Acne Care

How To Treat Post-Acne Marks

Roughly 90 percent of people experience acne breakouts as adolescents or adults. The majority of these blemishes heal without dark spots or scarring. But some acne can result in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), where the body produces excess melanin, causing patches of skin that appear brown, pink, or red.

If you are struggling with post-acne marks and discoloration, there are a variety of non-invasive treatments that can fade stubborn pigmentation and improve texture. At Dallas Dermatology Partners, we offer quick, effective treatments that target everything from PIH to acne scarring.

Laser Resurfacing & Broadband Light (BBL)

Several cutting-edge laser and broadband light treatments target PIH and moderate scarring from breakouts. These devices are precisely calibrated to reduce excess pigment and stimulate collagen production. The primary advantage of laser resurfacing for post-acne marks is the excellent results with minimal downtime.

Correcting acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is never a one size fits all approach. Our practice utilizes the following devices to address post-breakout skin imperfections.

Halo Laser: This fractional hybrid laser delivers impressive results with fewer treatments. Safe for most skin types, the Halo combines ablative and non-ablative wavelengths to banish discoloration and trigger collagen production.

Contour TRL: Those with moderate acne scarring may benefit from this ablative Erbium laser treatment. The tunable resurfacing laser removes the outermost damaged layer of skin. It can also be adjusted for a shallower treatment, known as a micro laser peel.

BBL Hero: BBL Hero harnesses the power of broadband light to treat dark spots and scarring caused by acne. One of the benefits of BBL Hero is that it’s four times faster and three times more powerful than standard IPL.

Moxi Laser: The Sciton Moxi is one of the only lasers that can safely correct post-inflammatory pigmentation in patients with darker skin tones. Moxi oX5 delivers non-ablative laser energy below the epidermis to eliminate discoloration and smooth textural problems.

BBL Photofacial: This phototherapy can be fine-tuned to reverse the negative cell changes triggered by post-acne inflammation. The treatment is gentle and requires zero downtime. Most patients will need a series of 3-5 sessions.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peels are acid solutions that loosen cells that form the “glue” within the skin. This exfoliation process improves the appearance of shallow scars and dark spots left from breakouts. Chemical peels are customized to accommodate specific concerns, skin tone, and sensitivity. For example, our dermatologists may recommend a glycolic acid or a VI peel to correct acne-related imperfections and post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Get the Glowing Skin You Deserve

There are several effective options for post-acne that will leave you with healthy, glowing skin. Schedule a Dallas dermatology appointment to discuss the best approach for amazing results. Our board-certified dermatologists are the best in their field and offer a full range of chemical peels, BBL photofacials, and laser treatments.

Have additional questions about our cosmetic dermatology services? Contact us today!

How To Treat Hormonal Acne Without Birth Control

Dealing with pimples as an adult is not unusual. Many women suffer from hormonal breakouts well into their 30s and 40s, which are intrinsically linked to fluctuating levels of androgens. Produced by the adrenal glands and ovaries, testosterone is important for a healthy libido and helps with muscle mass and bone strength.

Increases in male sex hormones like testosterone cause the skin’s sebaceous glands to produce excess oil. This type of hormonal acne tends to occur on the lower part of the face and can include painful cysts right around the start of one’s monthly cycle.

Many of our patients who seek acne treatment in Dallas are bothered by blemishes that coincide with their menstrual cycles. And for many of these women, birth control pills have been the frontline option for treating hormonal acne. Contact us today for a Dallas dermatology appointment because we have different and often more effective treatment options.

birth control

Hormonal acne treatment without the pill

As noted, if you are struggling with inflamed skin caused by fluctuating hormones, there are other ways to keep pimples at bay without taking oral contraceptives. Whether you cannot take them or haven’t seen benefits from the therapy, several dermatologist-approved alternatives can be highly effective. We may recommend the following treatments to help you achieve clearer, blemish-free skin.

