Are Topicals My Only Option for Acne?

Topical products are usually the first place you look when a breakout strikes, but they aren’t always enough to clear up persistent acne. Achieving clear, radiant skin often requires going beyond the surface to address the root cause.

Acne doesn’t always disappear after puberty. Studies show more than a quarter of women struggle with breakouts into their 40s, and for many, over-the-counter products only seem to make the problem worse.

At Cascade MedSpa and Laser Centre, our team helps you leave pimples and inflammation behind. We offer personalized strategies that target the source of your acne, so you can enjoy clear, radiant skin at any age.

Put down the harsh cleansers and drying toners. Topical products with active ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and retinoids are often the first line of treatment, but they’re not your only option. Here, we discuss other effective ways to manage adult acne and prevent future breakouts.

A skin-healthy diet

What you eat often affects how your skin looks and feels. A diet high in refined sugars and saturated fats can trigger an increase in oil production and inflammation, making breakouts more likely.

A healthy, balanced diet helps stabilize your hormones and promotes healing. Make sure to include a variety of fruits and vegetables, along with lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and plenty of water.

Oral medications

If topical treatments and diet changes aren’t effective, systemic acne medications might be necessary to address the problem from within. These include antibiotics and isotretinoin, an oral retinoid that physically shrinks oil glands.

For women, hormonal therapies like oral contraceptives (birth control pills) or spironolactone can also curb excess oil production. We may recommend medication if your acne is persistent, doesn’t respond to other treatments, or if there is a risk of scarring.

In-office acne treatments

While at-home skincare is essential for daily maintenance, professional treatments can reach deeper layers of the skin to clear congestion and repair damage. We offer a range of effective procedures that work to target acne at its source and improve overall skin texture, such as:

Chemical peels

Chemical peels dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, allowing them to shed naturally without harsh scrubbing. The process clears out pores and promotes faster cell turnover for a smoother, more even complexion.

Diamond Glow® Dermalinfusion

This advanced treatment simultaneously exfoliates, extracts impurities, and infuses skin with professional-grade serums. It’s an ideal way to deeply cleanse pores while also nourishing the moisture barrier.

Broadband light (BBL) therapy

Broadband light (BBL) therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to kill acne-causing bacteria and reduce the redness associated with active breakouts. It also helps stimulate collagen to improve the appearance of post-acne scarring and pigmentation.

Finding the right option for your skin

If you’re struggling with persistent acne, our team can determine the most effective treatment plan for your needs. Your path to clear skin may involve one or more of these options, along with the right topical products to help keep breakouts away for good.

Ready to say goodbye to acne? Schedule an appointment at Cascade MedSpa and Laser Centre in Baxter, Minnesota, and let us help you find what actually works for your skin. To book your spot, call our office or send us a message online today.