Acne: An extremely common skin disorder affecting teens and adults alike, acne can lead to discomfort and considerable emotional anxiety. It is caused by multiple factors, including genetics, hormones, bacteria, medications, diet, and lifestyle. Hormones trigger sebaceous glands to produce more oil. When these glands become clogged, bacteria grow in the hair follicles, leading to the formation of pimples and cysts, which then generates an inflammatory reaction. Some acne is superficial while some is deep. It can occur anywhere on the body, but common areas include the face, chest, back, shoulders, and neck. 

Rosacea: Rosacea is common, but it typically affects middle-aged women and men with light skin. It is characterized initially by flushing and blushing, then by more persistent redness and swelling, followed by the development of pimples primarily involving the cheeks, nose, and chin. It is common to develop broken blood vessels, background redness, small red bumps, and pustules or cysts that resemble acne. Rosacea can also affect the eyes, making them red, dry and irritated, or causing pain, blurred vision or corneal inflammation. If untreated, the condition can worsen with time. 

Treatment begins with a thorough skin evaluation to assess your condition and rule out any underlying medical reasons for your disorder. Depending on the severity of your acne, one or more of the following therapies may be recommended: 

To minimize and improve the appearance of scarring and redness caused by moderate to severe acne, cosmetic treatment options include JUVÉDERM^®, Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), and laser skin resurfacing. 

Rosacea can be controlled, but not cured. Treatment includes:

• Thorough medical history and exam
• A customized plan that focuses on treatment and prevention to help you achieve long-term relief from your symptoms
• Education on how to identify the emotional or environmental factors that trigger your symptoms
• Depending on the severity of your condition, we may recommend one or more of the following medical treatment options: 
  • Mild to moderate: topical prescription creams, gels, lotions, and/or solutions
  • Moderate to severe: oral prescription antibiotics
  • Severe, cystic, or rosacea unresponsive to treatment: Isotretinoin (Accutane)

Cosmetic treatment options for redness, persistent oiliness and pimples or cysts include Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), Intense Pulsed Light (IPL or IPL Photofacial) therapy, and medical-grade facials. 

For acne and rosacea treatment, Denver Dermatology Center recommends only FDA-approved prescription medications and therapeutic treatment options that have undergone extensive safety testing. However, all treatments carry risks, some greater than others. For instance, Isotretinoin (Accutane) should not be used by women who are pregnant or think they might become pregnant. Our team has the training and experience to properly evaluate your skin, explain potential risks, and administer treatment.