Schweiger Dermatology Group

Antibiotics for Acne

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Antibiotics are commonly used in the treatment of moderate to severe inflammatory acne.  The main way that antibiotics help to improve acne is to decrease the amount of p. acnes bacteria (the bacteria that leads to acne) presents on the skin.  Dr. Schweiger explains that, “The most common type of oral antibiotics used for the treatment of acne are the tetracycline family of antibiotics.  The most commonly used antibiotics in this class include doxycycline and minocycline.  Tetracycline antibiotics work by interfering with protein synthesis, to have a bacteriostatic effect on p. acne bacteria.”  Macrolide antibiotics, such a Azithromycin, are sometimes used to treat acne as well.  These antibiotics have a similar impact on the bacteria, but bind at a different portion of the bacteria than tetracycline antibiotics.

Examples of commonly used oral antibiotics for acne are: Doxycycline, Minocycyline, Doryx, Solodyn, Monodox, and Zithromax.

Oral antibiotics are commonly combined with topical medications, such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids, for optimal improvement of acne.  Laser and light treatments are also used in conjunction with oral antibiotics to treat acne quickly.

 

Stop the Shine

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When your skin is acne-prone, one of the causes is an overproduction of sebum. That overproduction of sebum can lead to a perpetual shiny face. We hear many patients complain about this “oil slick” effect, especially when it occurs in the T-Zone area (the forehead, area around the nose and the chin). If you’ve ever looked at a picture of yourself with a shiny T-Zone, you know just how unsightly it can be–especially during those teenage years. So how best to treat a shiny t-zone? Here, our tips:

  • Use a mattifying primer or gel after your regular skincare regimen. Try Peter Thomas Roth Max Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel.
  • Keep a pack of blotting papers in your bag at all times. Dab them on the t-zone area to absorb the shiny mess that accumulates during the day.
  • Find makeup that has a mattifying effect. We recommend mineral makeup that naturally absorbs oils.

What is the Fraxel Laser?

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Acne scars are frustrating for many patients.  Even the most mild acne can lead to the development of permanent acne scars.  Luckily, there are effective treatments available to improve the appearance of acne scars.  Fractional resurfacing lasers, such as the Fraxel laser, poke microscopic holes in the skin to stimulate the production of healthy collagen.  The healthy collagen smoothes out the skins surface to improve the appearance of acne scars by 50-70%!

Dr. Schweiger explains that, “The Fraxel Laser treatment for acne scarring is effective, while having only a few days of downtime.  Patients experience mild redness and swelling after the treatment, similar to a bad sunburn, but this improves after 2-3 days.  Many patients schedule their Fraxel Laser treatments on Friday and return to work on Monday.”  Most patients with acne scarring require 4 Fraxel treatments, spaced approximately 1 month apart.

Click here to read more about the Fraxel Laser for the treatment of acne scars.

Acne-Causing Ingredients

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Using the right skincare products to combat acne breakouts is essential. But just as you should seek out acne-fighting ingredients to use in your skincare–our favorites are tea tree oil, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, lactic acid and salicylic acid–you should also make sure you’re not using the wrong ones on your already inflamed skin. Some ingredients to be on the lookout for–and to avoid at all costs–are petroleum jelly, lanolin, mineral oil, cocoa and shea butters. These ingredients are occlusive and will clog the pores.

How Does Salicylic Acid Treat Acne?

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Salicylic acid is one of the most common over-the-counter medications used to treat acne.  Salicylic acid is available in many formulations, including cleansers and spot treatment creams, at concentrations up to 2%.  Dr. Schweiger explains that, “Salicylic acid helps remove dead skin cells from the skin, which prevents clogged pores that can attract acne bacteria.” 

Salicylic acid is not the only effective over-the-counter acne medication.  Benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, tea tree oil, glycolic acid, and retinol can play an important role in the treatment of acne.  However, as effective as over-the-counter medications can be in the treatment of acne, it is important to see a dermatologist for acne that does not respond quickly.  When left untreated, acne can cause permanent scarring. 

Click here to read more about over-the-counter treatments, such as salicylic acid, for acne.

What is Accutane?

