Acne and Acne ScarsWhat is Acne?Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory skin disease affecting 85%-100% of the population at some point in their lives. Acne vulgaris lesions are often called pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, or zits. The surface of the skin has many openings to a canal called a follicle. The follicle contains a hair and a sebaceous gland that produces oil. This oil gland helps remove old skin cells and keeps the skin lubricated. The back, face, and upper portion of the chest have many of these hair follicles and sebaceous glands. What causes Acne?
Often the area surrounding the hair follicle and the sebaceous gland become clogged with oil or dead skin cells causing a breakout or lesion. Other common causes of acne vulgaris are hormone fluctuations, over production of sebum (oil), P.acnes bacteria and in some cases, genetics. Hormone fluctuations can be related to puberty, menstrual periods, pregnancy or stress. At puberty, the number of bacteria on the skin surface increases causing active enzymes and inflammatory mediators which may contribute to the activity of acne. Treatments for Acne?
Try these helpful tips:· Clean your skin gently with a mild, non-drying soap (i.e. Clenziderm MD cleansing gel). Remove dirt or make-up. Wash once or twice a day, including after exercising or sweating. However, avoid excessive or repeated skin washing. · Shampoo your hair daily, especially if it's oily. Comb or pull your hair back to keep the hair out of your face. Avoid tight headbands. · Try not to squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub the pimples. Although it might be tempting to do this, it can lead to scarring and skin infections. · Avoid touching your face with your hands or fingers. · Avoid greasy cosmetics or creams. Look for water-based or "non-comedogenic" (will not clog pores) formulas. Take make-up off at night. If these steps do not clear up the blemishes to an acceptable level, try Clenziderm MD acne system or several procedures at Medical Spa of Midland such as Microdermabrasion/vibradermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser treatments. If the acne lesions are still a problem, Dr. Syed can prescribe medications and discuss other options with you such as a hormone evaluation. Laser Treatments for Active Acne :Medical Spa of Midland offers state of the art lasers to help treat your acne problems. Using an FDA cleared green laser, light is delivered through the skins surface triggering the bodies’ natural bacteria fighting defenses. These defenses kill the problem causing bacteria, significantly reducing the severity of current and future breakouts. Collagen is stimulated during the acne treatments resulting in improved acne scars in the treated area
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