Oral spironolactone

Spironolactone (Aldactone) is an oral medication that blocks the effects of androgens on the skin. Most women begin to notice less oily skin and fewer breakouts within a month of starting spironolactone, but this treatment can take three months before full results are evident.

Topical clascoterone

One of the newest advances in hormonal acne treatment is WINLEVI topical cream. It is a 1% clascoterone formulation that targets the effects of acne-causing hormones in the skin that cause inflammation and excess oil production. Applied to clean dry skin twice a day, it can help reduce hormonal breakouts within 10-12 weeks.

BBL Forever Clear therapy

Developed by Sciton, BBL Forever Clear is a revolutionary broadband light therapy that treats the root cause of acne – without medication, topical creams, or birth control pills.
Women dealing with hormonal breakouts can see significant improvement in their skin with this quick and painless in-office treatment. BBL Forever Clear uses a combination of blue, yellow, and infra-red light to kill acne-causing bacteria, diminish inflammation and promote the body’s healing process. Most patients will benefit from a series of 6 BBL sessions to get clearer, acne-free skin.

Chemical peels

A series of custom formulated chemical peels with key actives like alpha hydroxy and glycolic acids can remove pore-clogging debris that contributes to painful cysts and blemishes.

Hormonal acne treatment in Dallas

If you would like to discuss your concerns with our board-certified dermatologists and receive a customized hormonal acne treatment plan that doesn’t include birth control pills, please contact us today. Dallas Dermatology Partners has a central office location, serving residents throughout Dallas/Fort Worth, Addison, Plano, Richardson, and Frisco.

How To Treat “Bacne”

Bacne, or acne on your back, happens to all of us at some point in our lives. The good news is that you don’t have to wait for these hard-to-reach blemishes to clear on their own. The first step to treating breakouts on your back is understanding what causes them.

bacne

What causes back acne?

Just like breakouts on the face, bacne stems from clogged pores. These blockages are caused by oil, sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria that get trapped, creating inflammation. One of the most prevalent causes of back acne is contact with sweat-soaked clothes after exercise. Oils and bacteria seep into hair follicles on the back, resulting in pimples and comedones.

Friction is another cause of bacne. Also known as acne mechanica, it is often associated with backpacks, sporting equipment, or tight, nonabsorbent materials that rub against the skin, pushing oil and sweat into the pores.

Pubescent hormones and certain skincare products can also contribute to the development of back acne, manifesting as pimples, cysts, blackheads, or nodules.

Bacne tips for treatment at home

The same actives that treat acne on your face, like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, can also help diminish back acne. These ingredients are effective for three reasons. First, they dissolve dead skin cells that build up and block pores. Next, they also target acne-causing bacteria and help to reduce inflammation. Finally, gentle chemical exfoliation keeps pores open and clean, reducing flare-ups.

You can also lower the risk of getting back acne by:

  • Wear moisture-wicking material while working out
  • Showering quickly after exercise
  • Avoid wearing tight clothing that can cause friction
  • Use oil-free skin products that are labeled “non-comedogenic.”
  • Avoid wearing a backpack or carrying heavy items that rub against your skin
  • Do not use loofahs or abrasive scrubs that can irritate bacne
  • Using topical acne treatments to alleviate inflammation
  • Moisturize the skin to prevent excess sebum production
  • Do not pick

Specific skin care products and lifestyle changes can be beneficial for treating mild bacne. However, if it worsens or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter products over a period of two months, it’s time to schedule a consultation with your dermatologist.

When to see your dermatologist

There are many causes of breakouts on the body and back, and some cannot be effectively managed at home. However, a dermatologist can diagnose and prescribe treatments that clear up severe breakouts, whether caused by environmental factors, changing hormones, or other causes.

The goal of acne treatment in Dallas is to reduce sebum production, exfoliate the skin and eliminate pimple-causing bacteria. A personalized treatment plan may involve a short-term prescription for oral antibiotics, Isotretinoin, hormonal therapy, concentrated topicals, a series of chemical peels, and laser treatments.

