Eugene Mandrea, MD

Acne is caused by plugging of the oil glands. The plugs are too deep for microdermabrasion to be of any help.

Microdermabrasion is equivalent to a mild peel. It may help the acne medicine penetrate easier, but it adds greatly to the irritation.

The best treatment is similar to that of facial acne, with Benzoyl Peroxide in a.m., a retinoid at night, and, in the beginning, some oral antibiotics.

It is also very important to avoid tight fitting garments  which contribute greatly to plugging of the oil glands (friction, sweating, etc). This may be a difficult request to a young person.

As to a helpful  device, the Smoothbeam Laser can be very helpful for both acne and true acne scars (not pigmentation).