Acne Treatments Philadelphia

Acne is the long-term condition of whiteheads, blackheads, pimples and cysts generally on the face, chest and back and can affect individuals of all ages. 

Acne is usually accompanied by oily skin, blemishes, hyperpigmentation and scarring. 

The main causes of acne are hormonal imbalance, clogged pores, bacteria, dead skin cells and overproduction of sebum. Dead skin, sebum and bacteria get trapped inside pores and around hair follicles forming a plug. If this plugged pore or follicle becomes infected, the area becomes inflamed - becoming a white head,  pustule or cyst. Factors such as hormones, diet and some medications can aggravate acne. 

Benzoyl peroxide, also known as BP or  BPO, is the active ingredient in many acne products available over the counter. Benzoyl peroxide breaks down into two compounds that both kill bacteria and reduce the sensitivity to the skin. Benzoyl peroxide is a natural antibiotic that will even prevent future breakouts. When combine with other acne fighting ingredients such as Glycolic, Salicylic acid, Retinol, Calendula and paired with skin calming ingredients, you will have a skin clearing powerhouse that will practically be able to keep acne breakouts at bay. 

At MaxAesthetics we utilize  customized skin care products that provide the combination of these ingredients to help our clients maintain a clear healthy skin.

"Popping” pimples does not help them resolve faster. In fact, if done improperly, especially if done with your bare fingers, or if you are force popping a pimple that is at not yet at the stage of extraction, you may increase the chance of bacteria being pushed deeper into the skin and risk developing blemishes, hyperpigmentation and even pockmarks and scars. Pimple popping (professionally called extractions) is better left to a skin care expert with training in proper extractions. Unfortunately Acne is not a temporary cosmetic problem. For the best chance of resolving acne fast and reduce your chance of developing permanent or difficult to treat acne scars, it is best to work closely with a skin care professional and be patient as acne generally requires time to heal and clear up.

Acne is typically treated with topicals such as retinoids, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, alpha hydroxy acids and mandelic acid or topical antibiotics. 

Most topical acne products increase cell turnover, target surface bacteria, reduce inflammation and decrease oil production in order to clear the complexion. Benzoyl peroxide is a common topical acne treatment. Benzoyl Peroxide kills surface bacteria  that can cause acne and may help prevent new acne from forming. Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, unplugs clogged pores. Retinoids are typically used alongside another treatment like benzoyl peroxide. The retinoid opens the pore and allows the other treatment to penetrate. Salicylic acid unclogs pores by exfoliation and reduces oil and inflammation. Azelaic acid also kills surface bacteria, decreases the production of keratin - which promotes bacteria growth, and reduces inflammation and oily skin.

Depending on the severity or grade of the acne, oral treatments may be needed. A dermatologist may prescribe antibiotics such as Tetracycline or Minocycline.  Accutane may also be prescribed, but is reserved as a last resort for extremely severe acne that doesn't respond to other types of oral medicines. 

Accutane does come with very serious side effects such as liver damage and some reported issues of migraines and other side effects such as birth defects.

Lasers may also aid in the treatment of acne and work by heating up compounds called porphyrins, which live inside acne bacteria. When the lasers excite the porphyrins, the porphyrins damage the bacteria wall, effectively killing the bacteria which results in the clearing of acne. Laser treatment also reduce sebum which reduces oiliness in the skin. Laser treatments will also reduce pores size and pitted acne scars due to the collagen building benefits of the laser. Most Acne patients may require 3 laser treatments. Up to 6 laser treatments may be required for those with severe acne or severe scarring from cystic acne. Over just a few weeks, laser can provide significant improvement. Usually laser treatment delivers clearing of acne and inflammation three times faster than common antibiotics and topical acne treatments alone. Laser genesis in combination with medical grade products has proven to work very well for acne.

At MaxAesthetics, we have developed customized signature protocols that achieves rapid results.

 Note: The rate of skin clearance may differ from client to client and is also dependent upon client adhering to the recommended home care regimen and treatments.

Radio frequency (RF) skin tightening,  uses a device that generates heat to stimulate the production of collage, elastin and new skin cells which heelp to smooth skin by reducing large pores and softening acne scars.