Get Effective Treatment for the Common Skin Condition in Denver

The most common skin condition in the world is acne. Denver’s AboutSkin Dermatology team knows that acne can be stubborn and the treatment choices can be overwhelming. We are skin experts who are here to help identify the correct treatment options for each individual!

Breakouts impact virtually everybody at some point in life, and medical research has shown the impact that both teen and adult acne can have on mental health and psychosocial functioning. We take treatment seriously because we understand that this is not just a cosmetic concern. Triggers are different for each individual but can include such factors as stress, hormone fluctuations, and diet. AboutSkin’s medical dermatology team offers prescription creams, oral medications, and in-office procedures to help manage flare-ups, as well as reduce the number and severity of future breakouts.

What Is Acne?

The skin is covered with millions of tiny sacs known as follicles, which are responsible for growing hair. If these follicles become blocked with dead skin cells and natural oils, they can begin to fill with more dead skin, and bacterial colonies form. If a follicle’s opening (pore) remains blocked, it appears light in color (whitehead). If it is stretched open, exposure to the air causes the material inside to darken (blackhead). Whiteheads and blackheads are known as comedones.

The p. acnes bacteria trapped in the follicle can continue to multiply, leading to inflammatory outbreaks of papules (red bumps) or pustules (whitish-tipped red bumps).

If the pore itself ruptures, there is a large immune system response, and this can lead to the development of fibrous nodular acne or pus-filled cystic acne. Cysts can be uncomfortable or painful, and both of these severe forms have the potential to leave scars due to their depth in the skin.

A dermatologist is able to accurately identify the types of acne lesions, understand specific triggers, and choose prescription medications that target the underlying causes of the breakouts to prevent future flare-ups. There are a large number of treatments available, and a Board-Certified Dermatologist can prescribe a comprehensive regimen of medical and procedural treatments tailored to each individual’s skin.

What Acne Treatments Are Available?

The best acne treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition. It is different for each person and the type of acne they have.

TheraClear is a comedonal, pustule, and cystic acne treatment. It uses intense pulsed light (IPL) and a gentle vacuum to isolate individual lesions and open pores, which helps to reduce inflammation. Patients typically require a series of sessions to address flare-ups.

Spectra Carbon Laser treatment for acne works to address discoloration and inflammation by evening out skin tone problems and deep cleaning the skin. There is no down time required after a session. Patients can expect their skin to appear slightly pink for a few hours following their treatment.

Dermal-Infusion is considered a “maintenance treatment” for comedones. When applied every four to six weeks, it can help to prevent flare-ups. The process has” two parts: It cleans out clogged pores and infuses the skin with topical agents chosen to promote skin health. Dermal-infusion can result in the skin having a slight pink appearance for half a day.

Chemical Peels exfoliate the skin to open clogged pores and reduce inflammation, treating both comedonal acne and cystic flare-ups. The skin typically appears pink and dry for a few days following a session.

Accure Laser Treatment effectively targets and reduces acne by utilizing advanced laser technology to destroy bacteria, shrink oil glands, and promote skin rejuvenation.

AboutSkin Dermatology also offers a range of products for use at home—including cleansers, medicated pads, and prescription tretinoin (also known as Retina-A)—as well as sunscreens and makeup designed to not clog pores.

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Treatments such as Genius^® RF can reduce the visibility of acne scars, but the AboutSkin Dermatology team recommends treating flare-ups as soon as possible, as well as maintaining clear skin, to avoid developing scars in the first place. Adults and teens experiencing acne flare-ups are encouraged to seek care from a Board-Certified Dermatologist in order to maintain healthy skin and avoid clogged pores.