The pores of our skin contain oil glands that supply moisture to our skin and hair. Sometimes pores become clogged by excess oil, dirt or bacteria. This results in a skin condition known as acne. Acne shows up as various types of bumps on the skin. The pores might take the form of a whitehead which is clogged and bulging outward, a blackhead which is an open pore with a dark surface, or a pimple which is an infection due to dead skin and bacteria forming in the opening.
Acne vulgaris is one of the world's most common skin conditions. It results from obstruction, bacterial colonization and inflammation of the sebaceous follicles. A prominent cause of acne is an abnormal amount of bacteria that results in inflammatory acne. Acne affects teens and between 85 & 100% of adolescents by the age of 24. Up to 50% of adults over 25 years of age also get acne. Acne can appear on the face, chest or back. If it's not treated, acne can leave life-long scars. Apart from physical discomfort, acne also has a significant psychological impact including lower self-esteem and self-confidence.
Several different conditions can cause acne. Hormonal imbalances, obstructed glands and pores as well as bacteria are the three most common causes. Another contributing factor is family history. If parents were prone to acne, their children are more likely to experience similar hormonal changes and thus are more likely to develop acne, especially in their teen years.
Although acne cannot be completely prevented, good hygiene can help control breakouts. We recommend that you wash your face at least twice a day and soon after any exercise to prevent excess oil formation. If you have oily hair, shampoo regularly since hair oils can also cause acne. In addition, avoid touching your face with your hands and keep your hair away from your face when sleeping.
Modifying your diet may be helpful in controlling acne. If your acne gets worse from eating high fat or oily food such as chocolates, nuts and peanut butter, try eliminating them from your diet. Avoiding prolonged sun exposure is key in controlling acne and other skin conditions. Be sure to wear a protective sunscreen at all times
when exposed to the sun. It is also important to exercise regularly and manage your stress level to help maintain hormonal balance.
Acne can be effectively treated using advanced light technology, oral prescriptions and topical medications as well as medical-grade chemical peels and slushes.
Using lasers and light technology in combination with Photo Dynamic Therapy (PDT) we can effectively target acne-causing bacteria without thermally affecting the surrounding tissues. Our FDA approved treatments are painless, easy and safe and can clear most moderate inflammatory acne in as little as eight sessions. Light treatment offers many benefits over other alternatives including a short treatment regimen that is non-invasive and has no side effects.
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Read more about Dr. Sire’s pioneering treatment for acne scars
Oral Isotretinoids like Accutane and Soltret are powerful oral prescription drugs for the treatment of severe acne. These drugs can take between four to five months before acne is completely cleared. These drugs are derivatives of Vitamin A, a natural substance found in our bloodstream that is easily absorbed. Accutane has many possible side effects, some of them serious, such as depression and the concern with long-term toxicity to bones and internal organs. It is not an option for pregnant women as it may cause birth defects.
A variety of topical medications may be prescribed to directly control and kill the Propionibacterium acnes (P-acnes) bacteria which most often cause acne. These medications help reduce the infection in the pores and keep them from becoming clogged with bacteria. Clindamycin, Erythomycin and Tetracycline are available by prescription only in different forms including cream, lotion or gel. Please contact our Center for more information on these medications.
This medical-grade chemical peel dramatically improves moisture retention and purifies the skin. The simple and effective Amino Acid peel is a two-step process that begins with a micro-exfoliating masque of acidified amino acid combined with a soothing clay, followed by a gentle exfoliating gel that removes cellular debris. This combination produces noticeable improvements in the appearance, texture and elasticity of the skin. Acidified amino acid, the principle ingredient, combines the visible anti-aging benefits of improved exfoliation and moisture retention with remarkably low levels of irritation. This peel is ideal for sun damage, acne and melasma conditions. For optimum results, a series of 6 treatments every two weeks is recommended.
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