Best Treatments to Reduce Acne
Many acne treatments are available to help reduce the appearance of breakouts, but the best one for you depends on many factors, including cost, skin type, and severity of your condition. Today, there are innovative treatments beyond antibiotics and creams that can treat acne at the source for long-lasting results.
Acne is often seen as a simple skin problem that can be treated with antibiotics, but that is not always the case. Acne is a complex condition that involves a complicated interaction of hormones, skin cells, and bacterial and fungal infections. In some cases, the best treatment for acne is a combination of treatments.
Topicals
Acne treatments come in many forms, including topicals like creams, gels, and lotions. Topical treatments can be applied directly to the skin at specified times of the day. These treatments feature ingredients that reduce oil production in the sebaceous gland, which is what causes acne.
When choosing a treatment, it is important to understand the active ingredients and discuss them with your physician. The most common types of topical acne treatments include:
- Retinoids: These topicals help unclog pores and reduce scarring. They can also increase the healing process and reduce redness. Strong retinoids can cause dry skin and sun sensitivity.
- Antibiotics: These topicals target excess bacteria on the skin to reduce redness and pimple formation. They are often used as a combination treatment.
- Anti-inflammatory agents: These topicals can effectively clear acne-causing bacteria and reduce the inflammation and redness on the skin.
Spring Street Dermatology works closely with patients to learn their acne history and identify the type of acne so that an effective treatment plan can be implemented. Our skilled dermatologists can determine the best topicals and combinations to treat your specific acne.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is an effective acne solution for patients unsatisfied with other treatment methods such as topicals and oral medications. This non-invasive procedure requires multiple treatment sessions spaced several weeks apart and works best for moderate to severe acne such as cysts and red bumps.
Photodynamic therapy uses light-sensitive chemicals called photosensitizers to help destroy acne-producing bacteria on the skin and in the follicles. It can be used on the face, stomach, chest, back, arms, legs, underarms, bikini area, or other specific areas of the body where acne occurs most often. Before the procedure, a lotion is applied to the treatment area, which makes clogged pores and oil glands sensitive to the light treatment. After the skin completely absorbs the cream, a laser is used to kill bacteria and reduce breakouts.
PDT can be combined with other treatments like chemical peels and oral medications. Some patients see results after one session; others require multiple treatments to maintain a clear complexion.
While PDT is a safe and effective treatment option for acne, other powerful lasers can clear and rejuvenate the skin. Lase MD is a fractional laser that can treat acne, scarring, and uneven skin tone. The customizable resurfacing laser is ideal for all skin types and skin tones. It creates microscopic wounds to the skin that stimulates collagen production and healthy skin cell growth for smoother, brighter, and clearer skin.
AviClear
AviClear is the first and only device FDA-approved to reduce mild to severe acne breakouts without topical ointments or oral medications. A breakthrough device, AviClear targets acne at the source by selectively treating specific sebaceous glands.
Schedule Your Acne Treatment in New York City Today
Spring Street Dermatology offers a state-of-the-art facility with personalized skin care services to help patients achieve smooth, clear, and healthy skin. As a premier Manhattan dermatology practice with two convenient locations in Soho, NYC and Uptown, NYC, Spring Street Dermatology’s board-certified physicians strive to build connections and pinpoint the most effective treatments for each patient. Acne can be a challenging and deeply painful skin condition that our highly trained physicians target head-on for fast and effective results.
Don’t delay acne treatment; Spring Street Dermatology can help. Our proven methods have helped hundreds of patients achieve beautiful clear skin with the most effective acne treatments available. Contact us to schedule a consultation in Soho or Uptown and learn more about our acne treatments.