Bacne treatment in Dallas

Waiting for stubborn bacne to clear on its own can be trying. Without intervention and dermatologist-guided treatment, back acne can lead to embarrassment and scarring in more severe cases.

Our board-certified doctors can tailor a Dallas bacne treatment that targets the causes of your breakouts and suits your unique needs. You don’t have to live with painful and unsightly acne anymore. Contact us today to schedule a private consultation.

How to Treat Hormonal Acne

Painful pustules, blackheads, and deep cysts that develop during adulthood are often attributed to hormonal and genetic factors. Hormonal acne is more predominant in women, thanks to fluctuations in estrogen, androgens, and progesterone during monthly cycles and pregnancy. These breakouts are usually inflammatory in nature and can be challenging to treat with over-the-counter products.

hormonal acne treatment

Causes of hormonal acne

Fluctuating hormones cause the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. This oily substance accumulates with environmental pollutants and bacteria, clogging the pores. Typically, breakouts occur on the lower third of the face and are most prominent just before the menstrual cycle, when testosterone levels rise.

Another culprit of hormonal acne is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). This condition is most common during a woman’s reproductive years. It causes a hormonal fluctuation that increases the intensity and duration of menstrual cycles, resulting in painful breakouts along the chin, cheeks, and jawline.

Worsening of hormonal acne can also occur during perimenopause and in women taking progestin-based oral contraceptives. This adult-onset acne takes many forms and can develop as papules, pustules, blackheads, whiteheads, and deep cysts.

Treatments for hormonal acne

There are a variety of options for treating hormonal acne. Dermatologists may recommend any of the following therapies to get periodic breakouts under control:

  • Reduce stress as it triggers the body’s inflammatory response. Inflammation is usually the root of most hormonal acne
  • A healthy sleep routine is important as it helps the body restore and ensure hormonal systems are properly functioning
  • Use a preventative skincare routine that incorporates retinoids and alpha hydroxy acids to promote skin cell turnover and prevent pores from being clogged with dead skin cells, sebum, and debris.
  • Take oral contraceptives that work to balance hormones and decrease androgen levels or prescription medications that mitigate the effect of androgen hormones on the sebaceous gland
  • Consider dietary changes. Research has shown that dairy products and refined foods that are high in sugar can cause androgen or insulin levels to spike, resulting in inflammation and excess oil production
  • Pay attention to gut health by taking a quality prebiotic or probiotic supplements

When to see your dermatologist

If at-home regimens have failed to produce any measurable improvements or your breakouts are getting worse, it’s time to see a dermatologist who can evaluate your skin and determine the best acne treatment options.

Our doctors will assess numerous factors to formulate a personalized treatment plan, including the severity of your acne, reactions to previous treatments, skin type, and candidacy for prescription medications. Some patients may also benefit from chemical peels and phototherapy to curb hormonal acne.
Ready to discuss hormonal acne treatment options that are tailored just for you? Schedule a Dallas dermatology appointment today.

How Do You Treat Severe Acne in Adults?

Acne is typically not something individuals outgrow. In fact, many people are blemish-free during their teenage years, only to develop painful breakouts as adults. Many factors can cause adult acne, and the quickest way to resolve it is by consulting with a skilled adult acne dermatologist.

Dallas Dermatology Partners can prescribe a personalized treatment plan to manage severe adult acne. After a thorough evaluation to determine if your breakouts are caused by fluctuating hormones, stress, medication, or genetic predisposition, we can recommend a therapy tailored to your needs.

severe adult acne

Types of Adult Acne

Adult acne tends to affect women more than men and can manifest in any of the following ways:

  • Papules and pustules – inflammatory lesions that result in scarring if picked at.
  • Blackheads and whiteheads – hair follicles that are clogged with dead skin and oil. Whiteheads are closed comedones while blackheads are open. Comedonal acne usually results from an overproduction of sebum.
  • Cystic acne – a severe type of acne characterized by tender pus-filled cysts deep under the skin–also prone to scarring
  • Nodules – solid, hard pimples that form under the skin. Nodules can become inflamed and very painful.
  • Acne rosacea – red, inflamed bumps are the hallmark of acne rosacea

Any adult acne can negatively affect confidence and self-esteem. It’s best to consult with our dermatologists to determine the most appropriate acne treatment in Dallas.

