Acne isn't just something that happens when you're a teen, or right before the prom. Many women are plagued by some degree of either new or ongoing acne into their 40's, 50's and beyond. Breakouts are not only demoralizing and uncomfortable, but when left untreated, can result in permanent scars, hyperpigmentation and changes in skin texture and appearance.
Adding prescription-grade medical care to your acne management allows access to many modalities far more effective than over-the-counter remedies. Retinoids such as Retin-A (tretinoin) can help decrease sebum production and help with exfoliation. Antibiotics, either topically or orally, can significantly help the bacterial component of inflammation which is often present and these seem to work even better when we combine them with natural antibacterials like tea tree oil. For anyone who has ever noticed the relationship between breakouts and their cycle, hormones obviously play a key role. Many hormonal treatments, particularly appropriately timed progesterone, can not only help these breakouts, but also decrease or eliminate symptoms of PMS, perimenopause or menopause at the same time.
In addition to the above treatments, microdermabrasion and light chemical peels can add to gentle exfoliation. IPL (intense pulsed light) / BBL can dramatically decrease bacterial levels which contribute to breakouts while reducing the reds and browns which are left from previous breakouts. Over time, it also increases collagen production which can improve the size of pores, texture and acne scars.
Finally, for those who already have scarring or damage from previous acne issues, more significant improvement can be achieved by laser resurfacing - particularly using a series of fractional laser treatments to remove the damaged collagen present in scar tissue while stimulating healthy new collagen growth. These treatments can be supplemented by additional treatments such as dermal fillers and even subscision surgery to help reduce the appearance and size of depressed scars.
Each person's skin care needs and goals are different, so schedule a free consultation to determine what options will be best for you.
