Acne Treatments

Many of my patients come to see me about acne, especially as it can have a profound effect on a person’s self-esteem and confidence. Treating acne early is not just easier but also reduces your risk of scarring.

My patient above has only been seeing me for 5 weeks. She has had a combination of a topical retinoid, a tablet antibiotic and a vascular laser treatment.

There are several options available to treat acne, but in general they are either topical preparations, tablets or physical treatments such as lasers and light based devices.

Treatment with topical creams

Topical treatments include retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives), alpha hydroxy acids, azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide. They are great in improving mild acne but can also be used in conjunction with tablet options for more severe acne.

Treatment with Tablets

Acne tablet options include isotretinoin (such as oratane and roaccutane), antibiotics (such as doxycycline and minocycline) and for women - hormones and spironolactone. You’ll need a script for these so it is best to talk to your treating doctor to see if these are an option for you.

Treatment with Laser

Acne can now be treated with a state-of-the-art laser treatment that specifically targets the sebacous glands, reducing oil production and minimising the occurrence of acne. By delivering a controlled laser energy, this device reduces the activity of the sebaceous glands. The procedure is quick, typically lasting about 45minutes, and requires minimal downtime, allowing my patients to return to their daily activities immediately. There are many benefits for this as an alternative to the other options for acne. It is safe for all skin types and is an alternative for those seeking an alternative to medications and topical treatments.

ACNE Redness Laser options

Acne can involve a lot of redness. Not just at the time of the acne but also after the pustule has gone - we call this post inflammatory erythema. At Northern Sydney Dermatology, we use a Candela VBeam (595nm) laser for redness, which is very effective. We also have LED treatments and IPL treatments which are also effective depending on your severity of acne.