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Accutane, the brand name of a medication called Isotretinoin, is an oral medication used to treat severe acne that does not respond to other treatments.  Dr. Schweiger explains that, “Accutane works by a few different mechanisms.  It prevents microcomedone formation by regulating skin cells in the hair follicle, it reduces excess sebaceous gland activity and decreases inflammation in the skin.”

Accutane is a great medication, which is very useful for patients who have failed in-office laser treatments and other prescription medications.  The most common side effect of Accutane is excessive dryness; most patients notice this dryness to some degree.  Most patients take Accutane for six months, with significant improvement generally seen in the third and fourth month. 

Click here to read more about Accutane.

Top Foundation for Acne Prone Skin

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When you have acne, it’s very important to be sure the makeup you use will not exacerbate your acne breakouts. We have explained what to look for in makeup when you have acne and now we can share one of our favorite brands with you. Mineral Hygienics is a non-acnegenic, non-comedogenic makeup brand comprised of healthy, skin-saving minerals. We love the foundations, as they smooth onto skin and magically mask acne and acne scars. The foundations contain zinc oxide to protect and soothe the skin as well as light deflecting minerals that make skin appear pore-less.

Read about our favorite acne-covering concealers.

Does Sun Help Acne?

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Acne can be frustrating during the summer months.  In the warm weather, women usually prefer to wear less makeup and acne on the body can be devastating for both women and men as they head to the beach.  Our patients sometimes tell us that they are trying to get tan this summer, in order to treat their acne.  This is a common misconception that Dr. Schweiger tries to clear up with all of his patients.  He explains that, “While a suntan can help to temporarily camoflauge acne and acne marks, the inflammation and damage to the skin caused by sun exposure can actually make acne worse in the long term.  Additionally, the increased risk of skin cancer and premature aging associated with sun exposure is just not worth the small temporary benefit.”

For patients who like to have some color during the summer months, self-tanners are safe and useful for those with acne.  Nearly all acne treatments are safe to use during the summer months.  Patients must be careful to wear sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure while using many acne medications and while undergoing laser acne treatments, but they do not need to stop treatment of acne during the summer months.

Click here to read more acne myths and truths.

How Traveling Can Affect Acne

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It’s the season for travel. Summer wouldn’t be the same without vacation, but introducing a new environment to your skin is not always the best thing for acne-prone complexions. Here, Clear Clinic’s tips on how to stay acne-free even when you’re away from home:

  • Airplanes air can be extremely drying. When you suffer from acne, it’s very important to make sure the skin is hydrated. Excessive dryness can lead to more breakouts. Drink a lot of water and keep your moisturizer in your carry-on bag so you can apply it mid-flight.
  • Just because you’re on holiday doesn’t mean it’s ok to take a vacation from your skin care regimen. It’s important to wash your face twice a day and apply the topical acne treatments prescribed to you.
  • Find travel-friendly cases for your cleanser and moisturizer if the sizes you own are too big to take on the flight.
  • Wear sunscreen! The sun can make acne breakouts worse. It’s urban legend that a suntan will help clear up breakouts.

Fast Acne Treatments

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One of the most common inquiries we receive is, “What is the best fast acne treatment?”  The truth is, acne can be chronic.  It often requires long term use of topical medications to get rid of acne and maintain its clearance.  However, there are some fast acne treatments that every patient should know.

Cortisone injection: During a cortisone injection, a small amount of dilated triamcinolone is injected directly into  the pimple.  There is no immediate change, you may return to your normal obligations immediately afterward.  The improvement occurs over the next 24-48 hours, as the inflammation of the pimple subsides and the pimple flattens.

Photodynamic Therapy: PDT is a great in-office treatment for patients who want to jump start their acne treatment.  PDT works faster than traditional prescription acne medications.  Most patients see an improvement after their first treatment.

Isolaz Laser Treatment: The Isolaz is another in-office acne treatment that works quickly.  It uses a vacuum to clean out clogged pores and the uses a light to kill the bacteria inside the pore.  Many patients schedule this treatment before an event, as their skin feels smooth and soft afterward.

Click here to read more about fast treatments for acne.

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