Minneapolis Acne Treatment
Acne is a very common condition, which affects more than 70% of people at some point in their lives. At Tareen Dermatology, we specialize in the treatment of both acne and acne scars.
Before & after using the prescription Accutane to clear acne
What causes acne?
There are 4 main factors that contribute to the development of acne. Acne treatments must address one or more of these causative factors, in order to be effective at treating acne.
These contributing factors include:
- Plugged follicles and overactive sebaceous (oil) glands
- Bacteria that live on the skin (Propionobacteria acnes)
- Hormonal imbalances
- Generalized skin inflammation
How is acne treated?
Acne is treated in a variety of ways. It is important to visit an acne specialist promptly when acne presents, in order to get rid of acne quickly and prevent permanent acne scars from forming. The most effective acne treatment are topical and oral prescription medications, chemical peels for acne, medical extractions, and laser treatments for acne.
What are the best prescription acne treatments?
The most effective prescription acne treatments are the following:
- Topical retinoids (ex. Retin-A, tretinoin, Differin, and Tazorac): Topical retinoids regulate skin cell turnover and prevent abnormal follicular plugging, which can otherwise lead to the formation of acne.
- Topical antibacterial medications (ex. clindamycin, Benzaclin, Acanya, benzoyl peroxide): These medications decrease the acne-causing p. acnes bacteria on the skin.
- Oral antibiotics (ex. Solodyn, doxycycline): Oral antibiotics kill the acne-causing p. acnes bacteria on the skin and can be particularly helpful when used to treat deeper cysts or moderate to severe acne.
- Hormonal treatments (ex. oral contraceptive pills, spironolactone): Many women experience acne on their lower face, jawline, chin, and back that correlates with their menstrual cycle. It is very common for women in their 20’s, 30’s and even 40’s to have a hormonal component to their acne. By suppressing the androgenic influence (the influence of the ‘male’ hormone) on the skin, we can prevent these monthly flares. More and more women are experiencing hormonal breakouts, particularly of cystic acne, which can be addressed with a combination of hormonal treatments and other acne treatments.
- Isotretinoin (more commonly known as Accutane): Isotretinoin addresses all of the causes of acne, though it is reserved for use in patients with severe acne that does not respond to other treatments.
Medical Extractions:
Over 40 million people suffer from acne no matter the degree or severity. When a pore becomes clogged with sebum, dead skin cells, and debris, acne cysts can form. Even individuals with practically perfect skin can develop acne cysts. As tempting as it can be to pop acne cysts, you may end up pushing the contents deeper into your skin, making your acne worse. There are appropriate techniques to extract the cyst using sterile tools to clear up an acne breakout. Watch as Dr. Tareen has a cysts extracted by her colleague, Kelsey Holmes PA-C.
If you are unable to view this video, please feel free to call our office for info/a description.
Immediately following medical extraction
Isotretinoin aka Accutane:
Isotretinoin addresses all of the causes of acne, though it is reserved for use in patients with severe acne that does not respond to other treatments.
Before & after using the prescription Accutane for cystic acne
How do chemical peels help acne?
Chemical peels for acne, such as salicylic acid peels, clean out plugged follicles that attract acne-causing bacteria. We find that chemical peels for acne help to clear acne more quickly than prescription treatments alone and also help to diminish the appearance of reddish mark and dark spots from old acne.
Before & after a series of 3 salycylic acid peels
How can you get rid of acne scars?
Atrophic (or ‘pitted’) acne scars result from improper healing of the skin after inflammatory acne resolves. These scars can be improved subtly using topical prescription retinoids, which stimulate collagen production in the skin. The best way to achieve dramatic improvement of acne scars is with fractional CO2 laser resurfacing treatment. This treatment ablates the scarred surface of the skin, and stimulates collagen production to smooth out the acne scars. Most patients see 50-75% improvement in their acne scars after only one treatment.
Before & after 1 CO2 laser treatment for pitted acne scars
Before & after 2 CO2 laser treatments for acne scars
Before & after CO2 laser treatment for acne scars
Click here to see other Acne Scarring Treatment Options!
How can you get rid of a pimple quickly?
Cortisone injections are the secret of models and movie stars! Dr. Tareen used cortisone injections to prepare many of her celebrity patients in New York City for big red carpet events. A tiny amount of dilute triamcinolone (a cortisone-like medication) can be injected directly into the unwanted cyst. The medication immediately decreases the inflammation of the pimple and flattens out pimples and cysts within 24-48 hours.
Before & after 48 hours post Cortisone injection for a cyst on Dr. Tareen
What are the best treatments for adult acne?
Adult acne is not uncommon!
Patients with adult acne can benefit from many acne treatments, depending on the type of acne that they are experiencing. Prescription strength retinoids not only treat acne, but they have anti-aging effects as well. Many of our female patients benefit from addressing the hormonal influences that lead to the development of acne during the adult years. Prescription medications, such as spironolactone and oral contraceptive pills, decrease the androgenic hormone influence that causes hormonal acne. Many of our adult patients prefer to use treatments that improve the appearance of marks from acne, so that they do not have to wear makeup during their daily routine. These treatments include chemical peels and the KTP laser treatment. Tareen Dermatology proudly offers acne treatment to Minneapolis and the surrounding areas.
Click here to read an interview with Dr. Tareen about adult acne.
Hormonal acne in women appears to be on the rise. There are great treatments including topical and hormonal based treatments. This is not a problem that needs to be lived with, we here at Tareen Dermatology are happy to help clear your skin!
Is acne in adult women common?
The incidence of acne in adult women is on the rise. It is estimated that 51% of women ages 20- 29 experience acne. Even women in their 50s and 60s experience acne with the incidence reported to be approximately 15.3% for women through their 50s.
Patient Testimonial about Accutane.
At Tareen Dermatology, we want you to look and feel your best, though, sometimes stubborn acne breakouts get in the way.
Below is a before and after of one of our patient/medical staff, who battled moderate to severe acne for years and was treated with Accutane (safe dosing of Accutane/Vitamin A is tailored and determined by Dr. Tareen.
This patient is now acne free and has an easy maintenance regimen of non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) washes, moisturizers, and sun screen of course! Tareen Dermatology is here to help you and your family with any of your skin care needs.
If you are unable to view this video, please feel free to call our office for info/a description.
To schedule an appointment please call our clinic at 651-633-6883 or e-mail [email protected]