Adult Acne Treatment Options

Adult acne treatments are designed to address the underlying problem, whether it’s excessive sebum production, inflammation, bacterial infection, or a lack of skin cell turnover. The following are some of the acne treatments offered in our Dallas practice:

  • Topicals Medical grade skincare products containing tretinoin, AHA, Vitamin C, and other potent ingredients can prevent occlusion of pores, minimize inflammation, repair the skin barrier, and support healthy exfoliation
  • Prescriptions – Oral antibiotics and prescription medications may be indicated in severe acne cases. These aim to reduce oil gland production while reducing bacterial infection.
  • Chemical Peels – A chemical peel for acne exfoliates the outer layer of skin and reduces the appearance of superficial scars. Peels can deliver impressive results in improving skin elasticity, texture, and tone.
  • Glycolic Peels – These gentle peels use a mild alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
  • Peels for post-inflammatory pigmentation – A custom chemical peel accelerates the skin renewal process and eliminates dark spots caused by acne lesions.
  • Diamond Glow Facial – The Diamond Glow microdermabrasion for acne is the gold-star treatment for smoothing texture, improving clarity, and reducing skin congestion. The Diamond Glow device extracts, buffs away dead skin cells, and delivers medical-grade products into the skin.

Adult Acne Dermatologists in Dallas

Improve your complexion, stop breakouts, and prevent scarring from adult acne by booking your Dallas Dermatology appointment today.

Banish Acne with BBL Forever Clear

Have you struggled to control acne breakouts with over-the-counter products or medications? If so, it’s time to explore the advantages of Broad Band Light (BBL) for acne.

Forever Clear BBL brings award-winning technology to treat the root cause of active acne. This advanced laser by Sciton banishes breakouts in a way that no medication or topical product can. A multi-pass approach allows our dermatologists to safely and comfortably eliminate acne, redness, and scarring that blemishes can leave behind.

How does BBL laser for acne work?

Pimple-causing bacteria are eliminated with a blue BBL light that penetrates deep into the skin’s sebaceous glands. The next pass delivers yellow broadband light energy to ease redness and inflammation. Finally, the targeted area receives the third pass of infrared light to stimulate the body’s innate healing process. Skin cells are regenerated, inflammation fades, and acne-causing bacteria are all a thing of the past. Three passes of BBL laser are all it takes to promote clearer, blemish-free skin–without harsh creams or oral medication.

Benefits of BBL for acne scars

A key benefit of the BBL Forever Clear acne treatment is that it’s highly customizable. Our dermatologists can treat everything from hormonal breakouts to acne scarring in a single session. Shorter pulse widths improve safety, and new collagen production will help reduce the appearance of acne scars for smoother, more evenly textured skin.

Who is a good candidate for BBL laser for acne?

BBL Forever Clear is safe for all skin types, making this an effective acne treatment for men and women of all ages who struggle with active acne and want to reduce future breakouts. This laser treatment is also safe for adolescents as young as 16. It also works well to clear up post-inflammatory redness once the acne is well controlled with prescriptions topicals or systemic medications such as oral isotretinoin.

Our dermatologists will evaluate your skin, and acne causes to develop a personalized treatment plan to achieve your goals.

How long does BBL laser for acne scars take?

Acne treatments with the BBL Hero are quick. Depending on the area being treated, you can have your session completed in 15-45 minutes, making this a convenient lunch-hour procedure.

What areas can be treated with Forever Clear BBL?

