Treating Adult Acne

Most people associate acne with the teenage years, but the common skin condition can still affect your complexion even if you’re an adult. Dr. Jacqueline Silkey shares a few treatment options that will help clear your skin.

Topical medications that unclog your pores

Pimples form when your pores become clogged with a mixture of oil and dead skin cells. Prescription topical medications, such as tretinoin, adapalene and tazarotene, unclog the pores and help prevent future clogs. The creams, oils or gels are applied directly to your skin before you go to bed.

Antibiotics that kill acne bacteria

Topical or oral antibiotics kill P. acnes bacteria in clogged pores and decrease redness. If your skin doesn’t begin to improve after you start taking tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene or other topical medications, your cosmetic doctor may recommend adding an antibiotic to your treatment plan. If you’ve been prescribed an oral antibiotic, you’ll probably need to take it for about three or four months.

Isotretinoin for severe acne

If you have severe or cystic acne that isn’t helped by topical medications or antibiotics, isotretinoin may be recommended. The powerful medication can be very effective in treating acne, but because it can cause birth defects and other potentially serious side effects, regular monitoring and blood tests are required.

Chemical peels & microdermabrasion for acne

Both chemical peels and microdermabrasion remove the top layers of skin that contain acne lesions and help prevent new lesions from forming. The effects of microdermabrasion are visible immediately after treatment, but it will take a few days for your skin to peel after you have a chemical peel in our Kaysville office.

Laser light to target acne bacteria

Exposing your skin to blue laser light is very effective in reducing lesions and inflammation and killing P. acnes bacteria.

Adult Acne Treatment – Kaysville, UT

Would you like to find an effective treatment for your acne? Call Dr. Jacqueline Silkey at (801) 882-2200 to schedule an appointment.