Acne Specialist
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Open Canvas Laser
Aesthetic Medicine located in San Luis Obispo, CA
You take care of yourself — and it shows in your healthy attitude — but persistent pimples and blemishes seem like they’ll never go away, no matter what you do. Perhaps it’s time to treat your skin to the comprehensive aesthetic medical services offered by Wilton McLeod, DO, at Open Canvas Laser in San Luis Obispo, California. Whether it’s a treatment to control your acne or improve the appearance of acne scars, call or schedule an appointment online today to learn whether there’s a treatment that’s right for you.
Acne Q & A
What is acne?
Acne is a skin condition that develops in people of all ages, although it’s most common during your teen years. Acne occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog your hair follicles. Various factors can cause acne, including overly oily skin, bacteria, and hormones.
Acne produces eruptions of pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads that appear on your face, forehead, upper back, shoulders, and chest. An often persistent condition, acne can leave long-lasting scars. It also may make you feel embarrassed or self-conscious about your appearance.
What are the symptoms of acne?
Your symptoms will vary, depending on the seriousness of your condition. The most commons signs of acne are:
- Pimples
- Blackheads
- Whiteheads
- Small, red, tender bumps
- Painful, pus-filled bumps below your skin (cystic lesions)
- Large, firm, painful lumps below your skin (nodules)
What is the treatment for acne?
An acne treatment regime is typically tailored to your type of acne and the condition of your skin. Treatment can include face washes, facials, topical creams, and prescriptions medicines.
Medications typically treat acne by causing your skin to produce less oil, fighting bacteria on your skin, speeding up the production of new skin cells, and reducing inflammation, thus helping prevent acne scars.
Common medications include:
- Antibiotics — Used on moderate to severe acne to control bacteria and inflammation.
- Oral contraceptives — Contain the hormones estrogen and progestin to treat acne in some women.
- Anti-androgen agent — Blocks androgen hormones in the oil glands.
- Isotretinoin — Treats severe acne but has major potential side effects, including an increased risk of depression, suicide, and severe birth defects.
You should expect to wait at least 4-8 weeks to see clearer, healthier skin after starting prescription medicines. Oftentimes, your skin will get worse before it gets better.
Laser therapy and HydraFacials® also may treat acne and improve the appearance of scars. A customized HydraFacial deep-cleans your skin, finishing with blue or red LED lights for ideal product penetration and recovery.
If your acne is troubling you and you’d like to learn more about improving your appearance, call or schedule an appointment online today with Dr. McLeod and enjoy the benefit of comprehensive and full-service aesthetic medicine for your skin.
