Here are some of the basics to know before starting your acne management journey with us at Flawless Rejuvenation.
Acne or Acne Vulgaris is the most common of all skin diseases most often affecting the face, neck, chest, and back. Although it is often associated with teenagers and puberty, it can affect persons of all ages, ethnicity, and gender.
All types of acne start from a blockage and can involve inflammation to some degree, some more so than others and are therefore classed into Non-inflammatory and Inflammatory types. Acne occurs due to oil and dead skin cells becoming trapped within enlarged oil glands (pores or hair follicles) creating plugs called Comedones, commonly known as whiteheads or blackheads. Comedonal acne or low-grade acne looks like little white lumps and bumps on the skin & blackheads.
Comedones progress to inflammatory acne as bacteria which generally live in the skin begin to feed on all those clogged skin cells, and oil builds up causing the area to become inflamed or swollen, and these are what most people refer to as ‘pimples’ or ‘zits.’
Papules – red, swollen under the skin and Pustules – red, inflamed pus-filled lesions are what are most commonly seen, rupturing or breaking (from picking, scratching or squeezing) and spilling the clogged contents into the surrounding skin (on the surface or below which you cannot see) can cause further swelling and spread the bacteria worsening the condition .
Factors which promote acne include a complex mix of:
- Hormones or Hormonal Disorders, i.e. PCOS
- Genetics
- Medications
- Stress
- Dietary factors
- Incorrect skincare use
Although people of all ages can be affected puberty however is the most common time for this disease to be problematic, due to the increase of hormones which stimulate enlarged oil glands and increased oil production.
MANAGEMENT
In treating acne, our goal is preventing further outbreaks and long term scarring, reducing the overall appearance and breaking the cycle of the formation.
All cases of acne are treatable; however, no single treatment works for everyone. Many contributing factors need to be taken into consideration including age, skin type, lifestyle, diet, existing as the type of acne present, the causes and any co-existing conditions which is best dealt with case by case starting with a complimentary consultation at one of our clinics.
If you experience low-grade acne, congestion or a couple of pimples at a time, then an appropriate skin care routine and light in clinic treatments will lead you on the path to control.
For some, skincare alone is not enough and for some medical intervention as well as a tailored treatment plan is required.
Book your consultation today at Flawless Rejuvenation.
Treatment options may include:
- Appropriate skin care
- Chemical skin peels
- Hydrafacials
- Lifestyle advice
- Oral medication
- Light Therapy – LED
- Topical medication