What Are The Possible Treatments for Adult Acne?
What is adult acne?
Adult acne is a skin condition characterized by the development of acne, including pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts, in adults typically beyond their teenage years. While acne is commonly associated with adolescence and puberty, it can persist or even develop for the first time in adulthood. Adult acne can affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities.
The exact causes of adult acne can vary from person to person but often include a combination of factors such as:
- Hormonal fluctuations: Hormonal changes, particularly in women, can trigger adult acne. This can occur during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, menopause, or when using birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy.
- Genetics: If you have a family history of acne, you may be more prone to developing adult acne.
- Skin care products: The use of certain skincare or makeup products that clog pores or irritate the skin can contribute to acne.
- Diet: While the relationship between diet and acne is still under study, some individuals may find that certain foods, like dairy or high-glycemic-index foods, can exacerbate their acne.
- Stress: High stress levels can lead to hormonal changes that may contribute to acne breakouts.
- Medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids or certain anticonvulsants, can lead to acne as a side effect.
Treatments for adult acne
Adult acne often presents itself on the face, but it can also occur on the neck, chest, back, and shoulders. Managing adult acne usually involves a combination of skincare routines, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, medical treatments. Over-the-counter or prescription topical treatments, oral antibiotics, hormonal therapies (like birth control pills or spironolactone), and in severe cases, isotretinoin, may be recommended by a healthcare provider.
Some treatments The Clifford Clinic uses includes:
- AGNES Radiofrequency (RF)
The Agnes RF acne treatment is a non-invasive or minimally invasive procedure used to target and treat various skin concerns, including acne and acne-related issues. It is designed to address both active acne and acne scars. The primary mechanism of action involves using radiofrequency energy to deliver precise and controlled heat energy to the targeted areas of the skin.
Excessive oil production and overactive sebaceous (oil) glands are significant contributors to acne development. Agnes uses a specialized handpiece with ultrafine, insulated microneedles to deliver radiofrequency energy directly into the sebaceous glands in the skin.
The RF energy generates controlled heat within the targeted glands. This heat serves several purposes such as reduceing the activity of overactive sebaceous glands, thereby decreasing oil production, killing the bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes) responsible for acne inflammation and stimulating collagen production, promoting skin rejuvenation and potentially improving the appearance of acne scars.
Agnes RF is known for its precision, as it allows the practitioner to precisely target specific acne lesions or problem areas without affecting the surrounding healthy tissue. This minimizes the risk of side effects and downtime.
The treatment is generally well-tolerated, and most people can resume their regular activities shortly after the procedure. The number of sessions required varies depending on the severity of the acne and the desired results, but multiple sessions are typically recommended for optimal outcomes.
Benefits of the Agnes RF treatment for acne may include reduced acne breakouts, improved skin texture, and a reduction in the appearance of acne scars.
- Gold Photothermal Therapy (PPT)
Gold PTT is an emerging experimental treatment for acne that combines the use of gold nanoparticles and laser or light therapy to target and treat acne lesions. This treatment is also safe for pregnant and breastfeeding moms.
Tiny gold nanoparticles are applied topically to the skin. These nanoparticles are designed to be taken up by the sebaceous glands, which are overactive in individuals with acne. After the application of gold nanoparticles, a specific laser or light wavelength is used to activate the gold particles. Gold nanoparticles have unique properties that allow them to absorb and convert this light energy into heat. The laser or light energy is absorbed by the gold nanoparticles in the sebaceous glands. This absorption generates localized heat within the glands.
The heat generated by the gold nanoparticles has several potential effects:
- Reduces the activity of overactive sebaceous glands, which may lead to decreased oil production.
- Kills bacteria responsible for acne, such as Propionibacterium acnes.
In addition to its impact on sebaceous glands, gold photothermal therapy may have anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce redness and inflammation associated with acne lesions.
It’s essential to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional to determine the underlying causes of adult acne and develop an appropriate treatment plan, as treatment effectiveness can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the condition.
Do schedule an appointment with our doctors at 6532 2400 today!