Acne is one of the most common skin concerns affecting people of all ages, but it doesn't have to be a lifelong struggle.
At Smooth Solutions Medical Aesthetics, we understand how acne can impact both your appearance and self-confidence. Our expert team offers advanced acne treatments that address your skin type and concerns so you can achieve clear, healthy skin. Whether you're dealing with occasional breakouts or persistent acne, we provide effective solutions to restore your skin's natural radiance.
What is acne?
Often misunderstood, acne really comes down to the sebaceous glands, which are located at the base of the hair follicles. These glands are tasked with producing the oils that keep our skin and hair lubricated and moist. Problems occur when the sebaceous glands clog. This traps oil beneath the skin and the skin reacts with various signs of inflammation: occluded pores (whiteheads and blackheads), red bumps (pimples), pustules, or cysts.
What causes acne?
Acne has an interesting combination of mystery and misinformation surrounding it. Why some people have severe acne, while others don’t isn’t fully understood. Acne develops from a combination of factors. In teens, hormones are the cause, particularly the rise in the male sex hormone androgen. Androgen levels rise in both sexes during puberty, and this causes the sebaceous glands to produce more oil than normal. If the oil cannot be dispersed quickly enough, the glands can clog. Now the p.acnes bacteria that are common in the hair follicles (where the sebaceous glands are located) start to multiply. This causes inflammation of the follicle resulting in a breakout. Different people have different sensitivity to this inflammation. In one teen such inflammation may lead to a pimple or two while in others it may trigger a full breakout.
Genetics also play a role. In some, their skin simply reacts more aggressively to the inflammation of the p.acnes bacteria. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can trigger acne outbreaks, even if you got off easy as a teenager. Certain cosmetics and medications cause breakouts for some people. Friction and heat from sports helmets can cause what is known as acne mechanica.
In adults, full breakouts are very rare because adult hormones don’t fluctuate to the degree of teenagers. Pregnancy, birth control pills, and other hormonal changes can lead to limited breakouts. In adults, it’s usually a single hair follicle clogging and creating an isolated pimple or two.
What Our Patients Have to Say
"My experience with Dr. Bertolino has been wonderful, He is very attentive and He always takes care of your medical needs."
How Do We Treat Acne? (Acne Treatment)
For years doctors have been treating acne vulgaris with oral antibiotics. This never really managed the problem, but was cheap through insurance and caused lots of rashes and GI side effects. At Smooth Solutions we treat the source, killing acne on contact with Omnilux Blue LED LIGHT. With that, we employ chemical peels and microdermabrasion to get rid of dead epithelial cells and keep skin pores open and clean. A home maintenance system is used with a company called Dreamworks. After acne is out of the inflamed, acute phase we employ microneedling with PRP ( platelet-rich plasma )and occasionally Pearl laser to soften and get rid of scarring. For severe cases, we might throw in Minocycline as an antibiotic. The program is about 6 weeks long.
How Many Omnilux Blue LED LIGHT Acne Treatments Will I Need?
To manage the inflammation we use Omnilux Red LED light 48 hours later, for a total of 8 light treatments over 1 month.
Smooth Solutions Medical Aesthetics offers clearCONCEPT™, highly effective treatment to address the problems of acne and acne scarring:
What is Clearconcept™ for Acne Treatment?
The clearCONCEPT acne treatment process, developed by the leading dermatologists of the MedSurge Acne Centers, combines the latest proven acne treatments and technology, physician-only cosmeceuticals, and best practices to deliver superior clinical outcomes—without relying on prescription drugs. Additionally, we feature a “concierge” service, ensuring you get the care you need when you need it.
Does My Diet or Personal Hygiene Cause Acne?
One of the great wives’ tales out there surrounds diet and acne. Eating chocolate, French fries, chips, and the like do not cause acne. Food has nothing to do with the p. acnes bacteria that are multiplying like rabbits in clogged hair follicles. Research has shown no connection between food and acne.
There is another misconception about personal hygiene causing acne. Also, no cause and effect relationship there. It was long thought that aggressive scrubbing of the skin would open pores and improve acne. Actually, the opposite is true. Scrubbing and using harsh treatments irritate the skin and can make acne worse.
