Acne

What is it?
The pores of our skin contain oil glands that supply moisture to our skin and hair. Occasionally, pores can become clogged by excess oil, skin cells or bacteria. This results in a skin condition known as acne. Acne shows up as various types of bumps on the skin. The pores might take the form of a whitehead which is a closed pore that is bulging outward, a blackhead which is an open pore with a dark surface, or a pimple which is an inflammation due to dead skin and bacteria forming in the opening. It has been indicated that 70 to 80 percent of individuals experience acne at some time in their lives. Modern medicine has now given us the means to control it.

There are four types of acne and each type can be mild, moderate or severe. We will classify your acne by type and severity before a treatment plan is initiated as our treatments differ for each type of acne.

Blackheads/Whiteheads (Comedone Acne) – This type of acne is generally seen in adolescence. They are often seen on the forehead, although the nose, cheeks, chin, back, chest and shoulders may also be affected.

Papular Acne – These are the inflamed red pimples that do not contain pus. They usually precede pustular acne.

Pustular Acne – This form of acne is known for its presence of pustules or comedones and pimples. They look very similar to the papular acne only with a white head.

Nodulocystic Acne – This is the most severe case of acne. The nodular cyst of acne is not a true cyst; they are nodules of inflammation below the skin’s surface. They can appear on the face, neck, chest, back or shoulders.

What are the causes?
Several different conditions can cause acne. Hormonal imbalances, obstructed glands and pores as well as bacteria are the three most common causes. Another contributing factor is family history. If parents were prone to acne, their children are more likely to experience similar hormonal changes and thus are more likely to develop acne, especially in their teen years. Certain medications, moisturizers and cosmetics may lead to acne as well.

How can it be prevented?
Hygiene – Although acne cannot be completely prevented, good hygiene can help to control breakouts. We recommend that you wash your face at least twice a day and soon after any exercise to remove excess oil formation. Regular exfoliation and use of clay masks is advisable.

Hair oils can cause acne so take care to shampoo regularly if you have oily hair. In addition, avoid touching your face with your hands, keep your hair away from your face when sleeping and wash pillow cases regularly.

Diet – Though diet rarely is a cause for acne, there are certain foods that can worsen your acne. Such foods include those that have high calcium content, such as milk, or high iodine content such as seafood, or high-sugar, highly processed foods.

Sunscreen – Avoiding prolonged sun exposure is key in controlling acne and other skin conditions. Be sure to wear a protective sunscreen at all times when exposed to the sun.

Relieving Stress – It is important to exercise regularly and manage your stress level to help maintain hormonal balance. Rest is also an important factor in reducing your stress level.

What are the treatments?
Acne can be effectively treated using advanced light technology, oral prescriptions and topical medications, as well as medical-grade chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

Light Technology – Using I2PL light technology we can effectively reduce the blood supply to the sebaceous gland, the production of sebum thus slows down and the healing process for acne accelerates. Our FDA approved treatments are painless, simple and safe and can clear most moderate inflammatory acne in as little as five sessions. Light treatment offers many benefits over other alternatives including a short treatment regimen that is non-invasive and has no side effects.

Oral Isotretinoids – Oral Isotretinoids are powerful oral prescription drugs for the treatment of severe acne. These drugs can take between four to five months before acne is completely cleared. These drugs are derivatives of Vitamin A, a natural substance found in our bloodstream that is easily absorbed. They have many possible side effects, of which some are serious. These include depression and a possibility of long-term toxicity to bones and internal organs, which should be monitored by your physician. It is not an option for pregnant women as it may cause birth defects and it is therefore essential for women of child bearing age to be on birth control whilst taking it.

Topical Medications – A variety of topical medications may be prescribed to directly control and kill the Propionibacterium acnes (P-acnes) bacteria which most often cause acne. These medications help to reduce the infection in the pores and keep them from becoming clogged with bacteria. Oral antibiotics such as Clindamycin, Minocycline and Tetracycline are available by prescription only. Some are in topical forms including cream, lotion or gel. Please contact our clinic for more information on these medications.

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