Understanding The Best Acne Treatment Options in Columbia, MD

July 12, 2024 | Bolus Med Spa | ,
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At Bolus Med Spa in Elkridge, MD, we are dedicated to helping you achieve clear, healthy skin. Serving Columbia, Annapolis, Ellicott City, Baltimore, MD, we offer a variety of effective acne treatment options tailored to your needs including all skin types and ethnicities. This post will cover the best treatments for acne, including acne scar treatments, hormone acne treatments, and cystic acne treatments.

What is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It often causes whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples and can appear on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.

Causes of Acne

Several factors contribute to the development of acne, including:

  • Hormonal Changes: Androgens are hormones that increase in boys and girls during puberty and cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge and produce more sebum. Hormonal changes related to pregnancy and the use of oral contraceptives can also affect sebum production.
  • Medications: Drugs containing corticosteroids, testosterone, or lithium can cause acne.
  • Diet: Studies indicate that certain dietary factors, including skim milk and carbohydrate-rich foods—such as bread, bagels, and chips—may worsen acne.
  • Stress: Stress doesn’t cause acne, but if you have acne already, it may make it worse.

Best Treatment Options for Acne in Columbia, MD

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Treating acne effectively requires a multifaceted approach that extends when you go home. Here are some of the most effective treatment options available at Bolus Med Spa:

Medical-Grade Skincare

Using medical-grade skincare products like ZO Skincare or Skin Better Science can significantly improve acne. These products contain higher concentrations of active ingredients compared to over-the-counter products, which makes them more effective. But don’t run to the store just yet. After your free virtual consult we wull help you determine the best routine and product list for you. Common ingredients include:

  • Medical Grade Cleansers: the right cleanser can make a key difference
  • Toner: balances pH to maintain healthy barrier
  • Exfoliation: reduces oil, sebum, dead skin cell collection
  • Salicylic Acid: Helps to unclog pores and reduce swelling and redness.
  • Retinoids: Promote cell turnover and prevent hair follicles from becoming plugged.

Lasers and Light Therapy

Laser and light therapies are non-invasive treatments that can reduce acne and improve skin texture. They work by targeting the bacteria that cause acne and reducing inflammation. The second type of laser treatment actually improves the scars. We start with getting the acne improved before repairing the scars. Popular treatments include:

  • Blue Light Therapy: Kills acne-causing bacteria.
  • Red Light Therapy: Reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
  • Aerolase Neo: Kills p.acne bacteria instantly
  • Halo Laser: Improves texture and acne scars
  • BBL: Kills bacteria and improves hyperpigmentation

Medications

There are several medications available for treating acne, including both topical and oral options. We will work with you to determine the most appropriate plan.

Topical Medications

  • Antibiotics: Reduce bacteria and fight inflammation.
  • Retinoids: Prevent plugging of hair follicles.
  • Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid: Help to unclog pores and reduce inflammation.

Oral Medications

  • Antibiotics: Used to treat moderate to severe acne by reducing bacteria and inflammation.
  • Contraceptives: Can be effective for women by regulating hormones that influence acne.
  • Isotretinoin: A powerful medication used for severe acne that hasn’t responded to other treatments.

Hormone Balancing

For some individuals, hormonal imbalances are the primary cause of acne. Treatments that address these imbalances can be very effective. Options include:

  • Oral Contraceptives: Help to regulate hormones and reduce acne in women.
  • Anti-Androgens: Medications like spironolactone can reduce the effects of androgens on the skin.

Maintenance Treatments for Acne

Once acne is under control, maintaining clear skin requires ongoing care. Here are some maintenance strategies:

Regular Skincare Routine

Adopting a consistent skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin from the sun can prevent new breakouts.

Periodic Treatments

Regular treatments such as chemical peels, hydrafacials, and the Aerolase Neo laser can help to maintain clear skin by removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores on a regular basis.

Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can support overall skin health. Managing stress through activities like yoga, meditation, or other hobbies can also be beneficial.

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Conclusion

Ready to get the best skin of your life? Book a free virtual consultation here. Acne is a manageable condition with a variety of treatment options available at Bolus Med Spa. Whether you need acne scar treatments, hormone acne treatments, cystic acne treatments, or a combination of these, we can help you find the right regimen. Consistency and patience are crucial, as it can take time to see significant improvements. Contact Bolus Med Spa in Elkridge, MD, to create a personalized treatment plan and maintain clear, healthy skin. We proudly serve the Columbia area, including Annapolis, Ellicott City, Baltimore, MD.

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