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Acne

Acne - without a doubt - is a teenager's most despised problem. Pimples, cysts, blackheads and whiteheads can ravage a young person's skin and destroy self-esteem. The best time to begin acne treatment is as soon as it becomes evident. Acne usually worsens if untreated. Prevention and control is preferred - before acne has had a chance to take over and cause scarring and psychological damage.

Acne is not just a teen's disease. Many adults well into their 30's, 40's and even 50's still suffer from outbreaks. It is never a good idea to "wait" for acne to go away. In some instances, irreversible scarring takes place which becomes costly to even improve.

Here are some recomendations of how to treat acne:

  1. Very mild acne: They can often be treated successfully with non-prescription acne-fighting preparations and special cleansers. Because acne skin is sensitive skin, it is important to use products that don't irritate your skin much. We will recommend certain acne-formulation cleansers, moisturizers, spot treatments and sunscreens for acne-affected skin.ers, spot treatments and sunscreens for acne-affected skin.
  2. Mild to Mid-Moderate acne: They may need additional treatment resources such as oral and/or topical antibiotics, or Light Therapy. Blue or Red Light therapy kills the acne bacteria, decreases oil production, and can keep your skin acne-free for long periods of time following initial treatment series.
  3. Moderate to Severe acne: They may not respond to normal measures and in some cases they are resistant to antibiotics. Isotretinoin (Accutane) remains the most effective treatment for severe acne or acne that does not respond to other treatments. It is critical that women of child-bearing age do not get pregnant while taking isotretinoin because of the serious risk of birth defects. If acne scarring has appeared, resurfacing laser, chemical peels and collagen injections can help smoothen and refine the texture of your skin.

Why do I get acne?

Acne develops when the hair follicles become clogged and a bacteria called P. Acnes overgrows. In people who have acne, skin cells don't slough off at a normal rate. This slow turnover rate allows pores to become clogged with oils including the natural oil produced by sebaceous glands. P. Acnes grows quickly when no oxygen is present. If nothing interferes with the growth of this bacteria, a pimple, a nodule or even cyst forms.

What acne treatments are best for me?

There are several options available for acne treatment. The best option in each case depends on many factors: your age, gender, severity of your acne, and duration of acne. For mild to moderate acne, many dermatologists will start with a combination of a topical cream or gel containing either a retinoid or benzoyl peroxide along with a topical antibiotic. For more inflammatory acne, an oral antibiotic may be added. For more severe cases of acne, women may be placed on birth control pills or spironolactone, a water pill which also blocks male hormones. Severe cases of acne may be treated with the drug isotretinoin, which is very effective. However, side effects and blood abnormalities must be monitored monthly and requires registration with the FDA to obtain a prescription. There are also various types of light or photodynamic therapies available.

Will my acne ever go away?

Most often, acne will go away on its own at the end of puberty, but some people still struggle with acne in adulthood. Almost all acne can be successfully treated, however. It's a matter of finding the right treatment for you.

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