Acne Treatment: Medical or Cosmetic?

Acne treatment can come in different forms and the best method for you may be either medical or cosmetic treatments. Our talented Aesthetician, Tiffany George, LA, shares some details on what to consider before getting treatment for acne.

Deciding on the Right Treatment for Acne

The most important things to address when treating acne include understanding what grade of acne it is and if it is hormonal or cystic acne or just the causal breakout. There are four grades of acne:

Grade 1 (mild)

This is mostly confined to whiteheads and blackheads, with a few papules and pustules.

Grade 2 (moderate or pustular acne)

This grade of acne includes multiple papules and pustules and is mostly confined to the face.

Grade 3 (moderately severe nodulocystic acne)

This grade has papules and pustules and the occasional inflamed nodule. The back and the chest may also be affected.

Grade 4 (severe nodulocystic acne)

This acne has numerous large, painful pustules, and nodules and often involves inflammation.

Most of the time grades 3-4 of acne need to be treated by a Dermatologist.

Acne Treatment for Teenagers

If the patient is a young teenager, they may want medical care along with facials that involve chemical peels. Some people prefer to not use medication, so a facial with peels could be a better route.

Some situations can involve diet and foods that negatively impact the body and skin. The products being used, such as face washes, moisturizers, and certain kinds of makeup can also cause skin irritation or acne. Your Skin Care Provider can help you address any outside factors during a consultation.

If there’s concern about acne scarring, a prescribed medication like Accutane (which is monitored by a Dermatologist) may be recommended.

Creating Your Customized Plan

The Board-Certified Dermatologists at Vitalogy Skincare and our Cosmetic Dermatology experts work closely as a team to develop well-rounded treatment plans that can involve the medical spas and clinics. This is one of the unique benefits of visiting Vitalogy Skincare, because unlike many medspas or medispas, we have Board-Certified Dermatologists onsite to help oversee treatments and skin care. Read more here about the benefits of getting skin care treatments at a medical practice.

Acne has a broad spectrum of treatments because there are so many factors that play a role in it and what causes it.

Ultimately, your specific circumstances will determine the optimal acne treatment plan for you. Make an appointment at one of the Vitalogy Skincare locations in the Greater Austin area today to speak with a Provider about what acne treatments might be best for you.