Acne can be a stressful and embarrassing skin condition for teenagers and adults alike. And not only is the condition itself difficult to treat, but the scars that remain can take a toll on self-confidence and self-esteem. We offer a range of acne-related treatments that treat both the condition itself and acne scarring:

• Microneedling with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
• Retin-A (Retinoic Acid) Treatments
• Hydroquinone Treatments

Microneedling, also known as Collagen Induction Therapy, is a minimally invasive treatment that improves the appearance of acne scarring by stimulating new collagen. To do so, a series of tiny needles penetrate the upper layer of the skin, creating a controlled micro injury, but without causing damage to the epidermis. This facilitates a wound healing cascade and breaks apart scar tissue, thus stimulating new collagen and improving the appearance of scars, fine lines, and skin texture. When combined with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) the two exert a synergistic effect to repair and rejuvenate the skin, and promote a smoother and blemish-free appearance.

The tiny micro-needles stimulate the skin to produce new collagen, promoting new cell growth and encouraging healing. Platelet Rich Plasma is applied to the skin immediately after the microneedling procedure. The PRP contains autologous growth factors which penetrate into the microchannels created by the microneedling process. These growth factors are responsible for forming new collagen, collagen matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation. Together, they improve the appearance of skin texture, tone, acne scarring, and promote overall skin rejuvenation.

Microneedling combined with PRP may also be used for facial rejuvenation, anti-aging, stretch marks, and sun damage repair.

Read more about microneedling here.

Retin-A is tretinoin or retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A that is one of the most popular topical treatments for acne and acne scarring. If it is applied regularly, it can reduce acne breakouts, while improving the texture and tone of the skin.

Retin-A exfolliates the outermost layer of the skin’s surface, while in turn stimulating new dermal collagen. Some redness and dryness may occur when you first begin to apply the product. This tends to improve over time as your skin becomes acclimated to the product, typically in about 4 weeks. We recommend a light moisturizer to improve skin hydration during this process. It is very important to protect your skin from the sun for the duration of the treatment period. We recommend applying a sunblock that contains either titanium or zinc, which provide a physical sunblock for the best sun protection.
(IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding we DO NOT recommend Retin-A treatment because it has been associated with birth defects.)

Retin-A is also a highly effective treatment for anti-aging, stretch marks, and sun damage repair.

Hydroquinone is a topical cream that temporarily inhibits the production of the pigment melanin in your skin. Melanin is what gives your skin its color, and sometimes certain melanin cells are stimulated (either from the sun, skin injury, or heat) to produce more melanin than the surrounding melanin cells, causing areas of hyperpigmentation, or darker skin. Hydroquinone is recommended for lightening areas of the skin that may have become darker than the surrounding skin due to acne and specifically acne scarring.

Hydroquinone works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase — essential in melanin production. Melanin plays a significant role in determining the color of our complexion, and plays an active role in absorbing UV radiation from the sun. As hydroquinone cream inhibits tyrosinase, less melanin is produced, creating a lighter and more even tone to the appearance of the skin in the treated area.

Because Hydroquinone makes your skin photosensitive to the UV rays in sunlight we recommend wearing a high-factor sunblock containing zinc or titanium, wearing a hat when outdoors, and avoiding excess sun exposure whenever possible.
Hydroquinone is also a highly effective treatment for sun damage repair.

Please contact us to make an appointment and we can help you create a customized treatment program.