Today various cosmetic dermatology treatments are available to improve or eliminate acne conditions. Patients should work with an experienced dermatologist who specializes in acne treatments to accomplish safe and salient outcomes.
Suncoast Skin Solutions, led by board certified dermatologist Dr. Christopher Ewanowski, provides acne treatments to patients in Tampa, Brandon, Lutz, Seminole, Riverview, Brooksville, Winter Haven, Daytona Beach, Largo, St. Petersburg, Ocala, Sarasota, Central Florida, Florida, and surrounding communities.
Non-Drug Treatments
Laser resurfacing, light-based therapies, and chemical peels are treatments in cosmetic dermatology that can be used to address specific types of acne conditions.
These procedures can be undertaken in-office, and have minimal risk and side-effects. The patient will need to avoid sun exposure for a few weeks following the treatment and wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher.
Superficial Chemical Peels for Acne
Superficial peels are a class of general peels which are suitable for problematic acne. These medical spa peels impact the uppermost skin layers, are safe, and typically applied sequentially, over a few months.
The concentration of the agent increases progressively with each subsequent visit. Due to the superficial nature of these peels, dermatologists usually recommend a series of six peels, administered at two to three-week intervals.
Glycolic acid is one of the more common agents in superficial peels. It is an alpha hydroxyl acid, and its effects are neutralized after a specific duration. The patient will be given post-treatment guidelines and may experience very mild redness expected to last for a few days while dry flaking skin remains for a short time longer.
The after effects of superficial peels can be easily concealed with makeup and moisturizers.
How does Acne Medication Work?
The dermatologist may prescribe the patient suitable drugs to control acne, avoid scarring, or cause other damage to the skin and make any acne scars less visible.
Acne drugs work by reducing the generation of oil in the sebaceous glands, encouraging cell turnover in the facial skin, fighting bacterial infection and reducing swelling to help prevent scarring.
Prescription acne medication will depend on the severity and type of acne. It could be topical or oral medication.
Prescription Drugs
Retinoids
These medications are available as a gel, cream, and lotion, and are derived from vitamin A. Retinoids may include tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene.
The application commences slowly around three times a week and subsequently daily as the skin acclimatizes to it. Retinoid medication works by preventing the blockage of hair follicles.
Topical Antibiotics
Antibiotics will eliminate excess bacteria and reduce redness. In the initial few weeks or months, the patient may be given a combination of retinoids and antibiotics. The antibiotics are usually combined with benzoyl peroxide to minimize the risk of antibiotic resistance development.
Oral Antibiotics
The dermatologist may prescribe oral drugs to combat harmful bacteria and address inflammation. Acne treatment options include tetracyclines, such as doxycycline and minocycline.
After the symptoms start to improve or if it is evident that the medication is not working, the dermatologist will taper off the drugs.
Oral Isotretinoin
This medication is highly effective, but it has significant potential side-effects. The dermatologist will need to monitor patients on this treatment closely.
Dr. Ewanowski’s skin care clinic receives patients from Tampa, Brandon, Lutz, Seminole, Riverview, Brooksville, Winter Haven, Daytona Beach, Largo, St. Petersburg, Ocala, Sarasota, Central Florida, Florida, and nearby areas for acne treatments.
SunCoast Skin Solutions Dermatology offices are located in Tampa / Hillsborough, St. Petersburg / Pinellas County, Brandon, Lutz (2 locations), Winter Haven, Largo, Riverview, Brooksville, Ocala, Largo at Bardmoor, Daytona Beach, Sarasota, and Palm Harbor, Florida. Contact us at 1-844-786-3376 or click here.
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