Dermatologist Dr. Marcy Street: Straight Talk on Acne Treatment

Dec. 22, 2009 - PRLog -- Acne is Ageless

Whatever your age, you may be plagued with blemishes, pimples, or zits. It really is frustrating and difficult to cover up, even with the best of make ups. And what about men whose skin is aggravated by daily shaving, but who are required to be clean shaven for work? Razor bumps, blackheads and whiteheads, and red spots are all part of acne. I am here to tell you what causes it, and how to prevent and treat it.

Causes of Acne

Acne vulgaris, most commonly known as acne, affects most preteens and teenagers, but usually gets better after puberty. Symptoms can be mild with a few stubborn pimples, or may be severe with painful cysts. Acne can be hereditary and run in families.

The hormonal changes that occur during and shortly after puberty, as well as later adult years, can make acne more common during these times because our skin may become more oily. Many people experience adult onset acne, which may be stress related. Dead cells accumulate on the surface of the skin when we don’t clean the face well and pores become clogged. Bacteria become trapped in this clogged pore and swelling, redness and a blemish form. Skin products that are not oil free may also clog the pores. Although chocolate and greasy foods are not a cause of acne, a healthier diet full of fruits and vegetables can reduce symptoms. The great news is that there are many effective home routines and other treatments to keep this facial craziness under control.

Preventing Acne

Yes, we have to accept what our parents give us; the good, the bad and the ugly! However, there is still a lot we can do.

Faithfully and gently wash your skin daily.  Be careful not to be overly zealous and strip the skin of all natural oils. If you do, the skin will begin a cycle of producing more oil to compensate for you removing it all with too frequent washings or using cleansers that are not gentle.

Avoid getting perspiration on your facial skin. Wear a fashionable headband or scarf to absorb sweat when you work out, then wash your face immediately.

Always remove your make up before going to bed at night. Keep your hair clean and style it off the face whenever possible.  Avoid petroleum based hair products and harsh chemicals.  And finally, use oil free moisturizers and sunscreens in acne prone areas.

Treating Acne

Avoid skin products that clog your pores.  Gently exfoliate your face with a good cleanser and invest in good skin brush.  The Clarisonic Skin Care Brush (often recognized as the “best way to clean the face”) works with your skin’s natural elasticity to gently and effectively cleanse using sonic frequency to produce over 300 movements per second, and invigorates and stimulates your skin by improving circulation.

Look for oil-free moisturizers and sunscreens. Products should be suitable for acne, oily and normal combination skin that can occasionally get blemishes too. Along with a good cleanser, try other over the counter treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide, and salicylic and glycolic acids. These reliable ingredients have been proven to work on mild acne, and can be found in our own Doctor’s Approach Alpha Beta gel.

If this does not do the job, see your doctor or visit our acne clinic at Doctor’s Approach. (We offer late afternoon and early evening appointments to accommodate your busy schedule.) More intensive action may be called for, using antibiotics, hormone regulators, Accutane (synthetic vitamin A), or microdermabrasion treatments.  Take advantage of the many in-office acne treatments that will improve your pores and the overall texture and tone of your skin, and will detoxify and prevent scaring.

To learn more, visit Doctor's Approach on the web at http://daderm.com/Default.aspx?tabid=61.

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About Doctor’s Approach Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center: Doctor’s Approach is a full-service medical and surgical dermatology clinic with a cosmetic medical spa. Our dermatology practice has been well established and respected for over 15 years, with patients visiting from all over the Midwest region. Our mission is to provide the best in cutting edge, comprehensive care and services in a relaxing and nurturing environment. Visit us on the web at http://daderm.com/.