There are number of different medications which can help control acne, from mild to severe forms. Remember, all medications for acne may take 2-3 months to help, as your skin takes 30 days to cycle.
Below are some product tips and acne treatments to consider for blemish prone skin. Please visit our skin care store in the acne section for purchases: Chicago Skin Science
Glycolic Acids (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) and Salicylic Acids (Beta Hydroxy Acids) – Contained in washes, toners, lotions and peels, these acids help to unplug pores and regulate the skin cycling process. They even help to fade the red spots that occur after acne breakouts.
Benzoyl Peroxides (Purify BPO Wash, Purify Daily Acne Gel) – Benzoyl peroxide creams and washes help to kill off the bacteria which cause acne. The bacteria cannot become resistant to it. Be careful though, benzoyl peroxide can bleach your clothing, towels and sheets!
Retinoids/Vitamin A (PCA Intensive Clarifying Retinol 0.5%, CCSD Reverse Tretinoin, 0.25% or 0.5%) – Used nightly, Retinoids work by opening up plugged pores and decrease inflammation and pink or dark spots. They make the skin cells less sticky, so patients may notice mild flaking of the skin when first used. They will take several months to help unplug pores, as the skin takes one month to cycle.
EltaClear SPF46 – sunscreen with an anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce acne and redness.
Various acne treatments are offered by our esthetics department, below are some of our favorites for acne prone patients!
DiamondGlow Microdermabrasion with salicylic acid and Bakuchiol (a natural antibiotic) helps clear comedonal and inflammatory acne faster.
Deep Pore Cleansing- combines microdermabrasion with extractions.
Acne Extraction Treatment- a light steam, detox gel, plus extractions.
PCA Masks Clarifying 20% Sal Acid or Pumpkin (Sal Acid plus Pumpkin enzymes)
PCA Peels -customized to treat acne and spots and cause mild exfoliation in 3-5 days.
CCSD Restart Peels creates moderate peeling with 8 peeling agents and retinol.
BLU-U Light Therapy For Acne – kills off the acne causing germ and reduces breakouts.