Oily Skin

OILY SKIN

DERMATOLOGISTS USUALLY POINT THE FINGER AT HIRNOMES AS THE CAUSE FOR OILY SKIN - MAINLY BECAUSE COINCIDES WITH PUBERTY - BUT THE FACT IS THAT GENETICS, THE PRODUCTS YOU USE AND EVEN THE MEDICATIONS YOU TAKE (SUCH AS ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES) CAN REV UP THE OIL GLANDS. WHEN EXCESS OIL AND DEAD SKIN CELLS CLOG UP THE PORES, BACTERIA CAN MULTIPLY AND LEAD TO BREAKOUTS.

1. AT THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE Laser treatment

In addition to blue light treatments that target the bactreia responsible for acne, other energy sources, such as those that send heat deep into the skin, can be used to suppress the oil glands in an effort to stop the breakout cycle.

HOW IT WORKS - Smoothbeam is the most popular diode laser used to shrink the size of the oil glands and suppress their activity. This laser heats the outer layer of the oil gland and creates a mild thermal injury that decreases oil production. In addition to reducing active lesions and preventing new ones from forming, the nonablative resurfacing effect of collagen remodeling also helps reduce scarring.

NUMBER OF TREATMENTS - Three to six, though more severe acne and scarring may require up to 12.

RESULTS SEEN - Patients usually see imprevement (a 40- to 50-percent reduction in acne lesions) after the first treatment.

SIDE EFFECTS - Discomfort (topical anesthesia may be given), temporary redness or darkening of the skin.

COST - $200 to $300 per treatment (or $1,500 to $2,000 for a package of six.)



PRESCRIPTION Accutane

Often considered the last resort for treating ance, Accutane is an oral medication that may be the only effctive treatment for persistent nodules and cysts. Accutane is the magic bullet for acne that isn't responding to other treatments.

HOW IT WORKS - Accutane workt=s primarily by reducing oil production, but the drug also appers to reduce cell buildup, bacteria and inflamation.

RESULTS SEEN - For many patients, treatment usually takes four to five months, but acne may get worse before it improves. However, 85 percent of patients see long-lasting results.

SIDE EFFECTS - Dryness of the lips and eyes, headaches, depression, increased sun sensitivity.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS - In order to get a prescription for Accutane, you must enroll in iPledge, a pregnancy risk management program, and use two methods of birth control one month before, while taking and one month after taking Accutane since the drug has bees found to cause serious birth defects. You also need regular blood tests to assess liver function and triglyceride levels.

COST - May be covered by insurance



AT THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE Radiofrequency

A relatively new treatment for acne radiofrequency if often used in combination with blue light and red light therapy to treat bacteria and inflammation. Elõs is just one of these treatments, and it uses radiofrequency and blue light.

HOW IT WORKS - Radiofrequency (the same technology used in the skin-tightening treatment Thermage) uses heat to inhibit oil gland activity.

NUMBER OF TREATMENTS - Two per week for four to five weeks

RESULTS SEEN - Most patients see results after two or three treatments.

SIDE EFFECTS - Discomfort, swelling, redness, hyper- or hypopigmentation.

COST - Up to $500 per treatment.