Acne and Acne Treatments

Acne and Acne Treatments

Acne Scars

Acne is a skin condition caused by the clogging of pores or sebaceous glands by excess oils, dead cells and bacteria. Acne results in the formation of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts or nodules which, if left untreated, cause acne scars and can permanently damage the skin.

Effective Acne Treatment

Today, almost all acne cases can be successfully treated. The key to finding an effective acne treatment is to take an individual approach. Other factors that make acne treatments successful are patience and commitment. All acne treatments require in-office treatment and case specific anti-acne home regimen.

In-office acne treatment includes:

• Acne Facial – unclogs pores, reduces skin irritation and acne scars;
• Glycolic or Salicylic Acid Peel – removes whiteheads or blackheads, stimulates new cell growth;
• Microdermabrasion – removes damaged superficial skin, providing acne control and reducing acne scaring;
• Acne Blue Light Treatment – controls acne bacteria, reduces skin oiliness, shrinks pores;
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatments;
• Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT) Treatment;
• Antibiotics (prescribed only by our Cosmetic Physician)
• Essential Home Care Products / Obagi Skin Care Medical Grade Product (CLENZIderm).

Proper anti-acne home care is crucial to successful acne treatment. It includes the daily use of topical acne creams, lotions and gels which contain such acne prevention ingredients as glycolic or salicylic acid, Vitamin A and benzoyl peroxide.

We recommend using a combination of skin care products; some to soften the glue and then remove the dead skin cells, other to deep clean the skin and then the further removal of dead skin cells with microdermabrasion.   By using this combination of methods, we have been able to achieve very rapid and dramatic improvements in acne, usually clearing up the majority of lesions within three months. We highly recommend Obagi CLENZIderm system for home acne skin care. Its deep penetration quickly provides visible results.

The products in this three-step system have been specially formulated to work together to deliver an acne-fighting solution deep within your pores where acne starts because CLENZIderm has been clinically proven to penetrate the pores deeply and help clear acne quickly. If you use CLENZIderm every day, you can reduce the visible signs of acne in as little as two weeks and prevent new breakouts, helping you maintain clear, healthy skin.

Who Suffers From Acne?

Acne affects people of all ages. Though acne is predominantly seen in teenagers, it also affects adults (adult acne). Even less severe acne can cause permanent acne scaring. Specialist treatment and early intervention is crucial to prevent further scaring and more serious acne related skin damage.

What Causes Acne?

Acne is caused by hormonal changes, which result in the skin’s starting to produce excess oils. Excess oils, combined with dead skin cells and acne bacteria, cause a skin condition called acne vulgaris or acne. Acne can run in a family. If one of your parents had bad acne, you are more likely to have it. Acne is not caused by dirt or eating too much chocolate. However, it can be significantly worsened by the wrong skin care regimen and using skin products that clog pores.

Acne Scars: Can They Be Treated?

Acne scars are treated by a variety of different methods, such as:

• Microdermabrasion
• Skin Needling
• Skin Needling with Subcision (releases the scar surface from the underlying fibrous tissue)
• Chemical Peel
• Dermal Fillers

A combination of treatments tailored to your individual needs will make noticeable differences in the appearance of your acne scars. However, acne management is very important to prevent further acne scars in the future.