Acne vulgaris, or acne, is a common skin condition that affects teens and adults of all ages. Contrary to popular acne myths, it isn't caused by poor hygiene or eating chocolate and greasy foods, and it isn't a skin problem that people must suffer through and allow to simply "run its course." Acne is treatable, and a variety of treatment options exist.
Regular medical cleanse treatments are the first line of defense against regular breakouts. Each client will receive a custom program designed to address his or her specific type of acne. It doesn't matter if you have the occasional pimple or cystic acne, we can develop a program that will result in clear, beautiful skin.
Types of Acne
Acne is divided into the following types based on its characteristics:
- Comedones
- Pustules
- Papules
- Cysts or nodules
Comedones may be open (blackheads) or closed (whiteheads). Blackheads occur when hair follicles are partially blocked by oil, bacteria and dead skin cells and typically take much longer to clear. They appear black in color not because of dirt, but because skin cell pigment reacts when exposed to oxygen and takes on a black color. Whiteheads occur when pores are completely blocked. They also resolve more quickly than blackheads and have a white surface.
Pustules, commonly referred to as pimples or zits, are inflamed lesions that occur as the result of clogged pores. Papules, like pustules, are also inflamed, red and tender but do not have a head.
Cystic acne, or acne nodules, characterize a more severe form of acne and appear as large, painful bumps under the skin's surface. Nodules frequently cause acne scarring.
Acne vulgaris may sometimes be confused with acne rosacea, however this is a different skin condition that usually requires different treatment.
Acne Causes
All types of acne occur when pores, or hair follicles, in the face, neck, chest or back become clogged with excess oil, dead skin cells or built up bacteria. Some people may have naturally oilier skin and be genetically predisposed to acne, while others experience greater exposure to bacteria that causes acne.
Hormones certainly affect the skin and may also lead to the development of acne. The onset of puberty, pregnancy, menstruation and hormonal birth control methods may trigger acne breakouts. Some skin care product ingredients and possibly even dietary factors, such as intake of dairy products and high-starch foods, may promote acne as well.
Acne Treatment & Prevention
The right acne treatment or combination of treatments is chosen based on a variety of factors, including the type and severity of the acne, as well as the face or body area and characteristics of the skin affected by acne.
Some of the most popular and effective acne treatment options include:
- Oral medications - Isotretinoin (Accutane or Roaccutane) and oral antibiotics (tetracycline, doxycycline, clindamycin and erythromycin)
- Topical medications - Retinoids (Differin Gel and Retin-A), topical antibiotics (clindamycin and erythromycin), salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide
- LED treatment using red and blue light therapy
The addition of acne peels, masks and light treatments such as the Omnilux, can be very effective. Blue light therapy is a breakthrough treatment that uses a blue light source to effectively treat acne. Recently approved by the FDA, blue light therapy is ideal for both teens and adults.
These acne treatments are quick, painless and noninvasive, and there is no downtime or side effects. Most moderate inflammatory acne can be cleared in as few as eight 20-minute sessions. Results are further improved when you add our acne clearing cleansers and lotions for use at home.
Once your active acne breakouts are successfully treated, additional acne scar and hyperpigmentation treatments may be performed to further improve the appearance of your skin. This may include laser resurfacing procedures, such as Fraxel Laser or SmartXide DOT Resurfacing.
Would you like to learn more about Acne Treatment? Call 212-772-7242 to schedule a consultation at Sadick Dermatology.
