Severe Acne: Before and After
What is acne?
MM: Acne is the over production of oil which results in clogged pores and break outs often referred to as pimples, zits, whiteheads, blackheads, lesions or cysts.
Where do acne breakouts most commonly appear?
MM: On the face, neck, chest, back and shoulders.
In which age group is acne most common?
MM: Acne is more prominent in teens.
Do adults suffer from acne?
MM: Absolutely. Acne problems may afflict men and women in their 20’s and 30’s.
Who is more likely to be affected by acne?
MM: Usually, young men because their bodies tend to produce high levels of testosterone to promote growth which tends to over stimulate the oil glands to over produce oil which is one of the major causes of acne.
Young girls will present with breakouts usually before their menstrual cycles. However, those with more severe breakouts need to look into several key causes such as: PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome), heavy and painful periods which may indicate endometriosis. If you are a young girl who is over weight with heavy and painful periods and suffer from breakouts than your are more than likely suffering from a hormonal imbalance caused by some kind of a reproductive problem.
What are some common causes of acne?
MM: The etiology of acne is unknown. However, acne can result from several factors such an increase in hormone levels. In males testosterone or androgens. In females, androgens respectively. The increase in androgen levels can stimulate the oil glands to become enlarged and thus more oil production is produce. An increased oil production can clog the pores with oil or sebum ( white thick substance) which cause the cell walls of the pores in the skin to breakdown. This process allows bacteria to form and thus breakouts develop.
Genetics may also be a cause. It is a myth that greasy food or chocolate causes breakouts. However, using make-up sponges that are not changed or washed often can contaminate the pores with bacteria which may develop into acneic breakouts.
What is a pimple?
MM: Pimples present as a pus like lesion that is red and may be swollen. Pimples are formed by the cellular breakdown of the pores which allows bacteria to develop and cause the breakout.
What is a whitehead?
MM: A white like lesion filled with bacteria which is caused by clogged pores due to sebum production.
What is a blackhead?
MM: Presents with a dark like substance. Basically, it is bacteria that’s when exposed to air oxidizes.
What is a lesion?
MM: A nodule like large, solid and often painful pus filled cyst that is trapped beneath the skin.
Do over the counter acne products work in fighting acne?
MM: Most consumers go to their local drug store to look for over the counter products that are supposed to treat acne. The problem with these products is that they are mass produced and often they contain too little or too much of ingredients such as Benzoyl peroxide which either dries out the skin too much or does not yield any results.
How do I treat severe acne?
MM: In cases of individuals with severe acne you may need to go on medications prescribed by dermatologists. Popular medications such as Accutane may be prescribed to you. Accutane is usually a 6 month therapeutic treatment and we suggest that you look up the side effects as they can be severe.
What about men with acne and facial hair?
MM: When shaving men should do so carefully as to avoid nicking their breakouts.
Is it advisable to squeeze pimples or breakouts?
MM: No. Squeezing the pimples may cause infection because of the dirt on your hands.
How is nodular or cystic acne treated ( more severe acne)?
MM: This type of acne may require the treatment by a dermatologist who may prescribe medication to you. In most cases Accutane which is taken orally but also comes with some side effects. These side effects may be: depression, loss of appetite, delayed cognition, dryness, itching, muscle aches and liver dysfunction. YOU MUST GO IN TO HAVE BLOOD WORK DONE to test the liver function if your doctor prescribes Accutane to you.
Retin-A cream and anti-biotics may be prescribed as well.
What can I do to prevent or treat acne scarring?
MM: Early treatment is the best way to prevent acne scars. If you have already developed acne scarring you will probably need to undergo medical skin treatments such as microderamabrasion ( a process by which your skin in abraded), or laser treatments which are very aggressive so do your research before you opt for laser rejuvenation treatments.
Which treatments are offered at Bay Harbour Med Spa to help with acne?
MM: We offer a variety of different skin treatments offered depending on your individual needs and skin issues.
Some of these treatments are:
1. Deep cleansing facials and back cleansing treatments
2. Crystal Microdermabrasion ( gently and progressively abrades away layers of your skin and regenerating skin cell growth which can help reduce breakouts, enlarged pores and acne scarring)
3. A free consultation with our physician if it’s deemed that you need medications.
Please see attached photo for before and after pictures of our stellar medical grade Crystal Microdermabrasion treatments. Please note that for acne several or more treatments are necessary.
On behalf of myself and Bay Harbour Med Spa, we urge you to please call our clinic for a complementary ance screening/consultation. Please call: 305.864.3333.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
