If you feel like commercially-available products aren't solving your pimple problems, here are dermatologist-approved ways to get clear skin the safest and fastest way possible.
How do we get pimples in the first place?
Yanee Vasquez, M.D. of Aesthetic Science Clinic explained that women can get acne from hormonal imbalance (stress, late nights, and monthly periods) and from an irritation to a beauty product.
She also explained why popping pimples by yourself is a big no-no: “Self-management of acne such as popping a pimple is not recommended because it can lead to further irritation and inflammation with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or what is commonly known as acne marks,” she warned.
So what's a Candy Girl supposed to do? We researched on the most effective acne and pimple solutions you can turn to, depending on your skin's need and budget:
Anti-Acne Facial
When to get it: If you have oily skin with mild to moderate acne
Where to get it: Skin Station
Why it works: It uses products that clean deep-seated dirt in the pores. It also comes with a blackhead, whitehead, and pimple extraction service done by an esthetician.
How much it costs: P900
How fast you can see results: You need three monthly treatments and up to see results.
Acne surgery
When to get it: If you’ve got a recurring, cystic acne problem.
Where to get it: Dermatological clinics
Why it works: “Getting treated by a dermatologist is the best way to deal with an acne problem. We often suggest
How much it costs: P1,800 to P3,500, depending on the clinic
How fast you can see results: Two months and up, with consistent maintenance
Insulated Microneedling
When to get it: You want your cystic acne gone for good.
Where to get it: Skin
Why it works: It selectively destroys
How much it costs: P12,000 per session
How fast you can see results: One to two months
Fractional Needling Therapy with Retinol
When to get it: You have cystic acne but are also concerned with signs of aging.
Where to get it: Flawless Face and Body clinics
Why it works: It uses Vitamin A serum to fight acne, wrinkles, and sagging skin.
How much it costs: P4,500 per session
How fast you can see results: One to two months
Pimple Injections
When to get it: If you have a pimple you
Where to get it: Dermatological clinics
Why it works: Kristine Batungbacal, M.D. of Flawless Face and Body Clinics divulged that all of their doctors use diluted Triamcinolone acetonide suspension to reduce the redness of the spot. "A patient may have this treatment each time he/she has an inflammatory pimple. Usually, we can do another injection after a week if the inflammation has not completely subsided," she said. She also suggested that one should undergo a facial before the injection.
Dr. Batungbacal also warned of possible scarring. "Yes, it may lead to a scar and sometimes, discoloration (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation). This is why preparation of the suspension and injection technique is important," she disclosed.
How much it costs: P100-150 per
How fast you can see results: One day
Spot treatment products
Where to get it: Beauty stores
What can work: Dr. Vasquez advised that if access to proper treatment is difficult, look for a product with benzoyl peroxide and apply on the area of the affected lesion.
Benzac Gel, P350 to P850, depending on the benzoyl peroxide concentration, Watsons
How fast you can see results: Three to five days
How can you make sure that you won’t get acne scars?
The answer is simple: Have it checked by a professional as soon as it rears its ugly head. “Treat or manage your acne before complications such as acne scars and acne marks set in,” Dr. Vasquez recommended. She also said that management of acne is a long-term process and will require several visits to see significant improvement.
But when you already have pimple marks, you can try chemical peels, laser treatments, and micro-needling to lessen the appearance of scars. Here are some of the services you can try:
Anti-Acne Peel
Where to get it: Skin
What is it: A chemical peel that smoothens the surface of the skin while managing acne.
How much it costs: P1,150
Spanish Peel
Where to get it: Aesthetic Science Clinic
What is it: A peel that reveals a new, smoother skin surface with a downtime of three to five days. Apart from acne marks, it can also reduce the appearance of large pores, dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines.
How much it costs: P3,000 per session
Fraxelite
Where to get it: Flawless Face and Body Clinic, Mall of Asia
What is it: A laser treatment that repairs acne scars, wrinkles, small warts, discoloration, syringoma, sebaceous hyperplasia, and other small skin lesions.
How much does it cost: Starts at P5,000
TriFractional Treatment
Where to get it: Skin
What is it: TriFractional
How much it costs: P10,000 per session
Fire-Xel Skin Rejuvenation
Where to get it: Aesthetic Science Clinic
What is it: An advanced laser treatment that boosts the repair and growth of collagen and elastin fibers. It can diminish acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, superficial pigmentation, and sagging skin. You need to have an average of six sessions done every three to four weeks for best results.
How much it costs: P5,800 per session or P30,000/6-session package
The bottom line is, it's always best to trust a dermatologist when it comes to treating acne or pimples. It can seem expensive but look at it as an investment. It's better to cash in a big chunk of money right away for a surefire solution rather than to spend a few pesos multiple times (that will accumulate in the long run) with a hit or miss fix.
This story originally appeared on Cosmo.ph.
* Minor edits have been made by the Candymag.com editors.
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