The 411 on Acne: Causes, Treatments and Quick Tips
For many individuals that suffer from acne, it can seem like a never-ending battle to take control of their skin. There are many different types of acne and even more potential causes. Although acne is not considered a serious health threat, if left untreated it can cause permanent scars as well as low self-esteem. Let’s avoid both those things!
What is Acne?
Acne is a skin condition that affects the oil glands of the skin. Each of the pores in your skin connects to oil glands that produce an oily substance called sebum. When the hair follicle of these pores clogs, a pimple is formed.
Acne can occur on many different parts of the body, including the back, face, chest, shoulders and neck. The location of your acne can clue in your dermatologist to the cause of your acne.
What Are the Different Acne Types?
To select the treatment option that best benefits your skin, it is important to understand the type of acne you are experiencing. There are various types of acne that can affect individuals of all genders, race and ages. Here are some of the different types of acne:
Blackheads
Whiteheads
Papules
Nodules
Pustules
Cysts
Acne Mechanica (maskne!)
Hormonal acne
Luckily, no matter what acne type you suffer from, there is a solution that will work for you!
Are some people more likely to get acne?
Nearly everyone develops at least a few breakouts during their lifetime, especially in teenage years. If one or both of your parents (or other close blood relatives) had severe acne that left them with acne scars, you might be at a higher risk for getting severe acne.
The good news is that you don’t have to live with acne. Today, virtually every case of acne can be treated successfully. Sometimes, this requires the help of a board-certified dermatologist.
Tips for Managing Acne
Wash twice a day and after sweating
Use your fingertips to apply a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser
Be gentle with your skin. Use gentle products, such as those that are alcohol-free. Do not use products that irritate your skin, which may include astringents, toners and exfoliants.
Scrubbing your skin can make acne worse.
Rinse with lukewarm water
Shampoo regularly. If you have oily hair, shampoo daily.
Let your skin heal naturally. If you pick, pop, or squeeze your acne, your skin will take longer to clear and you increase the risk of getting acne scars.
Keep your hands off your face. Touching your skin throughout the day can cause flare-ups.
Stay out of the sun and tanning beds. Tanning damages your skin.
Consult a dermatologist if:
Your acne makes you shy or embarrassed.
The products you've tried have not worked.
Your acne is leaving scars or darkening your skin.
How do dermatologists treat acne?
The acne treatment plan that’s right for you depends on many considerations, including:
What type of acne (i.e., blackheads, pimples, etc.) you have
Where the acne appears on your skin
What treatments you’ve already tried
When the breakouts started
Your age
Whether the acne has left you with dark spots or scars
While a treatment plan can vary from one patient to the next, treatment often follows these guidelines.
Whiteheads, blackheads, or both: If you have these breakouts, you’ll likely apply acne medication to your skin. Your treatment plan may include one of the following:
A retinoid
A retinoid + benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or salicylic acid
Benzoyl peroxide + an antibiotic you apply to your skin
Pimples: Mild or moderate pimples can be treated with medication you apply to your skin. Treatment will often consist of applying one of the following:
Benzoyl peroxide
A Retinoid
Azelaic acid
Benzoyl peroxide + a retinoid or an antibiotic you apply to your skin
Women who continue to get breakouts may need medication, such as a birth control pill that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved to treat acne. The birth control patch may also be effective, as can some other medications.
Acne nodules and cysts: If you have deep, painful acne that often leaves a permanent acne scar, effective treatment can help you see clearer skin and prevent new scars.
Treatment may consist of:
Prescription medication that you apply to your skin + taking an antibiotic
Hormonal therapy (women only)
Isotretinoin (medication approved to treat severe acne)
Sometimes acne needs extra help
To help you get the best possible results from treatment, your dermatologist may also recommend adding one of the following to your treatment plan.
Laser or light therapy: Studies show that laser and light devices can help to clear acne. This type of treatment works best when combined with other acne treatments.
A corticosteroid injection: If you have a large, extremely painful and deep acne breakout, a dermatologist can inject it with a corticosteroid. This can rapidly relieve the pain and the size of the breakout. While effective, this treatment is reserved for treating a few severe acne breakouts. Using it more than a few times can cause side effects.
A healthy diet: Findings from small studies suggest that following a low-glycemic diet may reduce the amount of acne you have. Low-glycemic foods include most fresh vegetables, some fresh fruits, beans, and steel-cut oats.
Why Choose Advanced Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine for Acne Treatments?
The most effective acne treatment methods work in conjunction with your unique skin and acne type. Coaching our clients on how to use safe products correctly is what we excel at. If you are ready to get your acne under control, we can create a customized treatment plan and work together to clear your skin!
In honor of Acne Awareness month, we are offering:
10% off our alpha beta pads- the first line in medical grade defense and treatment of acne! Use code ACNE10
Check out our photofacials, a laser treatment safe for all skin types to kill acne causing bacteria in your oil glands and create a glow. No downtime.
We use the Aerolase system which was called the Best Laser Facial in Cosmopolitan's Holy Grail Beauty Awards.
$150/ per treatment of $405 for a package of 3!
Email us to schedule your treatment today! info@advanceddermchi.com