acneTag
Skincare Blog
Welcome to our blog. A place where our doctors and staff will be providing you with the latest information from our practice, and what's happening in our industry.
Tag: acne
Can Laser Therapy Reduce Scars?
Many of our patients want to know: What is the best laser for scar removal? Our Arizona-based team at Ironwood Dermatology explains that fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing is highly effective for reducing scars along with other skin tone or texture irregularities.
Scarring (whether by acne, other conditions, trauma, or surgery) occurs as a normal part of the healing process. After tissue is damaged, the body stimulates collagen growth in the area as a way of repairing wounds and closing any gaps that have developed. Acne, for example, can penetrate the outer layer of skin and harm the deeper layers, prompting a response from the body. Acne can be an inconvenience at best—but may also have a harmful effect on your self-esteem in addition causing permanent damage to the skin.
As collagen continues to build up throughout the healing process, the skin can develop a raised or bumpy appearance. Scar tissue may also be smooth or an obviously different texture from the surrounding skin, as well as a different shade or color.
Scars don’t ever completely go away, but they can gradually fade over time. Women and men who want to take more direct action can choose laser skin resurfacing, which uses light energy to remove the outer layer of damaged skin while promoting the production of new skin to take its place. Although lasers won’t completely remove scars, they can minimize scars’ appearance by prompting a fresh round of “repair work” in the target area.
Laser skin resurfacing can minimize several different types of scars, including:
• Injury scars
• Burn marks
• Acne scars
During a laser treatment session, light passes through the surface to create heat beneath the skin. This prompts the creation of new, healthy collagen and promotes the growth of fresh skin.
There’s no one treatment that’s suitable for everyone—and acne scars can be especially stubborn. In addition to laser treatments, patients may consider facial fillers for indented scars, along with other approaches like chemical peels, microneedling, and microdermabrasion to remove outer layers and encourage renewal in inner layers. Keep in mind that fractional CO2 laser skin resurfacing can reduce more severe scars compared to other types of laser skin treatments.
Our team at Ironwood Dermatology can explain more about scar treatments during your consultation. Call us at 520.618.1630 or submit a contact form to request an appointment if you’d like to discuss laser skin resurfacing treatments to improve the look of your skin.
3 Reasons to See a Dermatologist
Some skin conditions only cause minor symptoms and don’t have an impact on your quality of life, while others are more severe. Although many of us put off going to a dermatologist unless there’s an emergency—and plenty of appointments have been put on hold since the coronavirus pandemic began—it’s important to get the care you need for your health and prevent problems from becoming worse. Still wondering if it’s worth it to go to a dermatologist? The mid-20s and onward is the perfect age range to start seeing a skin-focused provider regularly each year. Here are the three top reasons to visit your nearest dermatologist if you haven’t already. Not only can we diagnose and treat skin conditions like acne for Tucson and Oro Valley-area patients, but we can also help you manage skin diseases and provide other ways to enhance the appearance of your skin.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer globally and can become deadly when it spreads. It’s also highly preventable, as well as curable when diagnosed in its earliest stages. Annual skin check-ups by a dermatologist are a critical component of this effort, especially for people who are high risk for skin cancer, such as patients who have numerous or abnormal moles, red or blond hair, light eyes, and fair skin that sunburns easily, who spend a lot of time in the sun, or who live in a sunny or high-altitude area.
Damaged, Aging, or Lackluster Skin
Dermatologists see many patients who are self-conscious about skin that has an irregular tone and texture, or even more severe signs of sun damage and wrinkles. If these are some of your concerns, you can finally get the treatments you need to repair your skin, such as injectables, microneedling, chemical peels, and laser skin resurfacing. A dermatologist can also advise you on the lifestyle changes you need to make to improve your skin health and appearance.
Something’s Bothering You
Many patients are unsure why they’re experiencing rashes, irritation, flaky or scaly areas, hair loss, or other symptoms. Dermatologists diagnose and treat conditions that occur anywhere on the skin, as well as nails and hair. Some of these symptoms can indicate more serious underlying health problems, so trusting your health to a specialist can be key.
If you need to see a dermatologist for a skin condition, the Tucson and Oro Valley-based providers at Ironwood Dermatology are available to answer any of your questions and guide you on what you need for healthier, clearer skin. Call us at 520.618.1630, or submit a contact form to request a consultation.
