Acne Treatments in Denver, Colorado
Acne is the most common skin condition in the U.S., and it is not only a teen problem. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the number of adults (especially women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s) who have acne is growing, and scientists have not yet discovered why.
A chronic condition characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and greasy skin, acne tends to affect skin where we have the greatest number of oil glands (face, upper chest, and back). Patients of every age and both sexes often say it results in reduced self-esteem.
What Acne Treatments are Available?
Fortunately, there are a number of effective acne treatments available, though a one-size-fits-all approach is not recommended. At U.S. Dermatology Partners Littleton, formerly Apex Dermatology Group, we collaborate with our patients to design individual acne treatment plans that consider the age, health, and stage of life of each patient. Options include antibiotics, retinoids, light therapy, laser, and more. Increasingly, however, our patients are seeking non-pharmaceutical acne treatments, either out of concern for long-term side effects, the desire for pregnancy, or recent research promoting the success and safety of laser therapies.
In January, Dermatology, a worldwide survey of clinical and investigative dermatology, reviewed a new type of laser treatment speeding up acne clearance and improving appearance. A recent study about the effectiveness of using a 1550 Fractionated Erbium Glass Laser for inflammatory acne treatment shows that it decreases the size of sebaceous (oil) glands on the face, where acne tends to form.
Each of 24 patients received four sessions at two-week intervals, then were evaluated every three months for a year. A significant reduction in the number of papules, pustules and nodules was achieved immediately after treatment and maintained at follow-up with a greater than 75% improvement for the majority of patients. Of the 24 patients, 17 experienced complete clearance. What has excited dermatologists most was the reduction in oil glands post-treatment with a nearly 50% drop in volume.
U.S. Dermatology Partners Littleton’s patients are benefitting from such laser acne treatments using our Palomar Icon Laser to safely speed up acne clearance and improve the appearance of their skin. The Icon Laser offers high peak power, a revolutionary device that determines melanin density prior to treatment, and state-of-the-art cooling for improved comfort.
We also treat inflammatory acne with our new Ellman Medley Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy.
Booking Your Next Acne Treatment Appointment
To learn more about laser therapies available for acne at our Littleton or Denver office, please schedule an appointment at U.S. Dermatology Partners. Call our Denver office at (303) 261-1525 or our Littleton office at (303) 795-2030 to schedule an appointment today.
