Acne is one of the most common skin conditions worldwide. It’s a common side effect of puberty and other hormonal changes, and most of us have experienced a breakout at some point in our lives. Acne is not only uncomfortable and painful, it can put a dent in your self-esteem too.
Read on to find out what exactly causes this annoying condition and the best way to treat it:
What is Acne?
The skin produces oil, called sebum, from each tiny pore on the face. The oil is produced to keep the skin hydrated and to help carry dead skin cells through the pore to the surface where they are discarded. When these pores get clogged, acne appears. Pores can get clogged when the dead skin cells are not able to shed properly and instead get stuck in the pore. Another reason for acne is an overproduction of sebum, especially in times of stress or hormone changes. This is common during puberty, when changing birth control, when pregnant, and other times your hormones get out of whack. The more oil produced, the more easily the pores get clogged.
Bacteria feeds off this excess oil on your skin. This bacteria can multiply and excrete waste substances. When the body notices these substances, it has an inflammatory response, which results in painful red acne bumps, or pimples.
Types of Acne
There are three major kinds of acne:
Inflammatory acne is the kind that is painful, red spots, the usual picture when someone thinks of acne. It can leave scars.
Comedonal acne is often called whiteheads and blackheads. These signal an early clogged pore and can turn into inflammatory acne. Blackheads are open pores and often appear dark. You’re not seeing dirt, you’re seeing the oil reacting to air and turning black. Whiteheads are closed pores, prevented from opening due to a clogging of the pore.
Cystic acid is the most severe, and a sign of deep inflammation. It can also scar.
Treating Acne
Acne is relatively easy to treat. It all depends on the kind of acne and what works best for the particular skin type. Inflammatory acne can be treated with oil-controlling products and washing your face regularly. Products such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide or tea tree oil have been shown to be effective.
Treat and prevent comedonal acne by exfoliating regularly. This opens the pores and keeps them from getting clogged. Cystic acne is usually the more difficult type of acne to treat.
Why We Recommend Blue Light Therapy
For a more high-tech option, try light therapy for acne along with a cleansing routine.
Blue light therapy has been shown to treat moderate inflammatory acne.
The blue light used in this treatment kills the bacteria that causes acne, as it is sensitive to blue light. Once the bacteria is gone, acne will start to clear up. The heat can also help to shrink the pores.
The most effective way to get blue light treatment for acne is to visit a proper clinic, such as ours at Mederm Esthetics & Laser, for treatment, where we will be happy to talk you through the process and answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Please call or email Mederm Esthetics about Laser Hair Removal or to schedule your free consultation.
We Make Beautiful Skin Happen!
Watch your Diet
Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids can work wonders on the skin. This is because, omega-3s job is to keep the skin cells lubricated, which then contributes to a rejuvenated appearance. Examples of foods you can incorporate into your diet include salmon, kidney beans, olive oil, walnuts, and various others. Do your research! Adding foods rich with omega-3s will be beneficial to your overall health as well as your skin.