Acne Skincare

Step 1

For managing mild to moderate acne, treatments such as a retinoid (e.g., Retin A gel 0.05%, Zorac, differin, retrieve, stieva A) nightly and an antibiotic gel (e.g., 2% erythromycin or 1% clindamycin) in the morning may be considered. Benzyl peroxide 2.5-5% gel and salicylic acid microgel complex can also be part of the treatment. The effectiveness of these treatments can vary, and it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.At Cosmos, we often recommend a regimen including erythromycin gel in the morning, zorac at night, and a daily 5% benzyl peroxide wash, tailored to individual patient needs. Salicylic acids are less potent that retiniods and are used in patients with mild acne who cannot tolerate retinoids. We advise Salicylic acid as a microgel complex, which has enhanced delivery (neutrogenia rapid clear range). Azelaic acid is also less potent that retinoids but is useful in pregnant women to control acne.

Step 2

Once good control is achieved usually after 6-12 weeks we usually stop the antibiotics and rely on the retinoid Retin A gel for maintaining control. Regular use of Benzyl peroxide 2.5%-5% gel (Benzac, brevoxyl, panoxyl) and/or salicylic acid microgel complex (Neutrogena rapid clear range) twice a day also helps to maintain control.

Skin irritation and dryness can occur with all these topical treatments and a light moisturiser may need to be applied. To reduce irritation that can occur with retiniods or benzyl peroxide we advise our patients to use these products sparingly. In patients with sensitive skin we may advise to start second nightly application for the first 4 weeks.

Step 3

At Cosmos Aesthetics we use Photodynamic therapy (PDT) in combination with these topical treatments. PDT requires the use of Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA) cream which is obtained from a compounding pharmacist. PDT may assist in managing acne and could potentially reduce the number of oil glands in the skin, which might affect the likelihood of future acne occurrences. However, results can vary and it’s important to discuss the potential benefits and risks with a healthcare professional. For more details on PDT read our page on ALA PDT. At Cosmos Aesthetics our acne patients all undergo a 3 month program in which they receive a PDT treatments each month, a facial peel each month and the skin care appropriate for their skin.

Related procedures:

• PDT Acne Treatment
• Acne Scar Treatment