Acne
Acne
Acne vulgaris is a disorder of the sebaceous gland, that results in plugged pores and outbreaks of lesions (zits, pimples, etc.). Acne is the most common skin disorder: 85% of the population between the ages 12-25 develop some level of acne. Acne typically appears on the face, neck, back, chest & shoulders and can carry a prominent social impact including: a toll on self esteem, relationships and careers; severe acne may result in disfiguring and permanent scarring.
What Causes Acne?
Hyper-keratanization – or excess shedding of skin cells into the hair shaft
Over production of sebum
Blocked pores
Oxygen-free environment
Propionibacterium becomes active (inflammation)
Inflammation breaks through the follicle walls, causing lesions on the skin’s surface
Two Types of Acne
Non-Inflammatory
Closed comedon (whitehead) stays under the skin, appears as whitish bump onskinb.
Open comedon (blackhead) reaches the skin and opens up.
Black discoloration –because of exposed keratin to oxygen
Inflammatory
Papules - small inflamed lesions which are pink and tender to the touch.
Pustules (pimples or zits) - inflamed, pus-filled lesions.
Nodules - large, painful solid lesions deep within the skin.
Cysts - deep, inflamed, puss-filled lesions that can cause pain and scarring
Treatment
The treatment of acne uses a combination approach. Implementing a medical grade skin care regime at home, is the first step.
medical grade skin care
This is the first line of defense against acne.
Focuses on stabilizing sebum production, skin cell turn over, reducing imflammation, and reestablishing healthy skin cell function.
Chemical Peels
Removes excess debris from the skin surface
Promotes skin cell turn over
Helps establish healthy skin barrier.
Typically a series of 3 peels, scheduled 3-4 weeks apart yields best results.
Best results are achieved when skin is prepared with home care regime.
Best results are maintained when coupled with home care regime.
IPL - Intense Pulsed Light
Targets and kills the bacteria trapped in the the skin.
Requires commitment. Treatments are scheduled 2 times per week for 8-10 weeks.
Requires commitment to home care regime to prepare skin and maintain results long term.