Take Charge of Your Health - Care For The Skin We Are In

Beautiful skin requires commitment not a miracle!
-Erno Laslow

Our skin is our largest organ - so proper skin care should be a priority for everyone. It is important to pay attention to our skin, just like we do our cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive systems.

Acne, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, is the most common skin disorder in the United States affecting 40 to 50 million people of all ages; yet only 10% of acne sufferers ever seek professional help. Whether a teen or an adult, acne can impact our health physically and mentally. It can cause pain, scaring, and affect self-image and self-esteem.
 
Acne occurs when oil and bacteria get trapped in a pore. Acne usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and/or shoulders because these areas of our body have the most oil glands. The signs of acne vary and include: whiteheads (closed plugged pores); blackheads (open plugged pores); small red bumps called papules; pimples called pustules, which are papules with pus at their tips; nodules which are large, solid lumps under the skin; and cystic lesions which are pus-filled lumps under the skin and can cause scarring.

While acne is commonly associated with the teenage years and puberty, acne is also found in adults, especially women ages 25 years+ due to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels. In addition to hormone changes that cause the overproduction of sebum (an oily substance created by glands in our skin), triggers to acne can involve: Medications such as those containing corticosteroids, testosterone or lithium; diet -- certain foods can cause inflammation in our skin; stress; and even exercise which stimulates our sweat glands. That’s why it is important to shower after strenuous activity.

If you are experiencing acne, it is best to see a dermatologist. This specialist will evaluate your skin and may suggest topical and/or oral medications such as:

• Benzoyl peroxide which targets surface bacteria

• Salicylic acid which dissolves dead skin cells to prevent your pores and hair follicles from clogging

• Azelaic acid which kills microorganisms on the skin and reduces swelling

• Retinoids which break up blackheads and whiteheads and help prevent clogged pores

• Topical antibiotics to control surface bacteria and treat infection

• Spironolactone which helps reduce the overproduction of oil (helpful for women and adolescent girls)

• Dapsone for inflammatory acne, especially for women

• Hormone therapy using common oral contraceptive drugs and products that contain estrogen and progestin.

Beyond these medications, additional specialized therapies include:

• Lasers: Laser treatment delivers heat and stimulates the creation of new, healthy collagen and cellular renewal. There are different types of laser resurfacing: ablative and non-ablative. During ablative laser resurfacing, an intense beam of light energy vaporizes and destroys the outer layer of the skin’s surface and heats the underlying skin which stimulates collagen production and can result in better  skin tone and texture. Non-ablative laser also heats the skin but is more commonly used for wrinkles, age spots, and scarring

• Light Therapy: Red and blue lights are often promoted in LED skin treatments. Experts believe that red LED light can act on cells in the skin known as fibroblasts, which play a role in the production of collagen. Collagen helps skin recover when it's harmed and targets inflammation and redness. Blue LED light, which is more often used to treat acne, reduces activity in the skin’s oil glands, so less oil is produced. Blue light may also help kill acne-causing bacteria. Often blue and red light are used in combination to help fight acne.

• Steroid Injections: Steroid injections are most commonly used for the types of acne that cause painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin (nodules and cysts).

• Chemical Peels: Peels work by applying a chemical solution that helps unclog pores, remove dead skin cells, whiteheads and blackheads, and generate new skin growth.

In terms of basic skin care to help treat or avoid acne, it is best to wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser, avoid greasy cosmetics, shower after exercising, keep your hair clean, protect your skin from the sun, avoid touching your face, and frequently wash your pillowcases.

If you have questions about acne or other skin conditions, scheduling an appointment with an expert is the right first step so you can discuss your particular skin condition and a treatment plan targeted to your needs. Clearing acne can take time, so be patient and stick closely to the regimen your doctor recommends to maximize your results.