Acne

Acne is the most common skin condition and it affects 40 to 50 million Americans at any time, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Fortunately, there are many safe and effective treatments. We provide acne treatments at Alta Vista Dermatology in Highlands Ranch, CO that can reduce, control, or eliminate acne. We understand not every acne treatment works for everyone; however, we can tailor plans to meet the individual needs of our patients.

It helps to know how acne develops. During puberty, the pores release oil to protect the skin. However, when dead skin cells mix with the oil, the pores become clogged and bacteria may grow. If this seeps into nearby tissues, there may be swelling, redness, and pus. Acne can range from a few red spots, called pimples or pustules, to large, red, solid lumps that can be painful and leave scars.

Anyone can develop acne. Mild acne includes a few blemishes such as whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. Mild acne can often be treated with over-the-counter medication. Products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid often clear the skin; however, it does not mean acne will clear overnight. At-home treatment often requires four to eight weeks to see improvement. Once acne clears, the skin must be treated to avoid breakouts.

Although there are at-home remedies, we recommend visiting a board-certified dermatologist who can examine your skin, review your medical history, and recommend the right treatment for your skin type. Severe acne can include cysts or nodules and often requires a prescription medication or other type of treatment.

It is important to understand the possible causes of acne. They include:

• Hormones – Acne symptoms start only after adequate levels of hormones are present during puberty.
• Stress – Both emotional and physical stress can aggravate acne.
• Genetics – If your parents had acne, your chances of developing acne are higher.

It is still debatable whether diet and acne are related or vitamin deficiency leads to acne. Regardless of the potential cause, the Alta Vista Dermatology team can deliver effective treatment. We provide laser therapy, which can reduce the bacteria in the skin. We can use chemical peels to treat blackheads and pimples. In addition, chemical peels rejuvenate the skin and they can be used for skin discoloration and other skin imperfections.

If you would like to explore treatment for attaining clearer skin, we recommend scheduling a consultation by calling 303.888.6426 today.