NYC’s Best Adult Female Acne Treatments
You Are Too Old to Have Acne!
While acne is often associated with teenagers, adult female acne is the most commonly seen acne type at Goldenberg Dermatology in NYC. But the causes of acne in adult women are different than those of teenage acne, and therefore should be approached on an individual basis customized for adult women.
While food and lifestyle choices (and even wearing facemasks) can impact a woman’s acne breakouts, the reality is that hormones are likely the most common culprit involved in the development of adult female acne. In fact, clinical studies show a clear association of acne flare-ups with menstrual cycles in surveyed women – supporting the theory that female adult acne is often primarily hormonally based.
The good news is that the board-certified dermatologists at Goldenberg Dermatology in NYC offer several state-of-the-art treatments that work well for reducing or eliminating adult acne breakouts in women. These treatments include hormone therapy, chemical peels, laser genesis, photodynamic light therapy, vitamins including the new gut detox, and prescriptions such as topical retinoids (isotretinoin), and oral antibiotics.
Chemical Peels for Adult Female Acne
Chemical Peels are an affordable and relaxing treatment at our NYC dermatology office that can counteract the effects of acne – for glowing, clear skin. Chemical peels work by exfoliating dead skin cells and removing dirt and oil (sebum) that clog pores. Medical strength ingredients – such as salicylic acid – dissolve pore-clogging debris, kill bacteria, and act as an anti-inflammatory to minimize the redness of pimples.
Chemical peels come in strengths from light (with no downtime) to deep (a week of redness and peeling). And, as an added benefit, chemical peels can reduce acne scarring as well as treat skin imperfections due to aging and sun exposure, such as fine lines and dark spots.
Photodynamic Red Light Therapy for Women’s Acne
Goldenberg Dermatology in NYC offers revolutionary Photodynamic Therapy, that uses red light to improve acne. Since no medication is used, and the red light does not penetrate past the outer layers of skin, it is considered one of the safest treatments for acne – and can even be used during pregnancy.
Red light acne treatments are extremely successful in naturally reducing active acne breakouts – especially in patients with stubborn, ugly pustules and cysts. Photodynamic Therapy uses light in the red wavelength range to kill the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes (“P. Acnes”) that is responsible for acne eruptions.
There is no downtime or recovery period after Photodynamic Red Light Acne Therapy for adult women. And, the treatment has no known side-effects or adverse reactions. It is also a relatively painless procedure, during which women can relax in our luxurious spa-like NYC dermatology office.
Laser Genesis for Adult Female Acne
Another noninvasive treatment that safely and naturally treats acne in adult women is Laser Genesis. This state-of-the-art procedure uses controlled laser heat energy to break up the oil and dead skin cells that clog the pores, as well as to kill the acne-causing bacteria. Laser Genesis also offers the added benefits of simultaneously improving redness and scarring caused by acne.
In addition to killing active acne, Laser Genesis also stimulates the regeneration of collagen and elastin production, which gives the skin improved smoothness, firmness, and glow. Laser Genesis is as comfortable as a regular facial, so no anesthetic is needed. And because it is a non-invasive procedure, there is no downtime afterwards.
Many patients prefer light or laser therapy it because they are in-office procedures that leaves less for them to do at home and often eliminate the need to take strong medications that may have side effects.
Hormones for Adult Female Acne Treatment
Since most cases of adult female acne have an underlying hormonal component, restoring a woman’s hormone balance is also often extremely helpful. One of the more common hormonal imbalances associated with acne is an increased sensitivity to, or elevated levels of, testosterone and/or androgens. Polycystic ovarian syndrome may also be involved in androgen imbalances that cause acne in adult women. And if a woman’s acne tends to worsen mid-cycle or around her period, an estrogen/progesterone imbalance may be to blame.
Prescription hormone medication, such as birth control pills or spironolactone, can be prescribed by our board-certified NYC dermatologists to help balance a woman’s hormone levels and reduce adult acne.
Oral Medications for Women’s Acne Treatment
Antibiotics are also commonly used to treat acne, specifically moderate to severe acne in adult women. These prescription medications are especially effective for pustules (pus bumps) and cysts. However, once acne is under control, it’s best to stop taking antibiotics to avoid antibiotic resistance and other side effects.
Other medications taken by mouth, like Isotretinoin, can target and shrink the oil-producing glands in the skin, reducing clogged pores and to help decrease pustules, whiteheads, or papules (small red bumps).
Prescription Topical Acne Treatments
Retinoids – including isotretinoin – are a highly effective topical acne treatment for many adult women. (These are different from retinol, which is sold over the counter to reduce wrinkles). Prescription retinoids are available in different concentrations and formulations, and a specialized dermatologist like Dr. Goldenberg can prescribe the right topical product(s) for you. Retinoids should be taken only under supervision of an experienced dermatologist, since laboratory monitoring is required, and potential side effects need to be monitored.
Other topical prescription medications that treat acne bumps and pimples, including various combinations of antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur products and other agents may also be prescribed. Active cysts or pus bumps can also be injected with a steroid to help improve lesions quickly and may also help prevent unsightly scarring caused by inflammation.
Supplements for Adult Women’s Acne Treatment
Most women understand how important nutrition is for the skin, and there are several key vitamins and nutrients that can help keep a woman’s skin looking clear. For the best results in battling acne, Goldenberg Dermatology offers his own proprietary Skin Detoxification supplement that can fight acne from the “inside out”.
Goldenberg Dermatology’s Skin Detoxification Supplement contains phytonutrients designed to detoxify skin, support cardiovascular (circulatory) health, improve immune function, and enhance ‘gut health’. These vitamins keep the body and the skin in balance, improve circulation and help the body naturally fight infection and inflammation.
Maintaining gut health (intestinal tract balance) is essential to maintaining hormonal balance, as a woman’s estrogen levels are affected by digestion. In fact, recent clinical research has shown that SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) is 10 times more prevalent in people with acne.
Topical Products & Treatments for Acne
As any woman with acne knows, using the wrong skincare products can trigger or aggravate acne breakouts. But the right topical products can sooth inflammation, unclog pores that cause pimples and pustules, and reduce inflammation by constricting blood vessels. Goldenberg Dermatology also offers its own line of cleansers, topical retinol, moisturizers, and sunscreens designed specifically for patients with inflammatory skin conditions such as acne.
Good skincare starts with a good cleanser. A gentle cleanser can be sued once daily and a medicated cleanser, such as one containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, can be used daily. A moisturizer can be used, especially if the skin becomes dry from using prescription products. Many patients with acne have combination skin – dry and oily areas. It’s important to add a moisturizer, especially to the dry skin areas.
Best Adult Women’s Acne Treatments | NYC
Board certified dermatologist Dr. Gary Goldenberg has helped hundreds of women minimize or eliminate frustrating, unsightly acne with a multi-modality protocol that combines lasers, light therapy, prescriptions, supplements and topical products to reduce or eliminate breakouts and improve the skin’s appearance.
Schedule an appointment today for a personalized acne consultation, and Dr. Goldenberg will evaluate your skin and recommend the best combination of acne treatments that will get rid of the bumps, pimples and inflammation, and give you the smooth, clear glowing skin you desire!