While mainstream acne treatments include a combination of topical treatments, oral treatments and hormonal treatments, there are also several procedures which may help to treat acne and improve acne scarring. For those who have been suffering from moderate to severe acne, these procedures can make a real difference, not just to physical appearance, but also to confidence and self-esteem, although cosmetic approaches are not usually covered by health insurance plans.
Acne Treatments - Chemical Peels, Cryotherapy
The type of treatment a doctor or dermatologist (skin specialist) will recommend depends on both the type of acne, skin type, whether acne is active and the severity of acne scarring. Finances also come into play, with treatments often being required to be repeated multiple times, in order to prove effective, which can certainly add up to a large amount. In 100 Questions & Answers About Acne, Day (2005) highlights that chemical peels to treat acne and minimize acne scarring have increased in popularity in recent years, with four commonly used chemical peels, including the following:
- glycolic - includes fruit acid
- salicylic acid - may have anti-inflammatory effects
- Jessener's solution
- trichloroacetic acid - should ideally be done by qualified dermatologist
Another form of acne treatment, known as cryotherapy, typically uses liquid nitrogen, however there is a risk of scarring, and more modern approaches tend to be used now instead. As identified by Day (2005), the skin will usually look smoother and feel softer to the touch following cryotherapy treatment.
Dermabrasion and Microdermabrasion Acne Treatments
Two more widely known approaches to acne treatment, include microdermabrasion and dermabrasion, with the former becoming a more popular acne treatment approach. In Acne: The Essential Guide, Mariconda (2009) explains that dermabrasion involves the use of a rotating mechanical device, which is utilised to remove the skin surface. However, a major disadvantage associated with this procedure is the length of recovery time required following treatment.
Although there is insufficient research into whether microdermabrasion is effective, acne sufferers have been known to see results after five treatments. According to Day (2005), this procedure involves the use of fine crystals being blasted at the skin and then vacuumed away, as a means to clean pores and make skin feel smoother.
As highlighted above, while mainstream acne treatments include topical treatments, oral antibiotics and hormonal treatments, procedures such as chemical peels, cryotherapy, dermabrasion and microdermabrasion may also help to treat acne and improve acne scarring. For more information on any of the above acne treatments, speak to your family doctor, who can provide a referral to a dermatologist for specialist care.
Sources:
Day, D. (2005) 100 Questions & Answers About Acne Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett
Mariconda, A. (2009) Acne: The Essential Guide Peterborough: Need 2 Know
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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