Acne treatment options vary in many ways. The methods and medical instruments used during acne removal procedures serve different purposes, though nearly all devices or medicines get used to completely eliminate acne causing bacteria. Other treatments combine bacterial removal techniques with methods to reduce the amount of oils produced, since large amounts tend to clog up pores and begin the acne formation process.
Acne Treatment Choices
During an acne treatment, a patient will undergo a different procedure depending on the option selected. Acne treatment choices range from the most simple, self administered, dermatologist prescribed creams and lotions, to the highly advanced dermabrasion and laser based methods.
Chemical Peel Procedures
Chemical peels last up to 1 hour. This type of procedure targets acne causing bacteria on the skin’s outer surface. Powerful chemicals break down the damaged or infected tissue, and the patient grows back a new and healthy layer of skin in its place. Patients will feel a slight tingle or burning sensation during and after the procedure.
Laser Based Treatments
Laser light works much like chemical peel products, though patients generally experience little to no pain throughout the entirety of the procedure. The light waves penetrate the outer layers of skin and work by limiting the sebaceous glands’ ability to produce pore clogging oil. Some laser light procedures last up to an hour in time, though most only target the problematic areas on or off of the face.
Dermabrasion
The dermabrasion technique utilizes medical instruments that break down acne laden skin much like an industrial sandblaster. Tiny particles get propelled directly on the surface of the acne, quickly removing traces of bacteria as well. Dermabrasion treatments often last between 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the treated area.
