Acne Treatment

Medical - Acne Overview

Bryn Mawr Skin & Cancer has been the area leader in acne treatment for teenagers, young adults and parents for almost 50 years! Our physicians and physician assistants treat acne every day. Compared to 50 years ago, there are many more outstanding acne treatment options. There is no reason why any adolescent should suffer the physical or psychological effects of acne today - we have several options to help.

The exact cause for acne remains unknown, but there are many factors that can cause acne. Overactive oil glands can produce too much oil, causing pores in the skin to get plugged. Bacteria present on everyone's skin multiplies more rapidly when excess oil is present. Excess bacteria can lead to inflammation of the skin. Heredity/genetics, hormones, menstruation and emotional stress can also bring on acne or worsen it.

Faces:

  • Acne is the most common skin disorder, affecting 40 to 50 million Americans
  • Nearly 85% of all people have acne at some point in their lives, most often on their face, chest and back
  • By mid-teens, more than 40% of adolescents have acne or acne scarring which requires treatment by a dermatologist.
  • Acne usually begins in puberty and left untreated, it can lead to significant physical and psychological side effects such as permanent scarring, poor self-image, depression and anxiety.

Acne Care:

  • Gently wash affected areas once or twice a day with mild non-drying soap. Vigorous washing and scrubbing can irritate your skin and make acne worse.
  • Shampoo hair often, daily if it is oily.
  • Use "noncomedogenic" (does not clog pores) and oil-free cosmetics, toiletries and sunscreens.
  • Avoid astringents, which may unnecessarily dry the skin.
  • To prevent scars, do not pop, squeeze or pick at acne.
  • Seek treatment early for severe acne that does not respond to over-the-counter medications.

Medical Treatment Options

  • Oral antibiotics are a standard of care in the management of moderate-to-severe acne, acne that is resistant to topical therapy and acne that covers large body surface areas.
  • Combination therapies using oral antibiotics and topical retinoids have been found effective in managing acne.
  • Oral isotretinoin (Accutane) is the only medication approved for severe recalcitrant nodular cystic acne, the most serious form of this skin disease.
  • The Academy of Dermatology and Bryn Mawr Skin & Cancer are committed to the safe and responsible use of Accutane.

Cosmetic - Acne Scarring Reduction

Numerous cosmetic dermatology options are available to reduce the scars caused by severe acne, including:

  • Laser resurfacing
  • Dermabrasion
  • Chemical Peels
  • Fillers

These cosmetic treatments provide safe and effective results for acne scarring.

Since acne scars are unique in their appearance and often have complex characteristics, patients should schedule a Dermatology Consultation with Cirillo Cos metic to determine a customized treatment plan.

Cosmetic - Anti Acne Facial

Cirillo Cosmetic offers a popular anti-acne facial that complements our medical treatments for Acne. Many clients find that these anti-acne facials help them manage their acne and maintain their complexion. This 60-minute facial is specifically designed for those clients who have acne. It includes a deep cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, and acupressure to remove toxins from the skin. A soothing mask is also applied. This facial promotes clear, smooth, blemish-free skin.

The less severe your acne is, the better anti-acne facials will work for you. If you are suffering from mild acne such as blackheads and whiteheads, the success rate is typically 80 to 90%. Moderate forms of acne can also be controlled using these facials. If you have severe acne, we suggest you work with our medical dermatology practice, Bryn Mawr Skin & Cancer, to see what treatments are best for you. Regardless of your acne type, regular facials help to reduce the amount of breakouts you will experience. Your Skin Care Therapist begins by thoroughly cleansing the skin. Masks, steam, and facial massage may be incorporated into the treatment. The Skin Care Therapist will use products to reduce surface oil, remove dead skin cells, soothe, and hydrate. During an anti-acne facial treatment, Skin Care Therapists perform extractions by manually removing pore blockages. Your pores are cleared of excess oil and cellular debris and thus, blemishes are less likely to reoccur.

When you make facials a part of your regular skin care routine, you will see the best results. Be sure to tell your Skin Care Therapist about all topical and oral medications you are currently using to avoid unwanted reactions. For example, vigorous exfoliation should not be done by anyone taking isotretinoin (Accutane) or using topical creams like Differin or Retin-A. If a dermatologist is treating your acne, it's always a good idea to talk to him or her before having any facial treatment. Most patients find that the coordinated approach to acne management offered by the professionals at Cirillo Cosmetic and Bryn Mawr Skin & Cancer works very well.