Acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Dermatology, with 40-50 million Americans suffering from this condition every year. Until fairly recently, the only way to treat acne was through topical and oral medications. However, today’s acne sufferer has many more options, with a myriad of cosmetic treatments that reduce breakouts and achieve a clearer complexion. At Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinics, we offer three effective acne treatments for our patients to choose from.
Blue Light Therapy
Blue light therapy is a skin treatment approved by the FDA for addressing acne vulgaris. Blue wavelengths of light destroy P. acnes, the bacteria that causes acne, without damaging surrounding skin and tissue. The procedure takes between 15-60 minutes to complete, depending on the size of the treatment area. No anesthesia is required for this treatment and most patients experience little or no discomfort during the procedure. We typically recommend treatment two times per week for five weeks to achieve the best possible results.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic therapy uses a topical medication that is activated by certain types of light to treat cystic acne. Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne, characterized by painful red breakouts that originate deep beneath the skin’s surface. This type of acne is frequently responsible for residual acne scarring. The procedure begins with the application of a topical medication called Levulan, which is left on for a prescribed period of time before the light therapy is used to activate the medication. Photodynamic therapy is a non-invasive procedure, but does require two days of sun avoidance after treatment. Peeling may continue to up to four days, as treated skin cells flake away, leaving smoother, clearer skin underneath.
VI Peel
The VI Peel offers the next generation of chemical peel treatments, achieving dramatic results without discomfort or downtime. This peel’s formulation contains active ingredients that fight acne at its source in a single treatment. The peel also serves to brighten and refresh the complexion for an enhanced appearance overall. The VI Peel is suitable for all skin types and is also highly effective in reducing the appearance of melisma, brown pigmentation on the skin. In addition to treating the face, a VI Peel can effectively treat other areas like the chest and hands. A typical treatment package consists of three treatment sessions, spaced approximately one month apart.
Acne is a painful and embarrassing condition, striking men and women of all ages. At Dermacare, we understand the challenges people struggling with this condition face, which is why we offer a variety of safe, effective treatments to address the symptoms and produce a clearer complexion. To learn more about our acne treatments, contact one of Dermacare’s offices: Rancho Bernardo at 858-943-2443; or Carlsbad at 760-472-5088.