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Causes | Prevention | Treatment | Acne Scars
Acne is an
inflammatory disease of the skin. It is most common and severe in the
teenage years but can continue into adulthood. Acne leads to skin redness,
pimples and blackheads. When uncontrolled, acne can eventually lead to
scarring.
Causes of Acne
Acne forms along a hair follicle and its associated
sebaceous gland. Sebaceous glands produce a substance called sebum. The
hormonal changes of adolescence increase the size of sebaceous glands
and increase sebum production. The following steps lead to the development
of acne.
- An overabundance of dead skin cells block hair follicles
and cause a buildup of sebum. Sebum combines with the dead skin cells
to form a plug of the follicle. The cause of the overabundance of dead
skin cells and plugging is unknown.
- A normal facial bacterium known as Propionibacterium
causes acne to begins growing excessively in the increased sebum leading
to inflammation of the follicle.
- The inflammation leads to a breakdown of the follicle.
When the follicle breaks down, the fatty sebum and skin cells erupt
to the surface and form a pimple.
- Excess moisture and skin irritation further increase
the inflammation.
Acne Causes and Treatment from Innovations MedSpa |
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Prevention of Acne
Prevention of acne requires a step wise treatment plan to
reduce the amount of dead skin cells and sebum, preventing the plug from
forming.
- Special facial washes help to reduce skin oiliness and
sebum production. Washes that contain salicylic acid do the best job.
Washes that contain alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) add to the effect. These
acids also help to clean out follicles and begin the exfoliation of
dead cells.
- Skin exfoliating scrubs help prevent the buildup of
dead skin cells and help prevent the blockage of the hair follicles.
Higher concentrations of the acids mentioned above can be added two
to three times a week to further remove dead skin cells and decrease
sebum production.
- Avoidance of oil based cosmetics helps to prevent acne.
Unfortunately, some of the products used to cover pimples actually
worsen the problem. The use of mineral cosmetics such as Jane Iredale
avoids this problem. Mineral sunblocks can be used by men to cover
pimples.
- Avoiding moisture such as perspiration also helps prevent
acne. The facial washes and exfoliants above help control excess moisture.
Using the acid washes above after exercise or sweating can help. Care
must be taken to avoid excessive dryness using OIL-FREE moisturizers.
- Avoiding skin irritation from excess scrubbing, helmets,
pads and bras also helps to prevent acne. The use of OIL-FREE moisturizers
can also reduce the effects of skin irritation.
Acne Causes and Treatment from Innovations MedSpa
Innovations MedSpa provides a complete line of medical grade cosmeceuticals that help in each area of acne treatment. Contact our office (Dallas, Fort Worth, or Grapevine) for a consultation to determine the best treatment plan for you or your loved one.
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Treatment of Acne
When prevention fails, the treatment of acne begins
with the appropriate use of all of the cosmeceuticals used for prevention.
Several other treatments are then added. These treatments are often used
in combination. Since acne blemishes take 8 weeks to mature, any treatment
must be tried for at least 2-3 months. They should always be added to
the prevention regimen.
- Benzoyl peroxide works as a topical antibiotic and helps
prevent the follicle plug. Benzoyl peroxide is sold as Desquam, Oxy
10 and several other names. Skin dryness and peeling are the major
side effects.
- Topical retiniods such as tretinoin, Differin and Avage
can be effective for individual pimples but are usually ineffective
when inflammation is present. Skin dryness and worsening of acne can
occur.
- Antibiotics can be used topically or orally. Commonly-used
antibiotics are erythromycin and doxycycline. Both can cause the stomach
to become upset. Skin rashes and discoloration can also occur.
- Microdermabrasion and chemical peels decrease the overabundance
of dead skin cells and help prevent and dislodge follicle plugs. Transient
skin redness and temporary skin peeling (peels) are side effects.
- Infra-red lasers such as Aramis reduce the size of sebaceous
glands, decrease skin oiliness and decrease bacterial growth. Redness
lasting a few minutes after the procedure and mild discomfort are side
effects.
- Oral isotretinoin or Accutane is highly effective in
severe acne. It works by blocking sebum production, inflammation and
the overgrowth of dead skin cells. Unfortunately, Accutane has a long
list of side effects. Skin and mouth dryness, itching and joint pain
are common. Accutane also frequently raises cholesterol and triglyceride
levels. The most concerning side effect is depression, which can be
severe.
Acne Causes and Treatment from Innovations MedSpa
Innovations MedSpa can provide all of these treatments. We
prefer the low side effects of microdermabrasion, chemical peels and
the Aramis laser. Aramis can greatly reduce acne in three to six treatments.
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Acne Scars
Acne scars can be significantly reduced using a combination
of techniques. The Aramis laser builds up collagen at the base of the
scars and pushes them up from the inside. Even deep, "ice pick"-type
scars can be improved. Microdermabrasion and chemical peels decrease
the depth of the scars, smooth the skin and help to even skin tone. Intense
Pulsed Light can decrease abnormal pigmentation and redness. Innovations MedSpa provides all of these procedures for our patients. A no-charge
consultation can help determine the best regimen for you.
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