An Effective, Medically Guided Program to Treat Acne

The American Academy of Dermatology estimates 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 experience at least minor acne. For some, it continues into adulthood. Acne can cause physical pain, and if severe, permanent scarring. It can also carry an emotional burden that especially people in the younger age range don’t need – on top of the regular stresses of growing up.

Fortunately, licensed medical esthetician Karissa Wolf and the skin care experts with LVPG Esthetics–Cedar Point, part of Jefferson Health, have introduced a new acne treatment. It’s a personalized, medically guided program that uses evidence-based treatments and custom home care to clear skin.

Wolf notes that LVPG Esthetics’ program targets the factors that cause acne, while other professional skin care lines address a range of concerns. “Our program is designed just for acne but not to simply treat existing breakouts,” she says. “The goal is to interrupt the acne cycle so fewer new blemishes develop over time.”

Acne starts in the pores in the skin, called follicles, from which hair grows. Glands under the skin produce an oily substance that lubricates the hair and skin. Sometimes, the glands produce too much. It can mix with dead skin cells and plug up the follicles. 

If the plugged follicle is under the skin, it bulges out, creating a whitehead. Alternatively, if the plugged follicle is open, it becomes a blackhead. Harmless bacteria that live on the skin can contaminate the plugged follicles, causing further inflammation. Treating acne at LVPG Esthetics starts with learning about a person’s skin.   

“We begin with a consultation to understand your acne triggers and skin type,” Wolf says, “In-person treatments clear pores through gentle exfoliation and extractions, if they’re appropriate. The care team also selects products you can use at home to normalize cell turnover, reduce excess oil, minimize bacteria and calm inflammation.”

The new acne treatment program is best suited for those with mild to moderate acne, including inflamed pimples, blackheads, whiteheads and oil buildup. It’s especially helpful when someone has tried store products without success.

“A great time to turn to a professional is when over-the-counter products aren’t having an effect,” Wolf says. “Maybe you’ve had persistent breakouts for several weeks, worsening inflammation or scarring. It’s also a solution if you feel overwhelmed or confused about what’s right for you.”

No referral is needed, however other clinicians within Lehigh Valley Health Network may refer people to the program. Those who commit to the acne program typically return every two to three weeks as part of a treatment series, creating consistency in care, improved outcomes and predictable follow-up visits. 

“This treatment regimen is absolutely safe for teens and adolescent acne, which is frequently driven by hormonal changes,” Wolf says. “We tailor both the in-clinic treatments and home care routines to their age, skin type and acne severity. Early treatment can help prevent long-term scarring and years of frustration. Plus, we emphasize education, so teens can build healthy skin habits.”

Wolf says the program is also effective for people who’ve had acne for years and struggle because they haven’t had a customized, adaptive plan that can produce long-term results. 

“Best of all, our program is not a one-size-fits-all approach,” Wolf says. “It evolves with the client, combining expert guidance, professional treatments and product adjustments over time. That continuous, tailored approach is often what makes the difference, even when other attempts have failed.”