This cutting-edge treatment can zap acne anywhere on the body but is most commonly used on the face, neck, back, and chest.

Is Broad Band Light for acne painful?

BBL Forever Clear was designed to be extremely gentle on the most sensitive skin. The cooling handpiece minimizes discomfort, and no anesthetic is needed.

How many BBL acne treatments do I need?

The number of BBL laser treatments needed to achieve luminous, clear skin will depend on the severity of your acne and the presence of scarring. However, most patients will benefit from at least four BBL acne treatments, with semi-annual sessions to maintain results.

What is recovery like?

Acne treatment with BBL is minimally invasive, meaning a couple of days of redness and minor swelling that can be covered with mineral makeup. Our patients appreciate that downtime is virtually non-existent.

As with any IPL or laser acne treatment in Dallas, it’s crucial to limit sun exposure and wear a quality sunblock afterward.

BBL acne treatment in Dallas

If you would like to learn more about BBL Forever acne treatment with leading medical and cosmetic dermatologists, we encourage you to schedule a private consultation. Our Addison office is centrally located to serve residents throughout the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Banish breakouts with the power of BBL and book your Dallas dermatology appointment today.

How to Get Rid of Cystic Acne According To A Dermatologist

Cystic acne can seriously impact self-esteem. Characterized by inflammation deep in the skin, these large cysts are painful. If ignored, it can take weeks to disappear and may even leave behind scars. If you’re looking for effective cystic acne treatment, read on to find out what dermatologists recommend to target the cause and prevent future breakouts.

What is Cystic Acne?

Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne that causes tender, fluid-filled cysts to form deep under the skin. Unlike pimples that contain a core of dead skin cells and pus, cystic acne cannot be popped, and any picking will usually cause trauma, more inflammation, and scarring.

Cystic acne typically shows up on the face but can also develop on the shoulders, chest, back, and neck. An acne cyst starts as a tender bump under the skin and may resemble a boil. These oil and bacteria-filled cysts will grow bigger and more inflamed over time. Therefore, early treatment is crucial when it comes to helping the skin recover.

What Causes Cystic Acne?

There is no single cause of cystic acne, but like all types of blemishes, the problem starts with a clogged pore. When dead skin cells, bacteria, and oils get trapped in the sebaceous glands, the result is inflammation and a tender, infected lump. In addition, certain cosmetics and skincare products can clog pores, increasing the chances of a flare-up.

Genetics is another factor to consider. If your parents and older siblings had cystic acne at some point, there is a high likelihood that you will also develop it.

Perhaps the biggest culprit for cystic acne breakouts is fluctuating hormones. Surges in testosterone and estrogen during puberty can cause cystic acne, as can hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and menopause. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) creates excess androgen hormones that can also cause it.

It is not caused by poor dietary choices, though some foods may trigger inflammation more than others. If you notice a link between certain meals and acne breakouts, let your dermatologist know.

How to Treat Cystic Acne?

Home remedies and over-the-counter products are rarely effective for managing cystic acne. So, if you’ve tried everything and are wondering how to get rid of it, it’s time to see a board-certified dermatologist who can prescribe a personalized treatment plan.

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for it. Instead, your dermatologist will determine the best course of action after determining the underlying causes of your acne.

A cystic acne treatment plan may incorporate one or several of these therapies:

  • Prescription antibiotics such as doxycycline taken orally to address infection and inflammation
  • Corticosteroid injections that quickly shrink cysts
  • Spironolactone oral medication to clear up hormone-related cystic acne
  • Oral retinoids to reduce oil gland secretions
  • Birth control pills to regulate hormones that trigger acne cysts
  • Topical retinoid creams or gels to encourage skin exfoliation

Acne Dermatologist in Dallas

If you’re suffering from under-the-skin cystic breakouts, an acne treatment dermatologist can prescribe a treatment plan that works. At Dallas Dermatology Partners, we are dedicated to providing quality patient care in a caring and supportive environment. Contact us today for an appointment.

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