Acne

Treat Your Acne And Regain Confidence

Acne is a common skin problem affecting people of all ages, especially younger people. Dealing with acne can be frustrating and impact your self-confidence. But the good news is that many effective treatments are available to help clear up your skin and regain confidence. Plenty of options range from skincare products to prescription medications to in-clinic treatments.

You are not alone in dealing with this troublesome skin condition. It’s okay to ask for help to improve your skin and feel better. You can greatly improve your acne with the right treatment and a little patience.

Why do I get acne?

Many things can cause acne, and often, a combination of things can make it worse or better. Often, doctors can’t pinpoint just one cause. Instead, they may eliminate several factors to see if they help. Changing your lifestyle, using good skincare products, and getting treatments at the clinic can improve your skin.

In many cases, this can help you delay or avoid prescription drugs that can potentially cause side effects.

Let’s look at what can cause acne.

Hormonal Causes

• Increased androgen levels, especially during puberty in boys and girls
• Hormonal changes related to the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or use of birth control pills
• Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Dietary Factors

• High-sugar foods and beverages that spike blood sugar levels
• Dairy products, particularly milk
• Foods high in refined sugars and carbohydrates
• Certain foods like chocolate and deep-fried foods exacerbate acne

Bacterial Causes

• Overgrowth of the bacterium Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) on the skin
• This bacteria can trigger inflammation and lead to the formation of acne

Genetic Factors

• A family history of acne can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.

Excessive Oil Production

• Overactive sebaceous glands produce too much oil (sebum)
• Excess oil can clog pores and lead to acne

Clogged Hair Follicles

• Dead skin cells that don’t shed properly can mix with oil and block hair follicles.
• This blockage can lead to the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads)

Inflammation

• Inflammatory responses in the skin can contribute to the severity and spread.
• Factors like stress can increase inflammation and exacerbate your symptoms.

Environmental Factors

• Exposure to pollution and humidity
• Use of certain cosmetics and skincare products that clog pores (comedogenic)

Lifestyle Factors

• High stress levels can increase the production of hormones that stimulate oil production.
• Lack of proper skin care and hygiene practices

In-Clinic Treatments

Red and blue LED light

LED light therapy is a popular in-clinic treatment. Red light helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing, while blue light targets acne-causing bacteria. This non-invasive treatment is safe and effective for all skin types.

Chemical peels

Doctors can provide stronger chemical peels than at-home options. These peels go deeper into the skin to clear pores and lessen acne. It is typical to do them in a series of treatments for optimal results.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy

This is a light-based treatment for acne that reduces it and improves skin texture. Strong light pulses gently hit the skin and kill the bacteria, causing the outbreak. The light also rejuvenates the skin.

Microdermabrasion

This treatment removes dead skin cells and clears pores, making skin look and feel better. It can also reduce the appearance of superficial acne scars.

Laser therapy

Laser treatments can target acne-causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. They can also help to improve the appearance of acne scars.

Microneedling

Microneedling uses fine needles to create micro-injuries, promoting collagen production and skin healing

Find more in depth expert information about acne, we recommend visiting Healthline and the American Academy of Dermatology Association.