Getting at the Root of Acne (pimples)
Acne and pimple treatments have come a long way in recent years, treating acne successfully is easier once it is better understood. Approximately 90% of all adolescents and 25% of all adults experience acne at some point in their lives. Acne, (or pimples) are further affected by eating chocolate, greasy foods or bad hygiene. It is caused by simply growing up — puberty and pimples seem to go hand in hand.
Both the male and female get acne in fairly equal numbers. Younger males are more prone to severe, longer-lasting forms of the skin condition. Many females can suffer from "hormonal acne" — their outbreaks are tied to the hormonal changes related to their menstrual cycle. While hormonal acne typically starts between the ages of 20-25, it can strike teenagers as well. Hormonal acne is sometimes persistent in women over the age of 30.
Acne is a common, chronic skin condition caused by inflammation of oil-producing sebaceous glands. Acne problems usually begin between the ages of ten and thirteen, and can persist for five to ten years. Acne and pimple breakouts are very common on the face, but can also occur on the neck, chest, back, shoulders, upper arms and legs, as well as the scalp.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to treat. Traditional therapies have a variety of side effects and sometimes require months to work, if they work at all. Topical creams and lotions have been known to cause redness and irritation. Oral antibiotics can cause stomach upset, light sensitivity and yeast infections in women, and recent studies indicate about 40% of skin bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics, making them a doubtful ally in the fight against skin breakouts. While hardly life threatening, acne can leave life-long emotional and physical scars — a reminder of the embarrassment and self-consciousness that comes with the pimples.
In the United States, more than $1.4 billon is spent on acne treatments and medications each year. In many instances, the money spent yields less than satisfactory results and can even cause bothersome or dangerous side effects. Prescription medications, such as antibiotics, require at least three months of continuous treatment before any improvement can be expected. Often, a second, third or fourth cycle of therapy is needed.
Solution: IPL Acne Therapy
IPL Acne Therapy is an effective new light-based therapeutic therapy is now revolutionizing the treatment of acne. The IPL Acne Therapy destroys the most common bacteria that cause acne — without drugs, without pain and without downtime. The IPL system has FDA clearance for the treatment of acne.
IPL, “Intense Pulse Light” is one of the safest acne treatments available…proven to be extremely effective on moderate inflammatory acne. Its technology uses light that is UV-safe and has no known side effects. Pregnant women and people with photosensitivity should first consult with their physician.
Our clinics are ready to assist you in a successful acne treatment regimen. Contact our friendly professionals for your personal and confidential appointment today!
What Is Acne? Can we help?
Acne most commonly develops when skin cells don't shed properly - the cells stick together and plug up the pores. This blockage encourages an oil called sebum and a bacteria called propionibacterium (P. acnes) to build up in the skin pores, leading to inflammation. The oil is produced by the sebaceous glands.
Where It Starts
An acne breakout starts in the skin's tiny holes, commonly called pores. It takes about two to three weeks before a blemish shows up on the skin's surface. Deep within each pore is a sebaceous gland that works to produce sebum, an oil that keeps skin soft and moist. As the skin renews itself, old skin cells die and are shed off. Under the best circumstances, this happens evenly and gradually, making way for fresh new skin. But some people shed skin unevenly and as a result, dead cells mix with sebum and clump together to form a sticky plug. This plug traps oil and bacteria inside the pore — the beginning of a blemish. During puberty, hormones accelerate oil-producing sebaceous glands into hyperdrive, putting teen skin at particular risk for acne.
What not to do:
- Don't over wash or use harsh scrubs. Acne is not caused by dirt.
- Don't use alcohol-based products. Alcohol strips the top layer of the skin and many astringents contain alcohol which can cause dryness and irritation.
- Beware of sweat. Working out heats up the body, and perspiration makes the skin an even more attractive environment for acne bacteria to grow.
- Don't squeeze or pick. It's important to adopt a strict "hands off" policy when it comes to acne. Picking can lead to more inflammation and permanent scarring.
- Don't let acne define you. Remember that who you are goes beyond the condition of your skin.
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