Acne Treatments at a Medical Spa

Acne is a pain, no matter how old you get. A medical spa can provide treatments to solve this common skin problem. Taking into consideration the acne type, a dermatologist or other physician will recommend topical creams, cleansers, chemical peels, or other time-tested methods. While there is no cure for acne, professional treatment can put you on the path to clearer skin.

Types of acne

Acne is the result of clogged pores or hair follicles. When most people think of acne, they think of pimples (pus-filled bumps, also known as pustules). However, acne can come in many different forms, such as:

• Papules: Purple, red, or dark bumps.
• Comedones: Clogged pores that are either open (blackhead) or closed (whitehead).
• Cysts: Pus-filled lumps located beneath the skin.
• Nodules: Painful lumps, without pus, located beneath the skin.

Further, not all acne is the same. Each of the acne types above can present in different severities, from Grade 1 (mild) to Grade 4 (severe).

Professional acne treatment

Since acne varies, professional acne treatment is most effective to tailor it to each patient. A medical spa will consider the type and severity of a patient’s acne when developing a treatment plan. Remember that acne treatment is typically done in a series of appointments and paired with an at-home skincare routine. Dietary changes that include eating healthier and drinking more water will likely help clear up the skin. Take a look at some common components of a professional acne treatment plan below.

Topical products and medications

Topical acne products may come in the form of benzoyl peroxide cleansers, salicylic acid cleansers or lotions, prescription retinoid creams, and topical antibiotics like clindamycin and erythromycin, among others. Most of these treatments focus on the bacteria and microorganisms that aggravate acne. Others focus on unclogging pores (retinoids) or removing damaged skin to prevent clogged pores (salicylic acid).

Oral medications

There are acne medications patients can take orally. The most common are antibiotics (tetracycline, minocycline, and doxycycline), contraceptives for female patients, and oral retinoids. Not only do these medications reduce inflammation accompanying current breakouts, but they also reduce the chances for future breakouts.

Facials and chemical peels

A physician may recommend regular facials to help clear up acne. An acne facial involves deep cleansing, steam treatments to soften the pores, exfoliation to clean out the pores, blemish extraction, and then toning and moisturizing the skin.

Chemical peels may also be utilized to remove acne and acne scarring. A chemical solution is applied to the skin, causing it to peel away and reveal the unblemished skin underneath. There are several strengths (light, medium, deep), and a med spa technician will recommend the right strength for the patient’s condition.