III. Acne Laser Treatment:

By far, the best acne treatment is still LASER!  Check out the new FDA approved laser treatment for acne.  In 2002, we were the 1st plastic surgeon in the Chicagoland area to offer this. 

Without using prescription medication, the best acne treatment is to use Liquid Oxygen Acne Cleanser (with benzoyl peroxide) or Liquid Oxygen Acne Wash (with salicylic acid).  Some people are allergic to benzoyl peroxide.

Dirt does not cause acne. You need to wash your face twice a day with a mild non-soap cleanser. Do not pick or squeeze your pimples, as it can leave scars. Acne surgery can be done using sterile instruments to remove blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples.

There is no medical cure for acne. The condition can be controlled with acne treatment, but not cured. Many people do outgrow acne.

Sunlight may help some acne patients, but is not recommended. Sunlight causes aging, wrinkling of the skin, and skin cancer.

If cosmetics are used, they should be oil-free (the kind that separates into two layers). Cosmetics labeled water-based may still contain oil.  If a moisturizer is used, it should be labeled non-comedogenic which means does not cause pimples.

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to put on the skin, or to take by mouth. Retin-A can also be used on the skin. An effective acne regimen is to combine Retin-A with glycolic acid peels every few weeks. This involves coming to the office every two weeks to have a weak acid applied to the face. The acid removes the surface material from the skin that causes pimples to form. The face is left red and irritated for a few days. Once your acne is under control, the glycolic acid peels only need to be done every three months or so. When you come in for a light peel, the esthetician can also remove any blackheads or whiteheads that are found.  Beta hydroxyacid peels also are effective for treating acne

Accutane is a drug taken by mouth which is reserved for severe acne. Accutane has many side effects and if taken during pregnancy will cause birth defects. Patients taking Accutane must have periodic blood tests and checkups.

There are many different acne treatment options. Not all people respond to the same treatments. If the first medications do not work, chances are the second ones will.

One of the newer treatments that just got released is - laser!  It looks very promising and our office is considering purchasing it.  I think it will revolutionize acne treatment.

Basic skincare advice for acne prone skin

- Cleanse with a gentle cleanser every morning and night to remove dirt, oil and makeup without overhydrating or removing too much of your skin's natural oils.

- Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells to reveal fresh, vibrant skin and stimulate your complexion at least 3 times a week.

- Tone your skin with an alcohol-based toner to tighten pores and remove any traces of cleanser or other residue.

- Moisturize in the morning and night with a gel or oil-free lotion to protect and not aggressively hydrate your skin.

Recommended Products:

Cleanse with: Liquid Oxygen Acne Cleanser (with benzoyl peroxide) or Liquid Oxygen Acne Wash(with salicylic acid)

Renew with: Liquid Oxygen Rejuvenating Facial Toner

Hydrate with: Liquid Oxygen Facial Moisturizing Cream
 

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