Researchers believe that acne is present in up to 54% of adult women and in 40% of adult men. Half of the affected women don’t respond to traditional therapy, such as benzoyl peroxide, retinoids and antibiotics. But with today’s technological advances, it is possible to eliminate or lessen acne by using alternative means such as lasers, chemical peels and vitamins.

Acne, according to one theory is caused by skin cells that do not shed properly and plug pores, causing oil and bacteria to be trapped inside. As the oil and bacteria accumulate, the skin becomes inflamed and pushes up, forming the dreaded zits and blackheads. The most common type of acne shows up on the face, neck, shoulders, back, and chest.

Some of the methods to treat acne are:
Chemical Peels: A chemical solution is applied to the skin, which strips away dead skin cells. A light peel - which penetrates only the top skin layers - can lessen acne pimples, and decrease the size of large pores. This is done in the dermatologist\'s office, and may leave some redness and peeling for a few days.

Laser Therapy:
Aura ™ Laser targets acne pustules, leaving only mild to moderate redness and swelling that will fade quickly. A prospective clinical study indicates that over 90% of patients treated experience marked reduction in acne lesions.

V-Beam™ or Blue Light, a pulse dye laser, works well with mild to moderate acne. It selectively eliminates the small blood vessels that are associated with the inflammation \'redness.\' With these vessels gone, the acne is more controlled. After one or two treatments of about fifteen minutes each, patients should see results in a month. Amino levulinic acid (ALA) can be utilized with this laser to maximize results. There is no downtime, only some redness or swelling for 1 day.

VBeam™ treats the bacteria that cause acne, as well as the redness and swelling that often comes along with the condition. It results in clear, blemish-free skin. Delivering the safety and efficacy of the clinically proven pulsed dye laser, VBeam also minimizes post-operative bruising seen with earlier pulsed dye lasers.

Smoothbeam™ is a new, noninvasive laser treatment that targets and heats collagen in the upper dermis while protecting the epidermis. This laser is the first device specifically designed to target the root cause of acne, the sebaceous gland. With a patented cooling device that makes the procedure relatively discomfort-free, it also safely improves acne scars. A typical treatment will take between ten and thirty minutes, depending on the severity of the case; several treatments may be necessary. There is no downtime.

Fraxel:
Quantum IPL ® restores skins youthful appearance through a gentle, nonablative process that applies broad-spectrum lights to sun-damaged skin. It removes age-spots and broken capillaries.

Vitamin - Nicomide ®: This new prescription medication is a vitamin which has nicotinamide, zinc, copper and folic acid ingredients which seem to help inflammatory acne. In some patients it may take place of oral antibiotics.