• Microdermabrasion uses microcrystals to remove dead skin cells and other debris that cause acne.blonde girl facial massage image by Anatoly Tiplyashin from Fotolia.com
  
  For individuals who suffer with acne, it can often be difficult to find effective treatments to remove blemishes or control breakouts. If topical creams do not work or you are unable to take oral medications, your dermatologist may suggest using alternative tools for removing acne. Most must be performed in a doctor's office or by an esthetician in a spa. There may be some side effects if you use these tools to remove your acne, but they usually do not last long.
  
  

Light and Laser Therapy

• Laser and other light-based therapies use wavelengths of light to penetrate the skin and kill bacteria that cause acne and inflammation. Some light-based therapies also reduce oil production in the skin by damaging the sebaceous glands which produce it and are able to improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. There are several different types of light-based therapy, including blue light therapy, diode laser therapy and pulsed light and heat energy therapy. Blue light therapy utilizes a wand that emits a low-intensity blue light which destroys the bacteria that cause acne. It is usually painless, but the skin may become red and dry for a period afterward. Diode laser therapy utilizes diode lasers which target sebaceous glands to limit oil production. This therapy can be painful, but dermatologists apply a topical anesthetic beforehand to lessen the discomfort. Pulsed light and heat energy therapy relies on pulsed light and heat to destroy both bacteria and sebaceous glands in order to remove acne. This is a relatively painless procedure but can result in lingering redness. All of these light-based therapies are fairly expensive and usually require multiple sessions in order to see results.
  
  

Microdermabrasion

• Microdermabrasion is a form of intense exfoliation which removes dead skin cells and unclogs the pores so acne does not form. During the procedure, the dermatologist or esthetician uses a hand- held wand to blow microcrystals onto the skin. The crystals buff the skin to remove dead skin and other pore-clogging debris. A vacuum is then used to suck up the microcrystals and the dead skin cells that have been removed. The procedures usually last an hour and leaves skin with a slightly red cast. To get full results, individuals may require multiple sessions. Because microdermabrasion exfoliates dead skin, it also helps topical acne treatments penetrate the skin more easily.
  
  

Chemical Peels

• Some individuals with acne may benefit from a chemical peel, during which salicylic or glycolic acid is smoothed over the skin to exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores. Like microdermbrasion, chemical peels often help the skin better absorb topical acne treatments as well. Common side effects from a chemical peel include redness, dryness and blisters. Infection and scarring are also possible.
  
  

Extraction Tool

• If the acne-removal tools available at your dermatologist's office and local medical spas are too aggressive for you, you might consider an at-home extraction tool. They may be purchased at many beauty supply stores and drug stores and are usually made of stainless steel. Extraction tools are typically double-sided, with a small loop for whiteheads or other larger acne on one end and a flat end for extracting blackheads. The tool is pressed around the acne blemish until its contents are expelled. It is a good idea to steam the face prior to using the extraction tool so the pores are opened and their contents are easier to extract. If the blemish cannot easily be removed, do not force it or you may cause scarring or infection. Once you have extracted the blemish, apply a topical acne medication to kill the bacteria. Many estheticians use a similar tool in spas and salons.