Acne and Acne Scar Treatments

• PCA Peels
• Obagi Blue Radiance Peel
• VI Peel
• Cleansing Facial with Extractions
• Vitalaze Peel

Skin Care Products for Acne

• Obagi Clenziderm System
• Is Clinical Active Serum
• SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser
• Retin A
• Clarisonic Brush PRO

Acne Scars

Acne Scars, depending on the severity, can be address with Laser Skin Resurfacing, TCA based Chemical Peels, Clear and Brilliant Laser, Obagi Nu Derm System in combination with Retin A and Subdermal Fillers, such as Restylane or Radiesse.

For evaluation call us and schedule a complimentary consultation at (704) 295-9099.

Abou Acne

Acne is a skin condition that causes whiteheads, blackheads, and inflamed red growths (papules, pustules, and cysts) to form. These growths are commonly called pimples or "zits."

Acne occurs when tiny holes on the surface of the skin, called pores, become clogged.

• Each pore is an opening to a follicle, which contains a hair and an oil gland. These oil glands help lubricate the skin and help remove old skin cells.
• When glands produce too much oil, the pores can become blocked. Dirt, debris, bacteria, and inflammatory cells build up. The blockage is called a plug or comedone.
• The top of the plug may be white (whitehead) or dark (blackhead).
• If the plug breaks open, the material inside causes swelling and red bumps to form.
• If the inflammation is deep in your skin, the pimples may enlarge to form firm, painful cysts.

Acne is a problem of swelling and inflammation, not a problem caused by bacteria.

Acne is most common in teenagers, but it can happen at any age, even in an infant. Three out of four teenagers have some acne. Hormonal changes probably cause increased oil in the skin. However, people in their 30s and 40s may also have acne.

Acne tends to run in families and can be triggered by:

• Hormonal changes related to menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, or stress
• Greasy or oily cosmetic and hair products
• Certain drugs (such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin)
• High levels of humidity and sweating

Despite the popular belief that chocolate, nuts, and greasy foods cause acne, research does not confirm this idea. Diets high in refined sugars may be related to acne, though.

Acne commonly appears on the face and shoulders, but it may also occur on the trunk, arms, legs, and buttocks.

• Blackheads
• Crusting of skin bumps
• Cysts
• Papules (small red bumps)
• Pustules
• Redness around the skin eruptions
• Scarring of the skin
• Whiteheads

What NOT to do:

• Try not to squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples. Although it might be tempting to do this, it can lead to skin infections and scarring.
• Avoid wearing tight headbands, baseball caps, and other hats.
• Sanitize your home, office and cell phones regullary.
• Avoid touching your face with your hands or fingers.
• Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams. Take off make-up at night. Look for water-based or "noncomedogenic" formulas. Noncomedogenic products have been tested and proven not to clog pores and cause acne.

A small amount of sun exposure may improve acne a little, but mostly it just hides the acne. However, too much exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet rays is not recommended because it increases the risk for skin cancer.

People who have cystic acne and scarring may try a medicine called isotretinoin (Accutane). You will be watched closely when taking this medicine because of its side effects.

Pregnant women should NOT take Accutane, because it causes severe birth defects. Women taking Accutane must use two forms of birth control before starting the drug and enroll in the iPledge program. Your doctor will follow you on this drug and you will have regular blood tests.

Expectations

Acne usually goes away after the teenage years, but it may last into middle age. The condition often responds well to treatment after 6 - 8 weeks, but it may flare up from time to time.

Scarring may occur if severe acne is not treated. Some people, especially teenagers, can become very depressed if acne is not treated.

Treatments

• PCA Peels
• Obagi Blue Radiance Peel
• VI Peel
• Cleansing Facial with Extractions
• Vitalaze Peel

Skin Care Products for Acne

• Obagi Clenziderm System
• Is Clinical Active Serum
• Skin Sceutical Purifying Cleanser
• Retin A
• Clarisonic Brush PRO

Other Medicine

• Oral antibiotics (taken by mouth) such as tetracycline, doxycycline, minocycline, erythromycin, trimethoprim, amoxicillin and accutane
• Topical antibiotics (applied to the skin) such as clindamycin, erythromycin, or dapsone
• Retinoic acid cream or gel (tretinoin, Retin-A)
• Prescription formulas of benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid
• Topical azelaic acid
• A pill called spironolactone may help
• Birth control pills may help in some cases, though they may make acne worse

Source: A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia.

Helpful Links

• Cause of Acne
• Ance.org