"Over the years, smiling, laughing, and frowning can leave wrinkles and fine lines on our face. We treat neck lift tightening using Daxxify, and perform botox and fillers."
What is acne?
Acne develops when your hair follicles plug up with dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria. Normally, your hair follicles serve as an opening that helps your skin shed dead cells. When your sebaceous glands produce excess oil, it traps the dead skin cells in the follicle.
Bacteria from the surface of your skin may fall into the follicle and then multiply in the warm, moist environment.
Plugged follicles cause skin blemishes like:
- Whiteheads
- Blackheads
- Pimples
- Nodules
- Cysts
Acne affects people of all ages but is most common in teens.
When should I seek medical care for my acne?
Acne is a common skin problem and you may be able to find an effective over-the-counter treatment to help clear up your skin. You should seek medical care if over-the-counter treatments fail to improve your acne.
Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center also recommends you schedule an acne consultation if your condition is severe or ongoing.
Even if your acne is mild, getting professional help for your skin condition may keep your skin clear and prevent acne scarring.
What can I expect during an acne consultation?
You can expect a patient-centered exam when you come in for an acne consultation at Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center.
During your consultation, your dermatologist asks about your acne and at-home care. They review your medical history, hormonal history, and general lifestyle habits. They also closely examine your skin and blemishes.
To confirm or rule out a medical condition that may explain your breakouts, your provider may perform diagnostic tests such as blood work.
How is acne treated?
Your dermatologist at Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center creates a personalized acne treatment plan based on the severity of your skin condition and your medical history.
The innovative dermatology practice offers many advanced acne treatments, including:
- Accutane®
- Numerous Prescription topical therapies
- Spironolactone
- Hormonal therapy
- Advanced topical therapies
- Chemical peels
- Dermal infusions
- HydraFacial®
- Acne facials
When it comes to clearing up acne, no single treatment works for all. Your dermatologist works closely with you to help you find the medications and therapies that provide the best results to improve the look and health of your skin.
To schedule your acne consultation with the experts at Metroderm DC: Medical, Laser, and Aesthetic Dermatology Center, call the office or book online today.
We see patients for botox, fillers, acne scars, skin tightening, neck wrinkles, and brown spots, and offer Radiofrequency Microneedling, Threadlifting, and cool peel laser that can help treat sun damage with one-day recovery and no downtime. Call us to book your appointment today.
We treat patients for the following:
- Acneic cysts
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Inflamed bumps
We offer Same-day dermatology appointments in Washington, DC. Call us to book your appointment today.
Acne is generally successfully treated with a variety of topical and oral medications. Inflammatory acne often requires the use of oral antibiotics or Isotretinoin. Laser and Light treatments can lead to a lessening of the amount of required antibiotics. They can improve not only the inflamed acne, but also leads to improvement in acne scars.
WHAT LASERS ARE USED FOR ACNE?
There are two basic groups of acne treating lasers and light based systems. One group of technologies inhibits the growth of the bacteria that is involved in acne lesions. The other group of lasers shrinks the sebaceous oil glands that play a pivotal role in acne. These approaches can also improve the quality of acne scars. We will often use more than one laser or light based system to optimize the acne clearing benefits of these devices. Because we have multiple different acne improving systems, we will use those technologies we feel most appropriate for the particular patient´s condition.
One of the most effective treatments is Photodynamic Therapy. A chemical called Levulon is placed on the skin for 1-2 hours which absorbs into the skin and especially in the sebaceous glands (which release the oil required to produce acne). We then activate the Levulon with a light based treatment or IPL. 2-3 treatments can inhibit acne production for a year or more.