Acne is one of the most common skin conditions and often causes insecurities and embarrassment. Luckily, now there are many great treatments available depending on the severity of the acne.
COMPREHENSIVE ACNE TREATMENT IN NORTHRIDGE AND BURBANK
WHAT IS IT?
Acne is caused by several factors that usually work together to cause whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules and cysts. Large acne lesions may lead to permanent scarring, so it is important to get treated as soon as possible. Visit Skin & Beauty Center in Northridge, Burbank, Glendale, Santa Clarita, Verdugo Hills, or West Hills, CA. Schedule a consultation today.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
- Hormones:Â Acne usually begins at puberty, when the body begins to produce hormones called androgens. These hormones cause the sebaceous glands (oil glands) to enlarge. In those with acne, the sebaceous glands are over stimulated and create extra sebum.
- Excess Sebum:Â Sebum (oil) is a normal occurrence in the skin. However, the presence of extra sebum from the sebaceous glands mixes with dead skin cells and causes a clogging of the hair follicle. The extra oil also allows for growth of bacteria in the pores.
- Bacteria: The bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) are found in everyone’s skin. It overgrows in the presence of excess sebum and creates inflammation in the follicle and surrounding skin.
- Inflammation: This is caused by your body’s defense mechanism. It is able to sense the extra bacteria and the immune system activates an army of white blood cells to attack the bacteria. This is what causes acne to become red and swollen. If there is a lot of inflammation in the follicle, it will rupture underneath the skin and cause an acne cyst – a swollen tender nodule deep within the skin.
WHO DOES IT AFFECT?
It is most prevalent in those in their teens and 20’s, but it can affect babies and adults as well. It is not uncommon for women to develop acne in their late 30s-40s.
WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT?
There are many different forms of treatment, depending on the type and severity of your acne. Harsh scrubbing of the skin is dangerous and your body will continue to produce more oil, so scrubbing is of no benefit. Treatment generally consists of topical or oral medications, chemical peels, acne extractions and intralesional cortisone injections. Lasers treatments may also be of benefit. Finding the right treatment regime for your skin and lifestyle is important since your skin is unique. Being consistent with medications is extremely important, and it is necessary to remember that some medications will take up to 8 weeks to begin working, so improvement will not be immediate and you need to continue using the prescribed treatment even if you feel it is not working.
WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT MY SCARS?
Acne scars are an ugly reminder of the embarrassment suffered from acne, and they can have a major emotional impact on our lives. Luckily, there are ways to improve or eliminate the scars. Chemical peels, bleaching agents, lasers such as the Mixto resurfacing laser, intense pulsed light, and V-beam are all ways to greatly reduce the discoloration and skin depressions left from acne. Occasionally, we need to surgically remove a scar, in which case you are left with a small flat scar, usually barely noticeable, instead of a deep hole in your skin. In most cases we can significantly improve the appearance of your scars through one of these modalities.
Microneedling vs. Microdermabrasion for Acne Scars
Microneedling and microdermabrasion are popular cosmetic treatments for good reason. Both have the ability to improve a variety of skin conditions, including acne scars. However, there are some differences between the two.
Microdermabrasion exfoliates your skin with tiny crystals. These slough off dead cells making way for healthy, vibrant remodeling. Microdermabrasion is effective on light scarring and discoloration. If you have mild pitting and hyperpigmentation, this treatment could fade your acne scars. It can also help reduce blackheads and whiteheads.
Microneedling works more deeply. This minimally invasive treatment uses tiny needles to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the dermis. If your acne scars are moderate to severe, you’ll likely benefit more from microneedling than microdermabrasion. As a bonus, microneedling can reduce fine lines and wrinkles and fade pigmentation issues for an overall glow.Â
If you have acne scars, both treatments will likely improve their appearance, but the best option for you will depend on your level of scarring and skin sensitivity. Our providers can give you a better idea of the results you can expect from each at a skincare consultation.Â
Can Dermal Fillers Help With Acne Scars?
If you have a few pitted scars that you want to quickly smooth away, dermal fillers offer an effective but temporary solution. Our providers can inject filler directly into the pitted area to even out your skin texture. However, filler results aren’t permanent, so it’s best to combine this treatment with options like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, or microneedling to promote lasting remodeling.
Are Facials Good for Acne?
Facials can be an excellent addition to your acne-fighting skincare routine, especially when performed by one of our experienced and highly skilled aestheticians. Skin & Beauty Center offers several facial options geared towards different skin types, but our providers always take your unique situation into consideration.
Our custom facial is a great place to start. We use medical-grade products selected for your unique skin concerns, and create a home treatment plan so you can maintain a radiant complexion at home.
If you want to banish blemishes, our acne-clearing facial could be the right option for you. Our aestheticians will cleanse and exfoliate your skin to slough away dead skin cells and unclog pores with professional extractions. If you’re tempted to pop pimples at home, get this facial instead. Our providers are trained to safely express blemishes without scarring your skin.
An LED light facial is also highly beneficial for acne since the wavelengths can eliminate acne-causing bacteria. LED light is available as an add-on to our other facial services as well as microdermabrasion and microcurrent treatments. Our aestheticians can make the best recommendations for your skin type at your appointment.
How Do You Get Rid of Body Acne?
Many people who have facial acne also struggle with acne on their chest or back. Our dermatologists can determine if your body blemishes are acne or folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles) and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Body acne can usually be treated with topical products like a benzoyl peroxide body wash or adapalene gel like Differin. Wearing loose-fitting clothing in natural fibers can also help reduce irritation. For particularly stubborn body acne, your provider may prescribe a topical or oral antibiotic. At Skin & Beauty Center, we also offer a back and chest facial to clear up clogged pores and ingrown hair.
