Acne is a common skin condition that affects over 50 million people every year. It primarily affects teenagers, but adults can still develop acne. Acne can appear differently, such as pimples, blackheads, and cysts. While acne usually affects the facial area, it can also develop on the chest and back.
If you have acne that is not improving with a traditional skincare routine, Dr. Shaun Patel at Miami Skin + Vein offers various treatments for acne in Coral Gables, FL.
What Causes Acne?
Acne is caused when a person’s hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells and oil. In most cases, this is worsened by other factors, such as hormonal fluctuations, stress, diet, and even genetics.
The exact cause of acne is unknown for some patients, and it may take trial and error in treatments to determine the most effective course of action. However, Dr. Patel is a highly skilled dermatologist who understands the dynamics that can affect acne and skin health. He will develop a personalized plan to address your symptoms using the most effective and clinically supported treatments available.
How Can I Treat Acne?
Despite the prevalence of acne, it is treatable. A good skincare routine is usually enough to solve the problem. However, certain individuals require medical treatment to reduce their symptoms and preserve their skin’s health. Dr. Shaun Patel offers a wide variety of acne treatment options, which include the following:
- Accutane, a medication used to treat severe cystic acne
- Chemical peels
- Retinoids
- Antibiotics
- Benzoyl peroxide
- AviClear
What Is Accutane?
Accutane is an oral medication used to treat severe cases of acne. It is a type of retinoid, but it must be prescribed by a doctor. This is because Accutane does come with a lot of potential side effects.
These side effects include the following:
- Dry skin
- Dry lips
- Dry nasal passages
- Rashes
- Sore throat
- Back pain
- Pain in the muscles and joints
What Is AviClear?
AviClear is a new type of acne treatment that utilizes laser technology to reduce the functions of the sebaceous glands. The sebaceous glands are responsible for producing the oil in our bodies. AviClear is a fantastic, non-invasive alternative for people who are looking to avoid medications or have not seen success with other acne treatments.
Are There Risks to AviClear?
AviClear is FDA-cleared and has been reported to be very safe with minimal side effects. However, it is always important to consult with Dr. Patel before receiving treatment.
Below are other risks of AviClear you need to be aware of:
- Redness in the treated area
- Acne flare-ups
- Blistering
- Scarring
- Temporary changes in your pigmentation
- Mild pain and discomfort
- Skin irritation
These risks are considered rare, but weighing the pros and cons before undergoing treatment is important.
Antibiotics for Acne
There are two primary antibiotics for acne: tetracycline (minocycline or doxycycline) or a macrolide (erythromycin, azithromycin). They are most commonly used to treat patients with severe acne and used in conjunction with another acne treatment, like benzoyl peroxide, to minimize the risk of the patient developing antibacterial resistance.
The treatment is meant to be short-term to prevent long-term resistance that could have negative health effects. Dr. Patel will only recommend using antibiotics when other avenues of treatment are ineffective, and he will ensure you are given the safest dosage and prescription to minimize risks.
Retinoids for Acne
Retinoids were first used to treat acne in 1971, and over the decades, they have become a popular option for many other types of skin conditions as well. Retinoids are vitamin-A-derived compounds that unclog pores and may help reduce the risk of acne scar formation.
It is normal for retinoids to cause redness, peeling, and in some cases, worsening of acne for a temporary period. Over time, your skin adjusts to the compounds, and other acne treatment products are able to work more effectively thanks to your unclogged pores.
How Effective Is Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne?
Using benzoyl peroxide is one of the most common acne treatments and has been an effective method for many people. However, its effectiveness does vary from person to person. Everyone has a different skin type, so benzoyl peroxide might not be a suitable treatment. Benzoyl peroxide is best for mild to moderate acne, but it can also be used for severe cases. It is best to consult Dr. Patel for the best course of action.
How Do Salicylic Acid Chemical Peels Work?
If you prefer a treatment with more concrete data, you can always go right with a salicylic acid chemical peel. A salicylic acid peel functions similarly to traditional chemical peels. What makes it different is the substance used for it. Salicylic acid is a well-known skin exfoliator.
Combining it with a peel helps shed the epidermis of your skin. Once it is finished peeling, your face can appear smoother and improve your skin tone. Salicylic acid peels are also great for targeting deep pores and improving pigmentation.
How Can Microneedling Help With Acne?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a cosmetic procedure that uses small needles to gently puncture the skin. This minimally invasive technique is used to help improve the appearance of scars, stimulate collagen production, and help with skin rejuvenation.
One of the reasons why acne is so prevalent is due to oil production. Our bodies naturally produce oils to keep the skin moist. However, these oils can become lodged in your pores. Microneedling can help reduce the amount of oil your face produces, which can prevent future breakouts.
Schedule an Appointment for Acne Treatment in Coral Gables, FL
If you have acne that is not going away with a traditional skincare routine, Dr. Patel is more than happy to assist you. During your consultation, he will assess your medical history, the quality of your skin, and the severity of your acne to ensure you receive the best treatment possible. You can schedule your appointment with Dr. Patel by contacting us at 786-618-5039 today.