In our previous blog, we examined two trusted and effective non-surgical treatments for alleviating acne on the face. Whether you experience full-on breakouts of acne, or you are frustrated with the occasional pimple, these skin blemishes can make you feel embarrassed and frustrated with your facial aesthetic. If you read Part 1 of our acne-fighting cosmetic treatments (which looked at the HydraFacial® procedure and chemical peels) but are not interested in having either treatment performed, this blog will look at three other options that will help you achieve the smooth, clean, and clear skin of your dreams.

 

What Other Facial Treatments Are Best For Acne?

As discussed in the previous blog, exfoliation is one of the most essential aspects to achieving blemish-free skin.

 

Dermaplaning 

Dermaplaning is another exfoliating facial treatment that can help patients of any age address acne and other skin imperfections on their faces. One of the best ways to understand dermaplaning is to think of it as a procedure in which the top layers of your epidermis (the uppermost portion of skin) are shaved away. To accomplish this, your skincare expert will take a scalpel and, using a 45-degree angle, will gently remove dead skin and other pollutants (such as bacteria and dirt) from the skin. This is important in treating acne, since these pollutants combine with oil in your skin pores to clog the pores and create blackheads, whiteheads, and other unsightly forms of acne. 

 

As with many non-surgical skin treatments, dermaplaning requires no downtime and includes very little recovery. Most patients feel up to returning to their normal daily life after their treatment, which often lasts as little as 30 minutes for the entire face. 

 

Microdermabrasion 

While a HydraFacial® exfoliates through water, chemical peels exfoliate through chemical solutions, and dermaplaning exfoliates through surgical excision of the skin, microdermabrasion exfoliates your facial skin with the use of a handheld device. During your microdermabrasion treatment session, the handheld device will essentially sand the top layers of your skin away. Though this process may sound painful or even scary, the truth is that it is neither. Once the upper layer of skin is removed (along with the bacteria, dead cells, and dirt and grime), the new, healthy skin beneath will become evident to allow you to achieve facial skin that shines with a youthful glow. This treatment is often finished within 30 to 45 minutes, and patients are able to return to their lives without any recovery or downtime. 

 

Laser Treatments

Laser skin resurfacing is not a new concept in cosmetic treatments. Lasers use light energy to either exfoliate the skin and/or heat the subcutaneous tissue of the skin, which increases the production of collagen and elastin in the skin. Two of the most effective laser treatments for skin rejuvenation (and for clearing the skin of acne) are Halo™ fractional laser and BBL™ (BroadBand Light) laser treatment. 

 

With the Halo™ treatment, light energy is used to create tiny holes in the epidermis. These micro injuries cause the body to heal itself. Over time, new and healthy becomes evident, which creates a youthful and clearer complexion. Similarly, with the BBL™ treatment, IPL (intense pulsed light) energy is directed through the skin to heat up skin cells. Collagen is stimulated, and the skin is able to achieve a healthier and more beautiful structure and appearance. 

 

Why Is Collagen Important?

Above, we mentioned collagen production; however, it is necessary to understand just how important collagen is to the health of your skin. Collagen is a natural protein found in the skin, which becomes less prominent as we age. However, since collagen is responsible for the strength and overall health of our skin, more collagen equals better and clearer skin. Since acne is nothing more than a skin imperfection, by strengthening the quality of the skin through collagen production, you can expect to have skin that is less plagued by blackheads, whiteheads, and other skin blemishes.

 

 

How to Combat Acne Scarring?

While it is important to minimize the presence of acne (if not eliminate it altogether), the simple reality is that many people who have had acne at some point in their life also have resulting scars (usually on their faces). Acne scarring can be embarrassing and unsightly, whether it’s a few scattered marks on the skin or more noticeable pockmarks. Just like there are treatments to reducing and eliminating the presence of acne on your facial skin, there are also ways to improve the appearance of scars resulting from acne. The most effective of these treatments is RF microneedling. 

 

RF microneedling combines two of the most revolutionary non-surgical treatments available: microneedling and RF laser technology. For this procedure, a numbing cream will be applied to your skin to help alleviate any pain or discomfort that you may experience. After the numbing cream has set in, your skincare expert will take the microneedling handpiece and apply it to the target areas of your skin. The microneedling portion of the procedure uses dozens of tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin, which ultimately stimulates the body’s healing abilities. During the microneedling process, radiofrequency (RF) energy will be directed into the deep layers of your skin through the punctures in the upper layer of skin. The RF energy heats up the tissue without damaging any of the surrounding skin. This process increases the production of collagen and elastin in the skin to allow for long-lasting improvement to your skin. RF microneedling is typically a 45-minute procedure, and it does not require any downtime after. Some patients may experience soreness, bruising, and swelling after their treatment, though these side effects will dissipate within a few hours. 

 

If you missed Part 1 of this blog, be sure to read it so that you can find out which acne cosmetic treatment might be best for you. Schedule your consultation with us so that we can help determine the best course of action for your facial aesthetic goals. 

 

For more information about facials at Sanctuary Medical Aesthetic Center, please call our office at 561-234-4026 or fill out our online contact form.