Acne
Social withdrawal - Decreased self-esteem
- Poor body image
- Embarrassment
- Reduced self-confidence
- Feelings of depression
- Anger
- Preoccupation
- Frustration
- Higher rate of unemployment
These negative psychosocial effects can have a crippling impact, discouraging sufferers from pursuing life's opportunities.
Acne is not a result of poor hygiene. It is most often caused by hormones that regulate sebum production and skin cell turnover. Another contributing factor is family history of acne, ie. genetic makeup.
Acne can begin at any age but typically shows up during puberty when hormones begin to surge. Nearly 85% of those aged 14 to 24 deal with some level of acne, even if it is only an occasional blemish. Unfortunately, some men and women continue to battle acne well into their adult lives. This is true moreso for women than men.
Acne has been considered a normal part of puberty but few should suffer with acne with today's treatment options. It is especially important to seek treatment to avoid the long term ramifications like scarring.
Acne is a chronic disorder than cannot be cured, but it can usually be controlled with proper care and treatment. No single treatment works for everyone. Each person must be treated individually. The solutions are customized and starts with a thorough assessment and patient education. Fortunately, there are many different treatment options now available.
Acne treatments offered at DermaRenew
- Medical grade skin care products designed specifically for acne.
These products are sold only through a physician’s office. - Prescriptive topical agents including vitamin A derivatives called retinoids.
- Prescriptive topical and oral antibiotics
- Extraction of "blackheads"
- Microdermabrasion and Chemical Peels to increase cell turnover and cleanse pores.
- Prescriptive medications that influence hormonal balance such as birth control pills and spironolactone.
- Photodynamic Therapy
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Acne is not due to poor hygiene. Scrubbing or over-washing can worsen the condition and contribute to scarring. Gently cleansing twice a day using your hands. Thoroughly rinse with warm water.
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Use a fresh, clean washcloth to pat dry, not rub, after each cleanse. Damp washcloths can harbor bacteria.
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Over drying and traumatizing the skin with harsh astringents, after-shaves containing alcohol, granular scrubs, &/or abrasive sponges can worsen the condition. Over drying the skin tells the body to make more oil.
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Spot treating will not work. The whole face and affected areas should be treated on a daily basis to prevent new blemishes from forming.
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Avoid oily or heavy makeup. High quality mineral makeup is antiseptic and has anti-inflammatory properties. Chemical makeups can change the cells within the follicle and make them stick together. The follicle then becomes plugged.
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Clean makeup brushes frequently.
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Pomade or hair gels can cause forehead acne.
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Friction from tight straps or hats can cause acne on the areas being rubbed.
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Acne is not passed from one person to another. The bacteria are found in the hair follicles below the skin. However, I recommend changing your pillowcase every few nights.
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Some medications are known to exacerbate acne.
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Intense exercise heats up the body and causes sweating. This can worsen acne in some people. Shower after working out. If unable to shower, gently wash the face or wipe with a toner.
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DO NOT pick at blemishes. Picking or “popping” will burst the gland’s wall causing inflammation and potential scarring.
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Benzoyl peroxide can stain dark fabrics.
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Acne is caused by a combination of excessive oil production, dead skin cell buildup and a form of bacteria called p. acne.
Initial consultations are FREE, so you have nothing to loose except your acne!!
715.355.1616