shrink sebaceous glands, and even decrease the appearance of blood vessels under the skin. It should be noted that it takes multiple sessions to see optimal results from this treatment. In most cases, your dermatologist will recommend anywhere from three to six sessions spaced out over two to four weeks apart for your first round of treatment. Particularly severe cases of acne may require monthly treatments indefinitely to maintain optimal results.

Dermal Optical Thermolysis Therapy

Dermal optical thermolysis (DOT) therapy is another acne treatment that’s quite effective. As an added bonus, this form of acne treatment is commonly used to reduce the appearance of acne scars, which can take a toll on self-confidence. DOT therapy utilizes a fractional CO2 laser to create thousands of microscopic perforations in the skin in a “dot” pattern. The area around each “dot” is left intact, which makes for faster healing times. In addition, this treatment can help stimulate collagen production and shrink sebaceous glands. And if its results weren’t enough of a draw, this treatment can also be tailored to fit just about any acne treatment needs. If you don’t want a lot of downtime, a lower intensity can be used. More severe cases may require higher intensity treatments, though.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are useful for treating all kinds of skin conditions. From wrinkle reduction to reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dermatology services like this are a great way to perk up your skin in any situation. For acne, chemical peels are an effective option. One of the best things about a chemical peel is that your dermatologist can adjust the intensity of the peel to suit your skin needs. If your main concern is acne scarring, you may need a different type of chemical peel than someone who’s suffering from frequent acne flare-ups. In addition, there’s virtually no downtime after a chemical peel. So if you’re looking for an effective acne treatment that can also help brighten up your skin, a chemical peel might be the best option.

Microdermabrasion

While microdermabrasion is safe for just about everyone, it’s really only recommended for mild or recovering acne. Cystic or inflamed acne could be exacerbated with microdermabrasion, so be sure to speak with your dermatologist before undergoing this procedure. But if your acne is well-managed or fairly mild, microdermabrasion could be a good option for you.

At North Pacific Dermatology, we want to help you live your most confident, acne-free life. If you have questions about acne or want to find an effective cosmetic treatment, set up a consultation with our dermatology services team today. Together we can clear up your skin for good.