ACNE
Simply put acne (a.k.a. zits, pimples, blackheads, whiteheads)
is the result of clogged pores. So how do the pores become
clogged? The guilty party is sebum, an oily substance in your
skin. The excessive production of sebum is linked to hormonal
changes, which is why acne is common in teenagers and
women (before their periods).
Everyone has P.acne bacteria (Propionibacterium acne) that
normally lives in the skin, but the excessive production of
sebum causes these bacteria to multiply inside the pores. The
result? Inflammation which can make a pimple feel hot and
swollen or look red or even infected.
Is it OK to Pop My Pimples?
NO! When you pop a zit or pimple you actually push the
infected material deeper into the skin which can lead to
worse inflammation and infection and increase your risk
of scarring.
What are Blackheads and Whiteheads?
There are Different types of acne:
| Blackhead |
Whitehead |
 |
|
A blackhead occurs when
a pore is clogged, but the
surface of the pore stays
open and you can see that
black color. Doctors call it
an "open comedone." |
A whitehead is what happens
when the surface of the pore
becomes closed. The oil and bacteria remain inside
creating a white or yellowish
pimple called a whitehead.
Doctors call this a "closed
cornedone" because the pore
is closed. a whitehead.
Doctors call this a "closed
cornedone" because the pore
is closed. |
FICTION! Actually, washing your skin
too frequently or too vigorously can
make your acne worse. If your skin is
too dry, it will react by producing
even more oil, making the pores
even more clogged and making
your acne worse. Skin care experts
suggest washing your skin once or
twice a day with a mild soap and patting
dry to avoid irritating the skin by rubbing
too hard. Also ask your dermatologist for other products
or treatments you can use.
FICTION! Believe it or not, there is no
connection between food and acne.
Scientists have tried to find a link
between acne breakouts and bad
diet but haven't found one. If you
think certain foods make your
acne worse, try to avoid eating
them. As we all know, a balanced
diet, with fruits, vegetables, and lots of water, will help you feel good anyway.
FACT AND FICTION! In some cases, stress
is related to hormonal levels, which
is linked to acne and acne flare ups. In reality, it is more likely that acne
causes more stress for you than your
stress causes acne. Studies show that
getting your acne under control will improve both the way you look and
the way you feel.
FICTION! While it is true that acne is
not a disease with a serious health
risk, it is still a medical condition. It can seriously damage our
skin and cause permanent
scarring, both physically and
emotionally. A serious result of acne is how it can negatively
affect our self esteem.
FICTION! While some people feel
that a tan or a tanning bed helps
improve acne, there is no scientific proof that this is true. In
fact, too much ultraviolet light
from the sun or a tanning bed
can irritate your skin even more.
Not to mention you are putting
yourself at risk for skin cancer or
premature aging, such as wrinkles and
pigmentation. And make sure to check with your doctor
before catching those rays: some acne treatments may
increase your sensitivity to light.
Why Does Acne Appear Mostly on The Face,
Chest and Back?
Acne is directly related to the sebaceous glands, the glands
that produce sebum. Our bodies have more sebaceous
glands on the face, neck, chest, back, and shoulders.
How Can I Get Rid of My Acne?
Everyone's acne is different. If you have tried over-the-counter products with little to no effect, it's time to
consult with a dermatologist who specializes in acne.
There are lots of different therapies available: prescription
creams/gels, oral medicines and even treatments offered
by dermatologists and skin care professionals. Our
recommendation for acne is Isolaz treatments. Acne
sufferers have seen an 88% clearance rate in their acne
with Isolaz treatments.*
What Can I Do about Acne Scars?
It's important to treat your active acne before treating any
scars you may have. Many treatments for acne scarring can
actually trigger an acne breakout in some patients. There
are several effective treatments for scarring and your
dermatologist can help you to decide what is best for you.
Treatments include the use of lasers, like Fraxell!Jtreatments,
chemical peels, microdermabrasion or a combination of all
of them.
Should I Just Wait for my Acne to Clear by itself?
The truth is, most acne will clear up eventually, but there's
no reason why you have to just "live" with acne or suffer the
emotional toll of dealing with it or even potentially get
permanent scars because you didn't act soon enough. There
are several options available today that can help you get rid
of your acne. If you have tried over-the-counter products
and your acne is not improving, ask your dermatologist.
Take control of your acne and find out if an Isolaz
treatment is right for you! Contact us and book a consultation with one of our LHW Physicians.