Top Myths About Acne
- Acne goes away after high school.
- Once acne is cleared you can stop all your medications.
- Acne scars are caused by picking.
- Spot treating acne pimples is the best way to clear skin.
Acne vulgaris affects 80% of the population at some time in their lives. Also known as pimples or zits, it is caused by oil production, plugged pores, and a bacteria that causes inflammation called p.acnes. It is aggravated by hormonal changes, stress, and changes in weather. There are several forms of acne including comedonal acne (black heads and white heads), inflammatory acne (the pink bumps) and nodular acne (large cysts which often scar). Uncontrolled acne can lead to permanent scarring,which is very difficult to treat. Sometimes acne improves with age, but not always. Many people who did not have acne as a teenager can develop it in adulthood as well.
There are several ways to get clear skin. Firstly, the pores need to be unplugged. this is usually done with vitamin A creams and gels, known as retinoids. The vitamin A is used once a day, usually at night time, to unplug pores and reduce red bumps. Glycolic acid cleansers and lotions, such as IS Clinical Cleanser, Glytone Lotion, and Vivite Day Lotion can help to clear plugged pores and fade away pink spots that are left over. SilkPeel Microdermabrasions and PCA chemical peels can also lift off dead skin cells, and unplug pores. Secondly, the bacteria causing the inflammation needs to be treated. Several medicines can kill off bacteria, such as benzoyl peroxides and antibiotics. A special Blue Light Treatment can also kill off the acne causing bacteria and can be done in the Dermatologist’s office. Thirdly, curbing oil production is sometimes necessary. There are pills and topical gels which help to reduce the oil production on the skin.
Dark or pink marks left over after acne can be lightened by SilkPeel Microdermabrasion treatments or PCA peels. These treatments are done on a monthly basis, as the skin cycling process is about 28 days. Most patients can have clear skin in 5-6 months and maintain with a daily topical treatment.
