In The Clear
Do you know that one in five adults experience acne?
New York City and Houston Dermatologist, Dr. Paul Friedman, Discusses Advanced & Effective Options for Treating Adult Acne
New York, NY (July 25, 2011) – Blame it on stress, the environment, or hormones – the truth is that acne is not just a rite of passage for teenagers. Adult and teen acne are caused by a combination of factors including genetics, hormones leading to excess oil secretion, faulty closing of the hair duct, and bacteria. Acne can cause damage that may last a lifetime: many adults no longer experience breakouts but now have permanent scarring in its place.
“It may surprise you to learn that one in five adults between the ages of 25 and 44 experiences acne. In fact, some find their acne is worse in adulthood than it was during puberty,” says Houston, TX and New York, NY Dermatologist Dr. Paul Friedman. “Many people who suffer from adult acne are surprised to learn there are a wide variety of effective treatments available to help maintain clear skin.”
Dr. Friedman’s Houston and New York offices offer some of the latest treatments available to clear acne breakouts and scarring. Below are a few of the most exciting options available:
Clear Acne Breakouts and Improve Scarring: Smoothbeam™ Laser
One of the most effective laser treatments for acne is the Smoothbeam™ laser, which is a gentle and safe treatment option for troublesome acne. According to Dr. Friedman, “this treatment utilizes a laser to target overactive sebaceous (oil) glands in your skin. It is these glands that are the root cause of acne.”
If you have scars from acne when you were younger, the Smoothbeam laser can be an effective treatment option to improve their appearance. Collagen, which is at the same depth in skin as your sebaceous glands, and is made of mostly water, is also targeted by the Smoothbeam laser light. The very slight dermal injury caused by the laser light stimulates the production and deposition of new organized collagen beneath the skin resulting in significant improvement in the appearance of your acne scars. Mild side effects may include slight redness or swelling that lasts only a few hours to a few days.
Photodynamic Therapy: Levulan® Kerastick® with Blue Light
Photodynamic therapy with blue light is an exciting treatment option which is very appealing for many patients. It works to correct acne breakouts in three ways: it inactivates the bacteria that trigger acne, exfoliates the skin to unclog pores, and shuts down the sebaceous glands in the skin. Dr. Friedman says, “this treatment also has minimal side effects, with just mild redness and dryness in the area targeted.”
Blue light is recommended for patients with persistent acne or oily skin. It is also can improve the appearance of fine lines and brown spots on the skin. Patients can expect to see positive results after one to three treatments, and are advised to stay out of the sun for 48 hours after treatment.
Advanced Home Care: TRIA Skin Clarifying System
Dr. Friedman suggests patients suffering with ongoing acne breakouts to follow-up office procedures with the TRIA Skin Clarifying System, an innovative FDA-cleared blue light device that delivers therapeutic levels of blue light to the skin. It is used a few minutes twice a day to clear and prevent acne breakouts, as well as improve the skin’s overall health for a smoother, brighter and more radiant complexion. According to Dr. Friedman, “the TRIA at-home system is an excellent addition to in-office care. It offers a similar blue-light technology to help patients extend their treatment results.”
About Paul M. Friedman, M.D.
Paul M. Friedman, M.D. is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology, specializing in dermatologic laser surgery and Mohs micrographic surgery. He completed his residency in dermatology at the New York University School of Medicine, one of the nation’s top dermatology residency programs.
Dr. Friedman is the Director of The Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center in Houston, Texas and also practices at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York in Manhattan. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Medical School, Department of Dermatology, and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. Dr. Friedman is on staff at Texas Children’s Hospital and Memorial-Hermann Hospital in Houston. For more information, please visit www.dermlasersurgery.com.
For information about Dr. Paul Friedman or to request an interview please contact Joanna Kornfeld at joanna@dermlasersurgery.com