Who is at Higher Risk for Developing Acne?
As mentioned above, the raging hormones of puberty are the main cause of acne. When androgen levels rise that signals the sebaceous glands to overproduce oil and this leads to clogged hair follicles and subsequent breakouts.
So, who’s at risk? Every teenager in the world.
Acne is the most common skin disorder in teenagers. It affects around 85 percent of American teens at some point between the ages of 13 and 20.
That equates to an estimated 40 to 50 million Americans. Acne typically starts during puberty, between the ages of 10 and 13, and it can last from five to 10 years.
Around 20 percent of acne plagues adults, mainly mild to moderate acne that can last into the 30s. This is due to hormone fluctuations.
Who Would Be a Good Candidate for Acne Treatment at Smooth Solutions?
Anyone, especially those saddled with continuing acne, is a great candidate to come see our team at Smooth Solutions so that we can get a handle on their acne. This is particularly true if the patient has cystic acne, which can lead to permanent acne scarring across the face and upper back.
These conditions are a good sign it’s time your acne needs professional treatment:
- It is making the person unhappy, overly self-conscious, or uncomfortable
- It is producing scars
- It is causing dark patches to appear on the skin
- It is severe with deep nodules and persistent pimples
- It isn’t responding to over-the-counter treatments
Are there risks with acne treatment?
Our Omnilux Blue and Red LED light therapy doesn’t involve any risk. The LED light simply kills the bacteria in the hair follicles. Patients wear eye protection during these treatments. Your skin may be somewhat red after your session, but this passes very quickly. Compared to the side effects involved with the antibiotic treatment of acne, these procedures at Smooth Solutions are very safe and effective.
Why Choose Smooth Solutions for Acne
At Smooth Solutions Medical Aesthetics, you're under the expert care of Dr. Jack G. Bertolino, MD, a board-certified family physician with 18 years of experience in cosmetic and functional medicine. Dr. Bertolino offers personalized acne treatments that go beyond surface care. Known for his radio interviews and expertise, Dr. Bertolino brings the latest advancements in skincare to the forefront, ensuring that every treatment is highly effective.
Our innovative medical spa combines the professionalism of a medical setting with the comfort of a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere. The experienced and friendly staff at Smooth Solutions is committed to delivering the best possible care, using only tested and proven methods to treat acne. Whether you're seeking a targeted treatment or a comprehensive skincare plan, we provide tailored solutions in a warm and welcoming environment to help you achieve your best skin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Omnilux Blue LED Light therapy has no downtime or recovery period. You can continue your regular activities after the treatment, as it is a non-invasive and gentle therapy.
Each Omnilux Blue LED Light treatment typically takes about 20-30 minutes. For optimal results, Dr. Bertolino recommends multiple sessions over a few weeks.
Common chemical peels used for acne treatment include salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acid peels. These peels help exfoliate the skin, unclog pores, and reduce acne-related inflammation.
Yes, microdermabrasion can help with both active acne and acne scars. It exfoliates the top layer of skin, reducing pore congestion, smoothing skin texture, and diminishing the appearance of shallow acne scars over time.
Yes, some acne treatments, particularly those involving salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids, may cause skin irritation or dryness. It's important to moisturize and use gentle skincare products alongside these treatments to mitigate these side effects.
To prevent acne scars, avoid picking or squeezing blemishes, use appropriate acne treatments early on, and incorporate sunscreen into your routine to protect healing skin. Treatments like chemical peels, microneedling, and laser therapies can also help reduce scarring risk.
Yes, combining Omnilux Blue LED Light therapy with antibiotics is common for more severe acne cases. The light therapy targets acne-causing bacteria, while antibiotics reduce inflammation and infection, offering a comprehensive approach to treatment.
It's important to maintain a gentle skincare routine between acne treatments. Use a mild cleanser to avoid over-drying the skin, and follow up with a non-comedogenic moisturizer and sunscreen. Use any prescribed or recommended products to manage breakouts. Regular hydration and a balanced diet can also support healthy skin.
Schedule a Consultation Today!
If you’re interested in learning more about acne treatment, please contact us for a consultation at 716-633-6100 or fill out a Contact Form here. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.
